Exploring the USS Laffey WWII Shipwreck | Nautilus Live

During the NA173 Maritime Archaeology of Guadalcanal expedition, the Corps of Exploration onboard E/V Nautilus has had the privilege of revisiting some of the shipwrecks discovered by our President, Dr. Robert Ballard, in the Iron Bottom Sound in 1992. One of those wrecks is the USS Laffey, a Benson-class destroyer that survived the Second Battle of Savo Island in October but sank southwest of Savo Island during the First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on November 12, 1942. In this highlight video, you’ll learn more about the USS Laffey’s history and examine its structure, including torpedo tubes, range finders, and even a peek inside the bridge.

During the NA173 Maritime Archaeology of Guadalcanal expedition, the international team utilized the remotely operated vehicle and telepresence systems of E/V Nautilus, in combination with the mapping capabilities of uncrewed surface vehicle DriX, to conduct non-invasive archaeological surveys of cultural heritage sites in the Iron Bottom Sound. This expedition is supported by NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute. This exploration is made possible by the expertise, support, and collaboration of many partners, including NOAA Ocean Exploration, U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command, Solomon Islands government, University of New Hampshire Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center, University of Rhode Island, and Japanese, Australian, and New Zealand archaeological colleagues.

Exploration Vessel Nautilus is exploring unknown regions of the ocean seeking out new discoveries while pushing the boundaries of STEAM education and technological innovation. Join us 24/7 for live video from the seafloor and the ship. To engage with our explorers at-sea aboard E/V Nautilus visit www.NautilusLive.org.

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