May I point out the USS Indianapolis was doing picket duty instead of for example being a part of Taffy 3 for much of the war. Perhaps an outrageous blunder?
I thankful that you found her. The story of the U.S.S. Johnston and the U.S.S. Samuel B. Roberts is my favorite. What the crews of these two ship accomplished almost brings me to tears. I wish the Navy would stop naming our capital ships after presidents and use the names of ships like these, they earned it.
@@doducduy96 Dude we are talking about two of the most heroic ships in the U.S. Navy. Men like Gunners Mate Paul H. Carr served and died on them. If you want to talk politics go somewhere else.
@BC Bob At the beginning of the video they list 2 reasons they believe that it is the Johnston. But yes It could be the Hull but one of the reasons they believe that it isn't is because the Hull had a dazel paint job, the Johnston was solid grey.
"When faced by an enemy whose largest gun turret weighed more than their entire ship, Captain Evans and the Johnston decided that running was boring" -Drachninifel in "Odds? What are those?" (Edit: minor punctuation error)
There was a documentary (there are several in fact) about the Johnston and the battle for Philippine island beach head. I think the best quote from it was something to the effect of, "a biblical version of David vs. Goliath." After all 2 or 3 of those battleships that engaged taffy 3 weighed as much as taffy 3's entire fleet. Also it was the Johnston who broke off first from the fleet and charged headlong into the enemy making a smoke screen to protect the jeep carriers. It was a true act of self sacrifice to protect and distract the enemy. Even when his ship was wounded and battered and put it in harm's way time and time again to disrupt the enemies advance. There was more bravery on that ship then most have today. I wish more people knew of the commander Evans and of the Johnston who had the heart of battleship and guts of a dive bomber. czcams.com/video/q9_fvCKFyQY/video.html
@@benmabry2280 Hell, the Yamato by herself weighed more than all of Taffy 3 combined. One of her 3x18.1 inch gun turrets weighed more than any of the Fletchers of Taffy 3
It amazes me that there has never been a movie about “Taffy Three”. I guess that nobody wants to take on the huge challenge and responsibility of doing it and getting it right. I’ve been obsessed with WW2 since I was just a little kid and I read in the history books and other military books about Leyte Gulf and the battle of Samar Island, but until I read “The Last Of The Tin Can Sailors” I never knew the whole story. The truly astounding bravery of the American sailors in this fight stands tall as one of the most shining moments in all of American history. I’m 62 yrs. old now and I hope that someday soon someone will understand that this story needs to be told on the big screen and told right. The brave men who charged into such a frightfully one sided fight so that so many others could live deserve nothing less.
I suspect that's because Hollywood's not aware - Bay, Emmerich, Lucas and all the other B-list writers fell asleep in history class, so they only know Pearl Harbor and Midway. All the better for us, because when somebody finally comes along who does know, they'll do it right.
I'd watch a movie like this anytime instead of million unnecessary sequels and reboots nobody asked for. If not from Hollywood, maybe from independent studios or streaming services.
In my opinion, the bravest Captain of WWII. When 4 Japanese Battleships (including the YAMATO), 8 cruisers and 11 destroyers crested the horizon, Captain Evans turned to engage, alone, and without orders to do so, likely certain of his fate, but also certain of his Duty.
That was the beauty of the American military during that time. It gave the commanders the ability to make snap decisions that ultimately changed the way the battle went. This was mostly due to the boldness and brass balls on these leaders who weren't afraid to die if it meant saving lives and winning the day!!
@grodhagen sometimes the bravery and sacrifice of a few stout men can turn the tide. This has been proven throughout time. The 300 Spartans who held up an entire army and showed the enemy just how much blood would be spilled in the coming battles. While it's not known or explored in this battle one has to assume that there was more going on then what history has left us. There are several claims that when the Japanese first saw and identified the tin can Johnston, they mistook her for a 10,000 ton cruiser. Which is almost 5 times the size of the destroyer. So I would speculate that they thought they ran headlong into a battle ring with battleships and heavy gun platforms further in. That and the ferocity and tenacity of the planes attacking the enemy ships surely had a lasting and devastating mental lapse. They were suddenly shitting bricks because they were thinking they ran into the carrier task force. All of this was caused by being relentless in their attacks and their sheer devotion to the men on the beaches and the ships they were supporting.
