Search for USS Lexington (CV-2) and other Coral Sea wrecks

[Russ Matthews]

A couple days ago (Nov 16, 2011), buried deep within President Obama's concluding remarks about expanded military cooperation between the US and Australia, was an announcement that ought to be of great interest to some people on this forum .. that the NOAA Maritime Heritage Program will be assisting authorities in Oz in an effort to pinpoint the wrecks of USS Lexington (CV-2), USS Neosho (AO-23) and USS Sims (DD-409) in advance of Battle of the Coral Sea 70th anniversary observances next year.

From the Canberra Times website ...

Partnering in Commemorating the Battle of the Coral Sea

In recognition of the exceptional bravery and sacrifice exemplified by our sailors and airmen who fought together in the May 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea, historically regarded as the start of U.S.-Australia military cooperation, Australia and the United States are to work together, in advance of the battle’s 70th anniversary in May 2012, to locate the wrecks of three U.S. warships (the USS Lexington, USS Neosho, and USS Sims) sunk in Australian waters during this pivotal two-day clash. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, a leader in archival research on historic naval battle records, is to provide expertise to identify these wrecks for formal designation as protected heritage resources under the laws of both nations. Australia and the United States will also continue to advance collaboration on marine and climate science in the Coral Sea and other areas.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/new-australiaus-cooperation-factsheet/2360635.aspx?storypage=4

[Steve Nelson]

Cool..I wonder if Ballard is going to be in on this one.

SN

[lmritger]

That is WONDERFUL news! I've often wondered why no one went looking for them before, considering the Coral Sea is relatively shallow, as I understand it (in comparison with the rest of the Pacific). It would be great if they found the Shoho as well.

Pipe dream time... there were a lot of planes on the deck of Lex as she went down, which surely floated off. I wonder what sort of shape they'd be in? Or maybe a Zero, Kate or Val from the Shoho...

Lynn

[Jerry O'Neill]

I bet the U.S. Navy has had a good idea of the exact location for years but hasn't told anyone.

[wingman1]

when this happens i hope soeone post pic's here.

[Dan K]

Pipe dream time... there were a lot of planes on the deck of Lex as she went down, which surely floated off...


Not all floated off. Pic confirms at least one aircraft was launched before sinking.

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... g11916.jpg

[John Dupre]

This is great news. My father in law served aboard the Lex from 1939 to 1941. He always considered her his favorite ship. They should look for card tables and chairs in the dead space around the smokestacks. The Petty Officers kept a card game going there for years.

I wonder how much of the lighter structure might actually be left considering the extensive fires and explosions before she sank.

[Chris Brame]

USS Neosho (AO-23)

As in...

"Oh my God - the tanker Neosho's over there and she's full of aviation fuel!"
"If that thing goes, Captain, we'll blow up half the harbor!"

[lmritger]

Pipe dream time... there were a lot of planes on the deck of Lex as she went down, which surely floated off...


Not all floated off. Pic confirms at least one aircraft was launched before sinking.

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... g11916.jpg

Fair point... VT-2 was arranged along the aftmost edge of the deck, so several of their TBDs went flying in that explosion. Still, by modern standards, there might be enough left to work with if we find one or more of them.

So, when are they going to go find the Hornet?

Lynn

[Nathan]

USS Neosho (AO-23)

As in...

"Oh my God - the tanker Neosho's over there and she's full of aviation fuel!"
"If that thing goes, Captain, we'll blow up half the harbor!"

That was from Tora, Tora, Tora.


Great news. I met a man from my area that was on the Lexington. The early USN carries are my favorite. They sure fought hard.

[JohnB]

Considering budget cuts, I'm rather surprised anyone cares or has the money.

I wonder how much Obama knows about the battle.
That's not a partisan slam, but I doubt if he's much of a history buff or film fan.
A lot of high achievers I've met in (military and politics) are pretty well focused on their professional areas and don't know a lot else...so he may not know know a great deal about the battle he (or at least the treaty) mentioned.

[CDF]

My local VFW post does a ceremony in my home town for Coral Sea. I took this pics in 2007 at the event, even got to meet the son of Commander William Bowen Ault, USN. Sadly I think ill health will stop him from coming out for next years 70th anniv