In a recent expedition around the Solomon Islands, maritime experts delved into the wreckage of the USS Laffey, a destroyer that met its end in one of World War II’s critical confrontations. The ship sank on November 13, 1942, during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, now lying approximately half a mile beneath the surface in the Iron Bottom Sound. This area is infamous for being the final resting place of numerous ships and aircraft that were lost during the lengthy global conflict, which lasted six years and resulted in substantial loss of life.
The expedition, designated as NA173, was carried out by the nonprofit Ocean Exploration Trust, with support from NOAA. Over the course of 21 days, researchers employed a remotely operated vehicle and advanced imaging technology to survey not only the Laffey but also other significant historic sites. The team’s findings were remarkable: photographs revealed the USS Laffey still upright on the ocean floor, with much of its bow and midsection surprisingly intact despite over 80 years submerged.
Among the more intriguing discoveries was a plaque on the ship that remains discernible, detailing the vessel’s name and builder information, which showcases its resilience against the ravages of time. The wreck was initially discovered in 1992 during a National Geographic Society expedition helmed by oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard, known for his discovery of the Titanic in 1985. The Laffey has been explored only a few times since that initial encounter, making this mission a rare opportunity to document its current condition.
Historical accounts indicate that the USS Laffey was sunk by a torpedo during a fierce battle with Japanese forces. The attack resulted in significant casualties, with 59 sailors either lost or killed and more than 100 wounded. This tragedy is part of a broader narrative of loss in the region, which has seen around 20,000 lives claimed during the conflict, spanning both the Axis and Allied powers.
The extensive warfare in the area led to the sinking of at least 111 ships and 1,450 aircraft, yet only a fraction of these wrecks have been thoroughly explored or documented. The significance of this expedition lies not just in the study of the Laffey but also in its contribution to our understanding of the maritime history of the Solomon Islands and the larger context of World War II.
In addition to investigating the USS Laffey, the researchers also surveyed the wreck of Australia’s HMAS Canberra, the largest warship lost in battle by the Royal Australian Navy, as well as several other historical sites tied to American and Japanese naval forces. By documenting these wrecks, researchers aim to enhance historical knowledge and foster a greater appreciation for the strategic and human costs associated with this pivotal period.
