USS Edsall, WWII Navy Destroyer, Found 80 Years After Sinking in Indian Ocean

The wreck of the USS Edsall, a Navy destroyer sunk by Japanese forces during World War II, has been located at the bottom of the Indian Ocean more than 80 years after its demise. The discovery was confirmed by the U.S. Navy on a Monday when the Royal Australian Navy successfully identified the ship, which went down with over 200 crew members on board.

The USS Edsall: A Historic Destroyer

Measuring 314 feet in length, the USS Edsall was constructed in 1919 and commissioned in 1920. Throughout World War II, the vessel participated in numerous convoys, undertaking the vital task of protecting other ships from Japanese attacks in Australian waters. The USS Edsall's gallant efforts were particularly notable on March 1, 1942, when it faced a concerted assault from Japanese naval forces.

During the protracted engagement, the Edsall demonstrated remarkable evasion skills, successfully dodging heavy shelling from the enemy. This agility led some Japanese soldiers to affectionately nickname the ship "the dancing mouse," as noted by the Naval History and Heritage Command. However, the situation escalated when Japanese air forces joined the attack, resulting in a catastrophic turn of events. Despite the ship withstanding a barrage of thousands of rounds, it ultimately succumbed to a single fatal hit, causing it to plunge into the depths of the Indian Ocean, taking over 200 crew members with it.

A Hallowed Site: Preserving the Memory

The loss of almost all crew members in the attack rendered the USS Edsall wreckage a "hallowed site," according to the U.S. Navy. The discovery of the shipwreck was made public on November 11, a date significant for commemorating veterans in the United States and remembering fallen heroes in other parts of the world.

U.S. Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, emphasized the importance of the discovery, stating, "This is part of our continuing efforts to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice." She further expressed the hope that the location would serve as a meaningful memorial and that the families of the heroes who perished there would find comfort in knowing their loved ones rest in peace. Ambassador Kennedy affirmed the commitment to preserving the memory of the fallen, stating, "We will tell their stories, learn from their bravery, and be inspired by their sacrifice. We will always remember them."

Advanced Technology in Discovery

While the announcement of the USS Edsall discovery was met with reverence, limited information was provided regarding the methods employed in locating the ship. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond of the Royal Australian Navy disclosed that advanced robotic and autonomous systems, typically utilized for hydrographic survey capabilities, were instrumental in locating the USS Edsall on the seabed of the Indian Ocean. However, details regarding the condition of the ship and the plans for preserving the wreck were not disclosed.

Honoring the Fallen

The successful identification of the USS Edsall marks a significant moment in honoring the brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the perilous sea battles fought and the lives lost in the pursuit of freedom. The ongoing efforts to preserve the site and remember the heroism of those who perished signify a commitment to never forget their sacrifice.