Researchers say the wreckage of a ship that hasn't seen the light of day in more than 76 years has been discovered in the South Pacific Ocean.
The U.S. aircraft carrier, Hornet, was discovered in late January more than 17,000 feet below the surface, on the floor of the ocean, near the Solomon Islands, according to CBS News.
A research vessel, named 'Petrel' discovered the wreckage with the help of a deep-sea sonar drone. The USS Hornet is best known for its 1942 role against the Imperial Japanese Navy in the important Doolittle Raid and for its help in the victory at the Battle of Midway.
Richard Nowatzki, who is 95 now, was an 18-year-old gunner on the famous warship when it was shot at several times by enemy planes, CBS reports.
"When they left, we were dead in the water," Nowatzki said. "They used armor-piercing bombs, now when they come down, you hear 'em going through the decks … plink, plink, plink, plink … and then when they explode the whole ship shakes."
The 140-man crew was ordered to abandon ship, the carrier sunk.
"If you go down to my locker, there's 40 bucks in it, you can have it!" Nowatzki joked with CBS.
A jacket hung on a hitch and a wash kit with a toothbrush were discovered in the wreckage, causing Nowatzki to reflect on his war memories.
"I know I've been a very fortunate man," he said. "The actual fact that you can find these ships is mind-boggling to me … I want to thank you for honoring me this way."
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