only time in the war that Japanese sailors all came to attention and saluted as they passed a sinking enemy there are reports from Japanese sources and few americans that japan honored them
From Johnston's complement of 327 officers and men, only 141 were saved. Of the 186 men lost, about 50 were killed by enemy action, 45 died later on rafts from wounds, and 92 men-including Cmdr. Evans-got off before she sank, but were never seen again. I mourn the crew,as a fellow Sailor.
You are so very right! I try to imagine it in a simple way, like what was it like for any one of the crew, what did they see? how did they feel? This is absolutely total annihilation over an extended period of time, "Numerous ships half circled her and "continued" firing"...!! they were not destroyers either. My God, the sheer terror of it!!
If it was left to our young men of today....we woulda lost that war. That was our greatest generation, and I'm proud that I got to meet alot of WW2 vets in my youth, and be mentored by them in my formable years.
My dad served aboard the Johnston. He was injured during an attack and was left behind when the ship sailed under Taffy 3. Thank you Vulcan and the crew of the Petrel for finding this piece of history.
Your father was a hero. I can't help but think Evans must have been a pretty good captain. His crew was willing to charge the hot end of Hell with him.
@@mikeb.5039 - I like the History Guy, but I don't feel his video on the Battle of Leyte Gulf with Taffy 3 was very good. There was no mention of the U.S.S. Johnston, the U.S.S. Samuel B. Roberts, etc., and the incredibly brave crews of these ships. To not do that I feel was an injustice.
I am amazed there isn't a movie about the Johnston and Taffy Three. The entire group's heroism was incredible. Capt Evans and the crew of Johnston were on another level.
“This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm’s way, and anyone who doesn’t want to go along had better get off right now.” -- Commander Evans addressing the crew during the ship's commissioning in 1943.
As I read thru the comments I realized most everyone was a touched by this video as I am. I can not fathom the courage the men aboard the Johnson had. Great men rode this great ship.
The exploits of Taffy 3 should not be forgotten. My cousin was a TBM radio operator serving off the U.S.S. Gambier Bay. Fantastic video and I thank you for the work you have done. I hope some day the Gambier Bay and all the other ships lost on 25 Oct are found again. Edit: Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors is worth a read.
My Dad wss a survivor of the USS JOHNSTON. He hung on to the side of a like boat for 52 hours and then was rescued. I am thankful for the hospital ship that gave life saving treatment. He had a piece of metal lodged behind his heart. And his shoulder socket was in pieces. We talked about the goings on of his service. Evans was in a life raft and he did not make it. God Bless them all. God Bless my Dad! They called him Red. He had red hair.
To find these lost ship’s is an amazing discovery, but we should always keep in mind that we didn’t just find a wreck but a tomb of those who gave there all for freedom & a nation’s survival. Let’s us always show honor & reverence.🇺🇸 my god bless & keep our fallen in his eternal care.🇺🇸
@@FirstDagger Agreed. I don't think most people realize what has been done to some of these tombs. It is horrific that anyone would pilfer the final resting place of these brave men; American or Japanese.
@@dr2644 no doubt. Sammy B fought until rounds complete and was then observed to continue to engage..i think chikuma..with their AA armament. The account of mount 5-2 is particularly moving.
The feeling I get when I SEE the wreckage is almost undescribable.. The Johnston.. The destroyer that fought like a battleship.. It went through so much hell yet it kept fighting until the very end.. Seeing the ship and all the scattered parts of the ship surrounding it gives me a sense that THAT ship holds a part of history that that grave site can't let go.. The guns are still aimed, the plating is torn and mangled, knowing that when that ship laid down to rest on the bottom of the seafloor it has been undisturbed for many many MANY decades... Its an overwhelming feeling. Bless the souls of the brave men aboard the USS Johnson!
@D. C. Keasling I believe jquest was being sarcastic, but in today's world/culture sarcasm is not only a dying language but neigh impossible to tell without context or some form of sarcasm text.
