A new survey revealed and mapped 13 WWII wrecks. The mission combined archaeology, technology, and remembrance.
An international team led by the Ocean Exploration Trust, working aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, has carried out an extensive archaeological survey of World War II shipwrecks in Iron Bottom Sound, completed on August 1, 2025.
Over the course of the 22-day expedition, the crew visually identified and examined 13 wreck sites, several of which hold major historical significance. Four of the vessels were recorded for the first time, including the bow section of the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (CA 32) and the Imperial Japanese destroyer Teruzuki, both lost during fierce naval clashes in the Guadalcanal campaign.
Other vessels surveyed in high resolution include:
- USS Vincennes (CA 44)
- USS Astoria (CA 34)
- USS Quincy (CA 39)
- USS Northampton (CA 26)
- USS Laffey (DD 459)
- USS DeHaven (DD 469)
- USS Preston (DD 379)
- USS Walke (DD 416)
- HMAS Canberra (D33)
- Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Yudachi
- and an unidentified landing barge.
Documenting history with new technology
“It was wonderful to return to Iron Bottom Sound, where we discovered Japanese, Australian, and American warships over 34 years ago,” said Dr. Robert Ballard, President of Ocean Exploration Trust. “This expedition was special, allowing us to film these sites in a manner not possible back then, as well as document other ships, while at the same time sharing our work live to the entire world.”
The expedition relied on advanced underwater robotics, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) launched from Nautilus and an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) called DriX, which was remotely controlled from a land-based station in Honiara. Developed by the University of New Hampshire, the DriX system mapped more than 1,000 square kilometers of seafloor, creating the most detailed charts of Iron Bottom Sound ever produced and pinpointing dozens of potential wreck sites.
“The use of our uncrewed vessel allowed a tremendous increase in exploration efficiency as we were able to continuously map and identify potential targets while the Nautilus was deploying its ROVs,” said Dr. Larry Mayer, Director, Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping at the University of New Hampshire. “This technological achievement, combined with the tremendous historical significance of our discoveries, made this one of the most rewarding missions I have ever participated in.”
Remembering the battles of Guadalcanal
Iron Bottom Sound, located between Guadalcanal, Savo, and Nggela Islands, was the site of five major naval battles fought between August and December 1942. The campaign claimed more than 111 ships and 1,450 aircraft, with over 20,000 lives lost, and many wrecks from the battles remain undiscovered.
“NOAA Ocean Exploration is dedicated to increasing our understanding of the deep ocean through scientific discovery, technological advancements, and data delivery,” said Captain William Mowitt, NOAA Corps, acting director of NOAA Ocean Exploration. “This expedition highlights the importance of such cutting-edge technologies and the strong partnership component of the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute in not only making discoveries that advance science and resource management, but also engaging and educating the public on the wonders of what lies in our ocean depths.”
The mission broadcast more than 138 hours of ROV dives live on NautilusLive.org, allowing millions of viewers worldwide — including veterans, descendants, and historians — to follow the exploration in real time. Through telepresence technology, over 130 experts from the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other nations provided remote analysis and historical insights throughout the operation.
Honoring sacrifices and naval heritage
“This expedition was a great opportunity to remember the valor and sacrifices of sailors who fought with extreme tenacity and skill, on both sides. Sailors don’t start wars, but they do what their governments ask, and in the waters of Iron Bottom Sound, they did their duty to the fullest. Yet, the end result of that terrible war brought not only freedom for the United States and Allies, but for Japan as well,” said Samuel J. Cox, Director, Naval History and Heritage Command, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral (retired). “This survey of the ships of the United States, Australia, and Japan will add immeasurably to the understanding of one of the most costly naval campaigns in history, a campaign that hopefully will never be repeated.”
“As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, it is altogether fitting that we explore the wrecks of Iron Bottom Sound,” said Frank Thompson, Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Collection Management Division, who represented the Navy aboard E/V Nautilus. “The battles in these waters cost the United States Navy dearly. Those that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country may lie far from home, but they are not, and never will be, forgotten.”
“The vast majority of our ocean lies in very deep waters that we know virtually nothing about,” said Dr. Daniel Wagner, Chief Scientist, OET. “These deep-sea explorations highlight how many extraordinary things are still hidden and waiting to be found in the great depths of our ocean.”
The Government of the Solomon Islands issued the marine research permit through its Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.
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8 Comments
The USS Little and USS Gregory, both lost in a night action in Feb of 1943 would be of great interest to me… my Dad was the last man off the Gregory, APD-3, as she sank after being caught by the Tokyo Express that night… converted WW-1 four-pipe destroyers, they were created to support Marine Raider ops in the Solomons… 13 ships in the Squadron, all of them are still Out There, “On Patrol”….
I for one find these discoveries, extremely fascinating and gratifying, yet mysteriously, solemn. The sailors no matter what country and beliefs gave the last full measure of devotion for what they believed, and their ships, their homes, are now found and while we can’t retrieve them we now know where they are, and they will not be forgotten. I live in freedom now and I hope the world never sees such chaos and carnage again . Bravo Zulu well done.
I had an older cousin that was involved in the battles, and have always been interested in the fight around Guadalcanal. Will there (hopefully) be an all encompassing book in reference to these recent discoveries?
Very interesting,so thankful we know more about our losses. This will give many people relief about the loss of family members. GOD BLESS !
My uncle, Kenneth L. Sullivan, was killed aboard the USS Astoria in the nighttime naval Battle of Savo Island on 9 August 1942.
It’s so fitting that we, today, pay respect and remember the valor and herrorism of all sailors and soldiers alike, no matter the nation they fought for. They were only men caught up in a global state of war. Hopefully a conflict like World War 2 will never be repeated.🇺🇸🇦🇨🇯🇵
I overheard at a young age that my father had served in the Navy by an island called Guadalcanal. That name has stuck in my mind ever since. Years later, when I asked my late father about his experiences in the war, he just brushed aside the subject, saying that it wasn’t very interesting.
However, I recently read about how devastating the battles at Guadalcanal were, and now I can’t help but imagine the terrible things my father must have seen, heard, and felt! Sometimes I cry thinking about all of this (such catharsis can never arrive too late).
I also remember from my childhood in the 50’s that a small group of sailors sometimes came to our house. It was the only time in our home that anyone was allowed to smoke. One of the sailors was missing a leg. In my mind I can still see that one empty pant leg hanging free.
I expect these men were all shipmates of my father, and while he himself was not wounded physically, I believe the emotional toll inflicted upon him was deep, lasting, and never healed – his version of an empty pant leg.
In any case, because he was one of the lucky ones who lived to return home, 3 children and 3 grandchildren are now alive! Too many other men who were sent there to fight – from every nation involved – never returned home to grow old with their children who were never born. Instead, they’ll remain forever silent on the bottom of the sea in their rusting and oversized coffins.
War is hell.
Congratulations, Dr Ballard, and the crew of the Nautilus! As a fellow explorer, I am in awe of your accomplishment. Your discoveries are closing the gap for those families that lost their brave sons.
I’m looking forward to seeing you at our next event. I served aboard CA 73, and noticed the number of Cruisers that lay on the bottom. May our heroes all rest in peace.