The Mysterious Warship That Fought for Both Sides in WWII: A Tale of the USS Stewart
A Forgotten Ship Resurfaces After Decades Beneath the Ocean
Imagine this: a warship lost for decades, forgotten by time, suddenly resurfaces in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. But this isn't just any vessel—it’s the USS Stewart, a destroyer with a strange and intriguing history. What makes this ship stand out? It fought for both the United States and Japan during World War II, a story so bizarre it almost feels like fiction.
Rediscovery by Modern Technology: A High-Tech Search Pays Off
In August 2024, a team of marine archaeologists and underwater explorers, armed with cutting-edge underwater drones, embarked on a mission to find the lost USS Stewart.
The operation was led by Ocean Infinity, a marine robotics company, in collaboration with the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation. Their drones scanned the ocean floor off the coast of San Francisco, covering a massive 37 square nautical miles. It didn’t take long for them to find what they were looking for—a 314-foot warship resting quietly, 3,500 feet below the waves.
“The ship is incredibly well-preserved,” said Russ Matthews, president of the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation.
“It’s like it’s been frozen in time, waiting for us to discover it.”
A Warship Built to Fight, But Switched Sides Mid-War
The USS Stewart, built in 1919, was a rugged, heavily armed destroyer that joined the U.S. Navy’s fleet of “four-stackers.” Although it was completed too late to see action in World War I, the Stewart played a key role in the early battles of World War II. In 1941, the ship was stationed in Manila, preparing for combat in the Pacific Theater.
However, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, everything changed.
By February 1942, the Stewart found itself in a precarious position—trapped in a dry dock in Java as Japanese forces advanced. With no other choice, the U.S. Navy abandoned the ship, leaving it to the enemy. But this was not the end of the Stewart’s story. The Japanese repaired and recommissioned the ship, using it as a patrol vessel. Allied pilots soon began reporting a bizarre sight: an American destroyer flying the Japanese flag deep behind enemy lines.
The Stewart Returns to the U.S. Navy—But Not for Long
By the end of the war, the U.S. Navy had uncovered the mystery of the Stewart. In 1945, it was discovered floating near Kure, Japan, still bearing the scars of its unusual journey. The Navy quickly reclaimed the ship, but instead of restoring it to service, they had other plans. On May 24, 1946, the USS Stewart was towed to California and used for target practice.
After two hours of relentless gunfire, the ship finally gave in and sank beneath the waves.
The Search for the Stewart: A Mission Years in the Making
Russ Matthews had been searching for the Stewart’s final resting place for years. His curiosity was piqued not only by the ship’s unique wartime history but also by the mystery of what had happened to it after its dramatic sinking in 1946. After painstaking research, he finally uncovered the coordinates where the ship had been towed.
Ocean Infinity’s advanced technology made it possible to scan the area quickly, and soon, the ship’s outline appeared on their monitors. The “Ghost Ship of the Pacific” had been found.
A Piece of History Preserved Beneath the Ocean’s Surface
The USS Stewart may have spent decades lying at the bottom of the Pacific, but its story has never truly faded. This remarkable warship, which served two opposing forces in one of the most significant conflicts in history, continues to fascinate historians and war enthusiasts alike.
Its discovery is not just a testament to the power of modern technology but also a reminder of the strange and unpredictable paths that history can take.
What Do You Think? Share Your Thoughts on This Unbelievable Story!
What’s your take on the USS Stewart’s incredible journey? Have you ever heard of a ship switching sides like this in wartime? Let us know your thoughts and join the conversation!
