{"id":8140,"date":"2025-04-22T19:02:25","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T19:02:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=8140"},"modified":"2025-04-22T19:02:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T19:02:25","slug":"researchers-stunned-after-finding-mysterious-car-inside-wwii-aircraft-carrier-wreck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=8140","title":{"rendered":"Researchers Stunned After Finding Mysterious Car Inside WWII Aircraft Carrier Wreck"},"content":{"rendered":"

Researchers Stunned After Finding Mysterious Car Inside WWII Aircraft Carrier Wreck
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\"Researchers<\/div>\n
\"Car\"
Image Credits: NOAA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A recent underwater expedition conducted by NOAA led to a surprising find: an entire vintage car parked inside the wreck of the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown.<\/p>\n

The vehicle was found on April 19, 2025, inside the hangar deck of the ship, which sank during the Battle of Midway in June 1942.<\/p>\n

The wreck lies more than three miles below the surface, about 1,300 miles northwest of Honolulu, in the waters of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.<\/p>\n

The discovery was made during NOAA Ocean Exploration\u2019s ongoing 28-day mission aboard the research vessel Okeanos Explorer, focused on exploring deep-sea areas and historical wrecks using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).<\/p>\n

As the ROV crew carefully navigated into Yorktown\u2019s hangar via the number three aircraft elevator shaft, they came across a vehicle resting upright.<\/p>\n

\"Wreck\"
Image Credits: NOAA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It had flared fenders, shiny chrome details, a shredded soft top, and a spare tire on the back, features that clearly set it apart from a standard military jeep.<\/p>\n

According to NOAA, the car is suspected to be a 1940-41 Ford Super Deluxe \u201cWoody,\u201d a civilian model with a wooden body design and chrome trim.<\/p>\n

A partially visible license plate on the front reads \u201cSHIP SERVICE\u201d on top, though the lower part is heavily corroded.<\/p>\n

Researchers onboard were heard reacting in disbelief during the livestream. One team member reportedly said, \u201cIt\u2019s a car. That\u2019s a car,\u201d as the camera caught the vehicle in full view.<\/p>\n

Another exclaimed, \u201cNow, that\u2019s just amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Ship
Image Credits: NOAA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There is speculation that the car might have belonged to Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher, who used the USS Yorktown as his flagship.<\/p>\n

The stylish chrome elements and overall design hint that it might have served as his personal staff car.<\/p>\n

However, its exact purpose remains uncertain.<\/p>\n

Officials say it could also have been loaded for repairs following the Battle of the Coral Sea, or possibly intended for offloading at Midway after a successful engagement with Japanese forces.<\/p>\n

The presence of such a large non-combat item in a space as valuable as a carrier hangar deck raises further questions.<\/p>\n

While jeeps were commonly carried by U.S. Navy carriers during the war to transport aircraft or serve ground troops, this particular car stands out.<\/p>\n

Its polished design and luxury finish do not match typical military-issued vehicles, making it unique.<\/p>\n