Enigmatic WWII-Era Vehicle Discovered in Sunken Aircraft Carrier Wreck

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Mysterious WWII-Era Car Found in Sunken USS Yorktown Wreck

A U.S. aircraft carrier from World War II, the USS Yorktown, has resurfaced in headlines after an expedition uncovered a baffling artifact: a 1940s Ford "Woody" Wagon embedded in its wreckage. The ship sank during the pivotal Battle of Midway in 1942 and now rests 1,000 miles northwest of Hawaii.

The USS Yorktown wreck, where the mysterious car was discovered. (Image: NOAA Ocean Exploration)

The NOAA Ocean Exploration team stumbled upon the vehicle during a dive in April 2024. The car, identified as a Ford Super Deluxe "Woody" Wagon, was remarkably intact despite 80 years underwater. Its presence is puzzling, as naval ships during WWII prioritized space for aircraft and crew, not personal vehicles.

The Ford Woody Wagon, a rare sight on a WWII naval vessel. (Image: NOAA Ocean Exploration)

The car’s "Ship Service" license plate suggests it was an official asset, but its purpose remains unclear. Experts speculate it may have belonged to high-ranking officers like Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher or Captain Elliot Buckmaster, though no records confirm ownership.

NOAA researchers document the Yorktown wreck. (Image: NOAA Ocean Exploration)

The Yorktown sank after sustaining heavy damage from Japanese torpedoes in 1942. Despite efforts to save the ship, it slipped beneath the waves, taking the car with it. The discovery adds a new layer to the ship’s history, blending wartime valor with an enduring mystery.

The wreck, now a protected war grave, continues to captivate historians, offering glimpses into the past and the untold stories hidden in the depths.

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