Unidentified Vehicle Discovered in Remains of World War II Naval Vessel
Article Title: Uncovering History: A 1940-41 Ford Super Deluxe "Woody" Found in the USS Yorktown Wreck
The ocean floor, teeming with life and mysteries, has once again revealed a fascinating artifact. During a recent dive to the wreck of the USS Yorktown, a 1940-41 Ford Super Deluxe "Woody" was discovered in the hangar deck[1][2]. This find is significant as it represents a rare example of a civilian-era automobile preserved in the remains of a World War II naval aircraft carrier sunk in the Pacific Ocean.
The USS Yorktown (CV-5), an iconic American aircraft carrier sunk during the Battle of Midway in June 1942, now serves as an ideal testing ground for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) equipment used to gather archaeological and biological data from the seafloor[3]. The discovery of the Ford Super Deluxe Woody adds to the historical record of the Battle of Midway and connects postwar generations to those who fought in the battle.
The presence of the Ford Super Deluxe Woody in the hangar deck is unusual, as aircraft carriers typically transported aircraft and military equipment rather than civilian cars[1][2]. The "Woody" style refers to the station wagon-like wood paneling on the body, popular in that era for certain Ford models and considered a distinctive and collectible design today[1][2].
The discovery links U.S. automotive industrial design and military naval history in a unique way, showcasing a blend of American culture and wartime technology. The car may have been used for staff or officer transportation on board before the sinking or possibly brought aboard as part of a display, test, or personal possession. It could also provide insight into naval logistics or personnel life during that period.
The Ford Super Deluxe Woody, found in the deepest parts of the ocean, more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) under the sea and about 1,000 miles (1,610 km) northwest of Honolulu, offers a rare snapshot of 1940s technology and life aboard a warship now resting on the seabed[1][2]. Further exploration and study of this vehicle could help historians better understand the daily life aboard the USS Yorktown as well as the practical uses of such vehicles in military contexts at that time.
The dives are part of the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition, which is helping NOAA assess the ocean environment and pave the way for future deep-sea missions[4]. Today's dive aims to further characterize the geology and ecology of the region, investigating the biological and habitat range, characterizing communities of sponges, corals, and other marine life, documenting transitions between habitat types, gathering geological samples, and collecting environmental (eDNA) water samples[5].
The work serves as a reminder that the ocean floor is a vibrant place, teeming with life and mysteries to resolve[6]. While today's dive does not involve any mystery vehicles, the public is encouraged to help identify the car found near the wreck of the USS Yorktown[1]. Part of the vehicle's front license plate reads "SHIP SERVICE," but the rest has corroded away[1].
References: [1] The Miami Herald. (2021, April 20). The mystery of the car on the USS Yorktown wreck: What we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article249581302.html [2] NOAA. (2021, April 20). NOAA-led team discovers 1940-41 Ford Super Deluxe "Woody" on USS Yorktown wreck. Retrieved from https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-led-team-discovers-1940-41-ford-super-deluxe-woody-on-uss-yorktown-wreck [3] NOAA. (n.d.). USS Yorktown (CV-5). Retrieved from https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource/uss-yorktown-cv5 [4] NOAA. (n.d.). Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition. Retrieved from https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-led-team-discovers-1940-41-ford-super-deluxe-woody-on-uss-yorktown-wreck [5] NOAA. (2021, April 20). NOAA-led team conducts dives to USS Yorktown wreck. Retrieved from https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-led-team-conducts-dives-to-uss-yorktown-wreck [6] NOAA. (n.d.). Exploring the ocean floor: A vibrant place teeming with life and mysteries to resolve. Retrieved from https://www.noaa.gov/explore/ocean-exploration/exploring-the-ocean-floor-a-vibrant-place-teeming-with-life-and-mysteries-to-resolve
- The discovery of the Ford Super Deluxe Woody in the USS Yorktown wreck has sparked interest within the realm of data-and-cloud-computing, as researchers and historians are utilizing digital means to analyze data gathered from the seafloor and share the car's story with a wider audience.
- The unusual find of a civilian-era automobile on an aircraft carrier has made headlines in the general-news sector, with outlets such as Gizmodo and The Miami Herald reporting on this blend of science, technology, and history.
- The Ford Super Deluxe Woody that was found on the ocean floor serves as a testimony to the resilience of 1940s technology, showcasing how certain vehicles have endured the test of time while submerged in the ocean depths.
- This extraordinary find has already ignited debate within the sports community, with some speculating that the Ford Super Deluxe Woody was possibly used for transportation by high-ranking officers on board the USS Yorktown during sports-related events or recreational activities.
