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Underwater scene with a robotic arm illuminating a faded world map on a shipwreck wall.

Mission to USS Yorktown: Dive Highlights

On April 19 and 20, 2025, as part of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, NOAA Ocean Exploration and partners explored the final resting site of USS Yorktown (CV-5). This U.S. Navy aircraft carrier took part in several World War II operations before being sunk by a Japanese submarine following the Battle of Midway. These non-disturbance dives were the first to explore the ship’s hangar deck, revealing a number of unexpected discoveries, described below.

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Aircraft carrier at sea with superstructure and antennae.

Exploring USS Yorktown

Orange starfish gripping pale coral in a dark underwater setting.

Virtually dive (live!) into Pacific waters with NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer

About NOAA Ocean Exploration

About NOAA Ocean Exploration

Learn about NOAA Ocean Exploration, a federal organization dedicated to exploring the unknown ocean, unlocking its potential through scientific discovery, technological advancements, and data delivery.

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Remotely operated vehicle Seirios being lowered into the ocean

Ocean Exploration Matters

Can we truly say that we "know" our own ocean? And if we don’t, how do we manage or protect it and the resources it holds? Take a deep dive with us as we look at several of the reasons why exploring our ocean is so important.

NOAA Ocean Exploration Data and Products

Data and Products

NOAA Ocean Exploration ensures public access to the diverse scientific data and information collected during ocean expeditions that we support, including those on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Deep Ocean Education Project

Deep Ocean Education Project

The Deep Ocean Education Project website is a one-stop shop for ocean exploration education, combining resources from NOAA Ocean Exploration, Ocean Exploration Trust, and Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Featured Expeditions

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