My father Paul F. Ray GM3 served on the Sproston DD577 throughout her service in WW2 including Leyte. Thank you for your efforts in finding this Fletcher!
The Japanese were already retreating for over 20 minutes before they ordered abandon ship. They would have likely machine gunned them in water if they had the chance.
It's a "small world" as they say.. The DD-533 radioman only lived a few miles away from me, and I had no idea!, until the internet, and I learned of survivors. So was able to visit with him (he's since passed away). He had an operating replica Hoel radio room!! at his home, and a model of the ship.
Commander Evans stated that the Johnston would be a fighting ship and he intended to take it into harms way, and when Halsey took off with the big carriers and battleships it was left to the Johnston and other destroyers to protect the Leyte Gulf landings and the Johnston and her crew sure did that, Johnston was the first to lay smoke, and attack the Japanese fleet all without waiting for orders to do so. the Japanese pounded the hell out of the Johnston to make sure it went down, some of the survivors stated seeing the Japanese of one cruiser salute the Johnston as she went down.
The Japanese (for all there hatred for POWs) respected an enemy who fought to the death. So reading that and knowing how much they respected courage, honor and death makes it highly plausible that this happened.
ben mabry It actually comes up a bit if you read up on the IJN Yukikaze. She is herself a quite famous Tin Can, being the only ship of her class and one of the very few Japanese Destroyers to survive the entire war. She ended up in service in the Taiwanese Navy until the 70’s.
For my Shipmates from an earlier era- Stand down now good and faithful servants. Your long watch is over. We have the Conn now. Go rest high on that mountain brothers. Be at ease, Rest in Honored Peace. Go forth and war no more. God's Speed and God bless. Prayers for your families and friends. Prayers for those still on watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas Brothers. And one more time this old Doc whispers, Semper Fi........
Amazing. I've watched the Death of the Japanese Navy episode of Dogfights and seeing the huge amount of damage the Japanese ships did to the Johnston before she sank and seeing the battle damage for real is just incredible mainly seeing the 5in gun turrets being absolutely shot to pieces, i have no doubt that this amazing ship is the Johnston. R.I.P to the brave sailors that went down with their ship.
Enterprise206 the Death of the Japanese navy is one of the best pieces ever produced by history channel. I watch it very often. It brings me to tears seeing the survivors recount that fabled day. The Johnston went down firing. Incredible story.
The two cylinders you show at 19:15 appear to be the after steering rams. there was one port and one starboard . they were hydraulic two pumps supplied the fluid pressure, The white painted plate with the large holes were in the void under after steering often used for storing items not used very often. after steering was my sea detail station. Also general station station so they look very familiar .
Was in post office one day when saw an elderly man wearing hat with USS KALININ BAY CVE 68, one of the "Jeep" or escort carriers in Taffy 3 Got to talk to him for few minutes …..
At 9:42 the narrator says he doesn't know what this structure is and the co-narrator speculates its a mechanism to turn the rudder. Looking at it. It is some kind of cylinder....yet there is two, one port and one starboard....hydraulics wasn't really used as much back then as it is today....so these might be steam operated rams to steer the ships rudder with. Back in the 1960's and 70's I worked on a lot of T-2 prewar built oil tankers. They were equipped with Steam Generators ( boilers ). And they used steam turbines to turn the main shaft for propulsion, through a reduction gear box. Everything aboard those prewar tankers were operated by steam. The Massive anchor's were winched aboard by steam winches....mooring lines were also hauled aboard by steam winches. Steam turbines were used to generate electricity and keep the power on board operating. In this picture at 9:42 in the video....the opposite side cylinder looks to have a packing gland that has a 4 inch shaft coming out of it. That shaft is either hydraulically operated or steam driven. But looking on the top of the cylinder there appears to be a hydraulic type hose fitting that allows the oil to be high pressure pumped into it as some means to cause the shaft to also operate in and out. Possibly to turn the rudder. The ram has to be push/ pull type hydraulic system. From the looks of squashed bulk heads in close proximity there appears to be a definite idea that those are the aft section frames in the Shaft log at very rear of the ship. The port and starboard squash bulkhead frames are to close together not to be in the rear or extreme bow section of the ship. I have been in the shaft log of the prewar type ships built just before world war II. And the shaft of the propeller is set between these types of frames at the extreme rear of the vessel. There is a packing gland, that we call a stuffing box, at the final extent of the aft bulkhead. And the propeller shaft goes through the packing gland causing a water tight seal that still allows the shaft to spin in it without sea water entering the ship. Above that packing gland at a different level and some what more aft is the rudder shaft also set in a packing gland vertically set up attached to the ships rudder on the outside of the hull. Two hydraulic rams are attached to arms on the rudder shaft. They steer the ship by one pushing the rudder while the other is simultaneously pulling the rudder in its directing. Thus steering the ship. At first glance looking at the squash bulk head frames, you think they are port lights, from the side of the ship from the quarters. But those are actually manufactured type frames more an likely attached to the ships (double bottom) hull. They allow the bilge water to pass through them to be pumped out in the event water comes into that area of the shaft log compartment.
