The USS Johnston is believed to be the vessel, and has been filmed with a water drone with footage suggesting the wreckage was indeed from the Johnston due to its remaining paint work and position. The vessel sank to the ocean floor after the Battle off Samar, one of the largest naval battles in history and dubbed by many as one of the greatest last stands in naval history. Only 141 of the 327 sailors aboard the ship survived as 13 ships came to blows with a superior Japanese fleet.
The conflict in 1944 saw the US successfully reclaim the Philippines from Japanese Imperial forces through an amphibious assault.
The military feat was achieved under the guidance of legendary commander – General Douglas MacArthur – who is also famous for his aggressive role in the Korean War.
The Johnston’s captain, Ernest Evans, spearheaded the advance until the Japanese forces were in touching distance.
Devastating torpedo launches dealt significant damage to the Japanese fleet before the US vessel was decimated by a long-range Japanese strike.
Three battleship shells passed through the deck of the Johnston and into its portside engine room, cutting the destroyer’s speed in half and disrupting electric power to gun mounts.
This left the Johnston with no functioning engines and heavily depleted of turrets.
One survivor described the strike as “a puppy being hit by a truck”, according to The Times.
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Now the ship appears to have been found, but all that remains are a few distinguishing features such as funnels, gun mounts and a propeller shaft.
The find represents the deepest wreck of a warship ever to be discovered, languishing in the sea 20,400ft beneath the surface.
The operation that led to the discovery was carried out by Vulcan Inc, an investment business founded by co-founder of Microsoft Paul Allen.