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The wreckage of the aircraft carrier USS Lexington was located by the research vessel RV Petrel on 4 March 2018 during an expedition led by Paul Allen. The “Lady Lex” was America’s second aircraft carrier, and the first one lost in combat. She was badly damaged by Japanese attacks on 8 May 1942 and scuttled by the destroyer USS Phelps to prevent her capture by the enemy.

She lies some 3,000 meters below the surface approximately 430 nautical miles off Queensland. A remotely-operated underwater vehicle captured remarkable footage of the Lady Lex, and also discovered seven TBD Devastators, three SBD Dauntless and a single F4F Wildcat.

These aircraft are in a remarkable state of preservation, probably due to the great depth. The F4F Wildcat, belonging to VF-3 and carrying the number F-5, can be seen with 4 Japanese “kill markings” beneath the cockpit.

More photos and information can be found on Paul Allen’s website.