Petrel crew, you are providing history with an incredible, valuable, service. I can't thank you enough. I'm certain those on eternal patrol thank you as well. True history may be painful, but it puts facts before us. God holds these sailors in the cup of his hands.
Damn shes really tore apart.The trip to the bottom didn't help either.YorktownCV5 was doing an estimated 25knots when she hit stern first and sits at 16000 ft.
"Then out spake brave Horatius, the Captain of the Gate: to every man upon this earth death cometh soon or late. And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, and the temples of his gods".
"Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, [James D. Hornfischer]" great book, glad they won't make a movie, after the Midway trailers, I'm convinced Hollywood needs to stay away from WW2
John Beebe It’s one of my favorites in my WWII and naval history library. I’m not sure Hollywood could do the story justice. It’s a retelling of one of the most selfless and bravest actions in history... it would be criminal to tart it up for the sake of commercialism.
There's just too much real courage and spirit to be contained in some Hollywood nutjob's brain to do Task Force 3 or Kurita's Central Force any justice at all now, unless the filmcrew of "Tora Tora Tora!" is miraculously mass-resurrected. It's a story I don't think most 2019 filmmakers have the gonads for, not even a bit. The men Japan and the United States lost in these ships deserve better memories than a summer blockbuster hack can provide. TLDR fuckin' A, bubba, they can't touch this.
@@00GrnGT Like all Hollywood movies, they sacrificed historical and technical accuracy for dazzle. If they did in real life what they did in the movie, they Hiryu would not have sank. The bomb would have bounced off the flight deck into the sea. This is just one, of hundreds, of inaccuracies. Sure, flying across the flight deck, like an aborted landing, before dropping the bomb, might "look cool," but people might walk away from this movie named after a historical battle and might think it's accurate. The bombs _needed_ the kinetic energy of the dive to punch through the flight deck. They add in stuff that really happened to make people drop their guard to think the dazzle is just as accurate. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Historically accurate? Parts of it.
Some years ago I read "The last stand of the tin can sailors" it tells the story of the Battle of Samar. This video gives me a new appreciation of the courage and tragedy of the USS Johnston's crew and that of all the US Navy men involved in this desperate battle.
Man im surprised they found her. But knowing this ships history im glad they found her. This destroyer put the term "destroyer" in a whole new light considering all she did during the battle off samar
Question: Why are we naming our Aircraft Carriers after politicians (tho some served bravely in WWll) ... we should be naming them after the Captains of the Samuel B Roberts, the Johnston, the Hoel ... and the other Captains of the brave ships that fought bravely till they could fight no more, taking their flags to the bottom w/ them ... the Battle of Java Sea/the Houston ... the Battle of Savo Island ... there are so many ... and don't forget the MoH's awarded to USMC ...
Carriers should not be named after people they should be named based on Carrier Namming conventions. Destroyers have a tradition of being named after Navy or USMC heros not carriers.
