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5d ago

NOAA Seeks Public Help to Identify Mystery Car Found in USS Yorktown Wreck

A 1940–41 Ford Super Deluxe 'Woody' discovered aboard the sunken WWII carrier raises questions about its origin and purpose.

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The partially intact vehicle was discovered inside the hangar deck of the USS Yorktown, a vessel sunk by Japanese forces during World War II.
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Overview

  • The car was discovered on April 19–20, 2025, during NOAA's Beyond the Blue expedition using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
  • Believed to be a 1940–41 Ford Super Deluxe 'Woody,' the car features black trim, chrome accents, and a partially legible 'SHIP SERVICE' license plate.
  • Theories about the car's presence include its potential use as Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher's flag vehicle or its transport for repairs.
  • Researchers have issued an open call to the public, including automotive historians and enthusiasts, to help confirm the car's identity and history.
  • The wreck of the USS Yorktown, sunk during the pivotal Battle of Midway in 1942, lies over three miles underwater and remains an important site for both historical and environmental research.