USS Johnston (DD-557)
The USS Johnston (DD-557), also known as "the destroyer that fought as a battleship", It was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy.
She sank on October 25, 1944, off the coast of the island of Samar, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, considered by many to be the greatest naval battle in history.
In 2019, wreckage was discovered at a depth of about 6,000 meters and was initially attributed to the USS Johnston, but it wouldn't be until last March 31, 2021 when her main hull was located with the number 557, now identifying it without a doubt as the USS Johnston, the deepest sunken ship ever known.
The expedition was carried out by the private company of oceanic expeditions, Caladan Oceanic, on the DSV Limiting Factor submersible.
The deepest shipwreck dive, manned or not, in history
3,2, 1...DIVE!
The expedition to explore the world's deepest known shipwreck has successfully relocated examined and filmed the remains of the USS Johnston, located 21,180 feet (6,456 meters) deep.
Victor Vescovo, former US Navy Commander and founder of Caladan Oceanic, personally financed and piloted the DSV Limit Factor submersible to the wreck during two separate eight-hour dives, where they took high-definition photos and videos of the vessel
These constituted the deepest wreck dives, manned or not, of history.
THE STORY OF THE USS JOHNSTON
USS Johnston (DD-557) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy. she was 376 feet (115 meters) long with a 39-foot beam.
The ship sank during an intense battle against the vastly superior Japanese forces off the coast of Samar Island: "in no combat in its entire history has the United States Navy shown more bravery, guts and courage than in the two hours of the morning between 07:30 and 09:30 in front of Samar" , Rear Admiral Samuel E. Morison wrote in his History of U.S. Naval Operations in World War II.
Commander Ernest Evans, captain of the destroyer Oklahoma, told his crew that he "would never run from a fight" and that " anyone who didn't want to be in danger had better get off now.” None of his crew did.
CC Ernest Evans at the time of USS Johnston's commissioning in 1943
The wreck, the deepest ever found, was originally discovered in 2019 by the R/V Petrel vessel. of the late Paul Allen, under the leadership of renowned ocean wreck explorer Robert Kraft.
On that expedition, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) took film of parts of the vessel, but most of the wreck, including its forward two-thirds intact, upright, including the bow, bridge and midsection, was deeper than the ROV's Rated Depth Limit.
Now, with the Caladan Oceanic expedition, it has been possible to discover her hull number, "557", clearly visible on both sides of her bow and two full gun turrets, twin torpedo carriers and multiple gun mounts are still in place for her and visible on the superstructure. No human remains or clothing were seen at any time during the dives and nothing was removed from the wreck.
THE SUBMERSIBLE THAT HAS CONQUERED THE FIVE OCEANS
The DSV Limiting Factor submersible has no operating depth limitation, it does not require a tether to the surface and can hold two occupants for real-time viewing and wreckage analysis. The ship is very maneuverable and carries a variety of 4K and HD cameras.
Also, said submersible was the one that Vescovo piloted to the deepest points in each of the five oceans of the world during the 'Five Deeps Expedition' in 2019. She recently completed her fourteenth dive to the Challenger Deep, the deepest point on Earth (10,925 meters).
Extensive research by naval historian and Annapolis LCDR alumnus Parks Stephenson, allowed the position of the wreck to be plotted as part of the development of a dive plan: “We use data from both the US and Japanese accounts and, as is often the case, the investigation brings the story to life,” says Stephenson.
Vescovo has had ongoing discussions with the Navy History and Heritage Command (NHHC) on the investigation of the wreck and protocols. to not only preserve but respect it as the final resting place for many of his crew.
All sonar data, images and field notes collected by the expedition will not be made public, but will be provided to the United States Navy for dissemination as it deems appropriate in its sole discretion.
“We have a strict 'look, don't touch' policy, but we collect a lot of material that is very useful to naval historians and archivists. I think it's an important job, so I finance it privately and we hand over the material to the Navy pro-bono,” Vescovo said.
Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, Director of Naval History and Curator of the Navy said, “The NHHC greatly appreciates the efforts of Commander Vescovo and his expedition team. to positively identify the remains of the destroyer USS Johnston (DD-557) lost on October 25, 1944 in one of the most heroic actions in the entire history of the United States Navy."
“The Johnston wreck is a sacred place, I deeply appreciate that Commander Vescovo and his team have shown such care and respect during the inspection of the ship, the last resting place of his brave crew. Three other heroic ships lost in that desperate battle have yet to be found," Cox said.
Victor Vescovo with part of the crew
A DELICATE OPERATION
The highly maneuverable submersible was able to conduct a comprehensive survey of the wreck to verify her identity, build a map of her layout, and obtain high-definition images that can be used by naval historians.
“We have to be very careful to make sure the ship remains completely calm. and I think that can be done very effectively on manned craft, especially since the depth here excludes most remotely operated vehicles,” Parks said.
The USS Johnston sank on October 25, 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Expedition leader Kelvin Murray (EYOS Expeditions) commented: “This was a real team effort that required the individual skills of everyone on board. Our EM-124 sonar, Triton Submarine's unlimited depth submersible, highly practiced equipment and excellent navigational support all combined to enable a successful outcome. With this system we could locate, investigate and film wrecks at any depth in any ocean; it is a fantastic tool.”
At the end of the expedition, the DSSV Pressure Drop pulled up, blew the ship's whistle, and a wreath was laid on the ocean battlefield. Vescovo commented: “Somehow we have come full circle. I am proud to have helped bring clarity and closure to the Johnston, her crew and the families of those who fell there."
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