Please explore the wreck further. This us the final resting-place of one of the most gallant ships and intrepid crew ever to grace the annals of naval warfare. My love if history goes back as far as I can remember and has never waned. As a 77-year-old former Canadian sapper, I
This ship is devastated. I still can't believe that there would be no hull left. Even if a magazine exploded the oppisite end of the ship would not have been obliterated. Maybe the major pieces of the hull are further down the trench. Thank you for showing us what was found.
www.usskidd.com/ship-tour/the-steering-gear-room-the-armory-and-the-shipfitters-shop/ Check the machinery at the back of the room to the lower right. It matches with the part that is dead center on the screen at 9:38
The bridge portholes were round and the ports had 3 dogs and a hinge at top. Looking close at the 'portholes' at 9:38 they appear to be more oval in shape, no evidence of the dogs/hinges. What appears to be broken glass at first look probably isn't.
I was shocked to see the Johnston ripped to shreds like that, i can't imagine the force it took to obliterate a ship that way. I suspect the piece that slid farther down into the trench may have been the bow, being the strongest part of the hull. I thank the crew for their service and their sacrifice. May they rest in peace! 😢
When the Japanese gun crews realized they were not shooting at large armored ships, the switched from armor piercing to high explosive shells. Instead if zipping right through the Johnston, they exploded on impact or inside the ship. That was ripping her apart, then ordnance exploding and compartments imploding during her plunge to the bottom finished the job.
Legendary valor. She, Roberts and the rest of their Task Force 3 companions inspire us all to "punch above our weights." They suffered the horrifying cost of such pluck & valor, but they achieved what absolutely had to be done. Magnificent men and ships. God rest their souls.
Very similar to what Cpt Evans said at the Johnstons commissioning...I intend to go into harms way. Any man who doesn't want to fight this ship, transfer out...now.
Uss Johnston the tincan destroyer that fought like a battleship making captain Evans recipient of the Medal of Honor posthumously as well the ship receiving the presidential unit citation as well other awards for her actions on making the Japanese center forcé to retreat thinking that they where fighting the biggest American 3rd fleet honor to those that die on her gone but never forgotten
Enterprise206 the Johnston was the first ship to break formation and charge the Japanese all these tincan ships deserve honor as they all fought hard an managed to hold the enemy away from the landing forces
@@txusmc69 yeah, the one that won the gun duel against chokai and knocked the chikuma around a little bit before inevitably getting too close to Kongo. Kongo pulled a drive-by on literally every ship in Taffy 3 I think
@@txusmc69 I knew that, just had a brain fart after seeing just how badly the Johnston had been blasted. I knew she had taken a massive beating, but I thought she had at least gone down with her hull intact.The Roberts may not be in any better shape.
@@dochlldy I'm honestly not surprised at the quantity of debris and extent of the damages given the first-hand accounts of the brave sailors who were there.
My science teacher in 1971 talked about being on the USS Johnston during the epic battle in which it was sunk. Hw described how the near misses would color the splashes the dye used be the Japanese to correct their gunnery.
The skipper addressed the entire crew before they left on their first mission together. He told the crew that this was a fighting ship and he fully intended to go in harms way. If anyone did not want to go along they were welcome to get off of the ship right now.I thought that this was one of the most unusual statements he ever made but in doing so he was being as honest with the entire crew. He was true to his word and faithful to his country. I was assigned to a destroyer myself and our skipper was also honest with our crew. He said that he wanted everyone to know that if the ship was ordered to attack another force of equal size, we had approximately 20 minutes of effective offensive capability. After being in full offense for the 20 minutes our ship would be either dead in the water or sunk or sinking. We had absolutely no armor except on the 5 inch gun mounts and a great part of the superstructure above the main deck was welded aluminum. The Johnston looks just like it was said to have been destroyed. It was shot up by big guns and was literally blown apart by gunfire after it took on enough damage to bring it's engines to a stop. It became a sitting duck after it produced as much damage as it could inflict upon the enemy. This ship and it's crew is one of the country's finest examples of what is meant for a fast ship to go in harms way. The heroism and gallantry and the spirit of the U.S. Navy will always rest with the men of the USS Johnston.
