For the first time in nearly eight decades, the wreck of the USS Stewart, famously dubbed the "Ghost Ship of the Pacific," has been discovered off the northern California coast, deeply submerged at approximately 3,500 feet beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean. This century-old U.S. Navy destroyer holds not just historical significance but also tells the complex narrative of its journeys through both American and Japanese naval forces during World War II.
The search for the USS Stewart (DD-224) was the result of extensive joint efforts between various organizations, including Ocean Infinity, the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation, SEARCH, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Their findings were announced on October 1, 2024, shedding light on the vessel's location within the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, where historical documents had suggested it might lie.
Built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the USS Stewart was commissioned shortly after its completion in 1920. While it missed World War I, it played active roles during World War II, first serving with the U.S. Navy's Asiatic Fleet based out of Manila. Unfortunately, during the Battle of Badung Strait in February 1942, the ship suffered damage, which led to its scuttling when it became trapped during Japanese attacks.
After being abandoned, the ship faced an unexpected twist of fate. It was raised by the Imperial Japanese Navy and repurposed as Patrol Boat No. 102, continuing to serve until it was bombed by American forces near Mokpo, Korea, on April 28, 1945. Following the war, the USS Stewart was returned to U.S. control and was eventually sunk during naval exercises off San Francisco's coast on May 24, 1946.
The rediscovery of the USS Stewart came about through innovative technological methods. On August 1, 2024, three HUGIN 6000 autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) began their mission. These high-tech drones scoured the ocean floor with remarkable precision over 24 hours, collecting data and imagery, which revealed the clear silhouette of the sunken ship resting upright.
Upon inspection of the wreck, researchers discovered the vessel largely intact, exhibiting exceptional preservation for its age. Dr. James Delgado, senior vice president of SEARCH and former NOAA maritime heritage director stated, "The USS Stewart presents a unique opportunity to study early twentieth-century destroyer design.” The level of preservation indicates it may be one of the best-maintained examples of the Clemson-class destroyer series, and it offers invaluable insights about naval architecture from the period.
The expedition team also conducted high-resolution sonar scans followed by visual inspections using remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) to gather extensive data about the wreck. These inspections confirmed the structural integrity of the ship and allowed researchers to observe marine life currently inhabiting it. It appears the USS Stewart has become part of the oceanic ecosystem, now home to various forms of marine life grazing its surfaces.
“It’s clear they thought of Stewart more like a shipmate than just another ship,” remarked Russ Matthews, president of the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation. He has long worked to locate the wreck, feeling it was significant to honor the legacy of the veterans who once navigated its decks. Matthews adds, "We’re all very satisfied to have helped honor the legacy and memory of those veterans once again.”
The story of the USS Stewart serves as both a cautionary tale and as recognition of the complex history of warfare, illustrating the chaotic shifts of allegiances during World War II. Its transition from American to Japanese service and back again makes it emblematic of the conflict's uncertainties. By examining this wreck, researchers have the opportunity to reflect on the broader narratives of naval warfare, ship design evolution, and the lives of those who manned these vessels.
This remarkable underwater discovery signals not just the fascinating history of the USS Stewart, but also highlights the evident potential of modern technology to reach the depths of the ocean to gather untold stories. Considering Ocean Infinity's past successes, including the discovery of other significant wrecks like the USS Nevada and Shackleton's Endurance, it's likely there are still many more vessels lost to time waiting to be uncovered.
Under the U.S. Sunken Military Craft Act, the USS Stewart's wreck is recognized as sovereign property of the United States and any disturbance to it is prohibited without authorization. This ensures its preservation for future research and protects the ship, which continues to offer significant historical insights.
Overall, the unearthing of the USS Stewart is not just about finding another wreck; it is about giving a voice back to the stories of service, sacrifice, and complex identities forged through the turbulent history of warfare. Its rediscovery invites us to appreciate not just the ship itself, but the narratives of all who served within its hull.
