Wreckage of USS Strong Located

The Wreckage of USS Strong has been discovered, marking another remarkable chapter in the ongoing efforts to uncover the hidden stories of World War II. On February 26, 2019, the expedition team aboard R/V Petrel, a research vessel funded by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, located the remains of the American destroyer USS Strong (DD-467). This discovery, though not as renowned as others, is a vital piece of the Pacific War’s history and a testament to the bravery of those who served aboard.

Paul Allen’s vision of preserving wartime history continues through R/V Petrel, which has made groundbreaking discoveries in recent years. In 2019 alone, the vessel located the first Japanese battleship sunk by the United States and the American aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8), responsible for the Doolittle Raid. The latest find, USS Strong, was located 1,000 feet below the ocean’s surface using a combination of sonar technology and underwater imaging.

Robert Kraft, the director of subsea operations, emphasized the significance of these expeditions: “These discoveries ensure we honor and remember our history and its heroes, living and dead.”

USS Strong was commissioned in August 1942 and played a key role in the shelling of Bairoko Harbor on New Georgia Island, supporting American landings during the Solomon Islands campaign. Tragically, on July 5, 1943, while in the harbor, a torpedo struck the destroyer’s port side. The attack was swift; the gunnery officer spotted the incoming torpedo too late to sound the alarm.

Despite the crew’s heroic efforts and assistance from USS Chevalier (DD-451), the torpedo’s impact caused Strong to break apart and sink. Of her 287 crew members, 241 were rescued, but 46 lost their lives.

The sinking of USS Strong gave rise to the extraordinary story of Lieutenant Hugh B. Miller, one of her survivors. After spending 11 days adrift in the water, Miller came ashore on Arundel Island, deep within enemy territory. For 32 days, he evaded capture while launching daring attacks on Japanese forces using their own grenades.

Miller’s incredible survival and bravery are chronicled in the book Castaway’s War, offering a powerful narrative of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

While USS Strong may lack the notoriety of other warships, her story and discovery are critical to understanding the Pacific War’s human cost and tactical complexities. She joins an illustrious list of wrecks discovered by R/V Petrel, including USS Lexington (CV-2), USS Juneau (CL-52), USS Indianapolis (CA-35), and USS Helena (CL-50). Each wreck is a silent testament to the sacrifices made by the men and women who fought during World War II.

R/V Petrel continues to search for sunken vessels across the Pacific, honoring the memory of those who served. While her latest discovery is the USS Strong, the vessel’s crew has their sights set on other historic wrecks, such as the elusive USS Oklahoma (BB-37), which sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The enduring efforts of R/V Petrel ensure that these ships and their stories are not forgotten. As they rest on the ocean floor, they serve as poignant reminders of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding spirit of the men and women who endured the hardships of war.