US underwater archaeology firm SEARCH and marine robotics company Ocean Infinity have made the discovery of USS Nevada.
The USS Nevada is one of the U.S. Navy’s longest serving battleships, and viewed as the epitome of American resilience and perseverance.
The ship was located 65 nautical miles southwest of Pearl Harbor at a depth of over 15,400 feet (4.7 kilometres).
SEARCH’s operations centre and one of Ocean Infinity’s vessels, Pacific Constructor jointly co-ordinated the mission.
Pacific Constructor set sail for a range of commercial tasks in the Pacific in early 2020, ahead of the COVID-19.
As a result of the global health crisis, the ship has remained at sea on a range of taskings.
USS Nevada’s History
USS Nevada, launched in 1914 carried out escort duties for valuable convoys headed to the British Isles.
In WWII, on 7 July 1941 in the attack on Pearl Harbor, USS Nevada was the only battleship to get underway but, having been struck by five bombs, finally sank in nearby shallow waters.
Following salvage operations the vessel re-joined the war effort.
After WWII, USS Nevada was a target ship in the first Bikini atomic experiments in 1946, which she survived.
Finally, in 1948 the vessel was a gunnery practice target.
Unable to be sunk by the ships, she finally went down after an aerial torpedo on 31 July 1948.
James Pochurek, SEARCH’s president, said:
“We are proud to have participated in this historic mission, which provides a tangible example of how technology can magnify the potential for discovery. Working with Ocean Infinity, the possibilities are limitless.
“The discovery of the USS Nevada is another reminder of the powerful human stories lying beneath the waves waiting to be re-told.”
Shawntel Johnson, director of Search and Recovery at Ocean Infinity, said:
“It has been a pleasure to work with the SEARCH team on this historically significant project.
“Our partnership has brought together a compliment of marine expertise through their extensive experience in marine archaeology and Ocean Infinity’s leading, technology driven, search capabilities.
“It is our hope that by sharing the USS Nevada’s story that it not only honors those who served in the Navy and fulfils an important educational role, but that in these challenging times it also serves as a symbol of perseverance and courage.”