“This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm’s way, and anyone who doesn’t want to go along had better get off right now.” - Commander Ernest E. Evans, on taking command of the USS Johnston
RIP USS Johnson Crew and Command. If this is the Johnson. A medal of Honor should be sank in that location. The heroic actions of one ship sparked the greatest underdog victory. Ernest Evans and Crew all deserve the highest metal of valor and honor. Thank you for showing this video and I hope you are right about this.
Amazing camera footage considering this is almost 2 miles deeper than Titanic! RIP to the brave young men who died heroes and went down with her. They really gave the enemy hell!
Haven’t read all the comments but here’s my 2 cents. The debris with all the circular ports may be part of the bridge structure. Under all 5 inch guns in the fletcher class was a handling room so there will be bulkheads under every turret. Also, I believe that the gun captain blast shields were on mounts 5-1 and 5-5 to protect the gun captain from the blast of the super firing five inch guns. I’ll look for photographic evidence.
Looking at a side picture of the Johnston, that piece of unidentified wreckage looks like the compartment under the forward stack. Its a testament to the battering she received that morning that when she finally could not fight anymore, she went down more like a pile of glitter than an intact warship. I cannot even imagine the hell those men went through.
I would like to thank Captain Evans, and the crew of the Johnston. Their sacrifice allowed my grandfather Francisco Gonzalez of the USS Kalinin Bay to return home. I rode a destroyer, but years of my service could not stand muster to the duty and sacrifice these men demonstrated during two courageous hours that October morning.
In addition I was an E-5 2nd class gunner on board a Fletcher.Around 14:20 minutes of the video the wreckage that you are looking at I'm guessing is the Mk. 54 Fire Control Radar.The turreted director was a little smaller than a 5"38 gun mount,it sat above the bridge just forward of the radar mast,up high.Seeing that you saw the mast on the same dive and this unknown object was apparently close to the mast,I think that probably is that gun director or possibly a 40mm Gun mount.Great video but short.I would like to see other area's of the ship,when you find them,THANK YOU
In addition,I was a 2nd class E-5 gunner's mate and in the video around 14:20 minutes I'm guessing that it is the main fire control radar (mk.54) that you are viewing.The director was a little smaller than a 5"38 gun mount and high above the bridge and near the radar mast.Since you saw the mast probably close by,I'm guessing that it is the gun director or possibly a 40mm antiaircraft mount.The Johnston was being fired on by many Japanese ships before it sank and that could explain why it is broken up so badly,Nice Video,I'd like to see more video and in other areas of the ship,whether it is The Johnston or not THANKS
I will repeat what S B said, "the bravest Captain of WWII." I fight back tears of pride in the US Navy every time I hear, or tell, the story of Cdr. Ernest Evans, his crew and the Johnston. I'm grateful I was never tested like he and his men were during my 6 years in the Navy. But, had I been, I can only pray I would have shown a fraction of their bravery.
I had the honor or making and designing the monument in San Diego of taffy 3.....I met many of the survivors. They were one and all great men. The battle left a mark on them all and quite understandably. Meeting them left a mark on me.
Cmdr. Evans Commander USS JOHNSTON: "This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm's way, and anyone who doesn't want to go along had better get off right now."
Good things are you found it and the family’s can see and know where there loved ones lie Amazing footage well done guys and girls You keep Doing amazing things keep going let’s see the other part if possible
A true David vs. Goliath story! Captain Evans saved the day by hitting hard and fast and inevitably chasing off a major Japanese battle fleet! A true hero!
So as this ship went down she literally blew apart underwater? I guess that explains why she’s in so many pieces, a monument to a legendary ship, may her crew have eternal rest
I wondered the same thing. Perhaps one or more magazines was struck, because these are but pieces of the ship, and they are virtually unrecognizable. This crew fought with unimaginable valor.
Well, when you sail broadside on to an angry smoke screen shooting lots of HE and typically torpedoes, without changing course or speed, as the old man says, "that's a paddlin"
I was on a Fletcher for 2 years, the USS Cony DD-508 and watched this video quite a few times. At 9 minutes 22 seconds into it,I believe you are looking at the BRIDGE the wheel house with the round ports, there were quite a few 15 or so in a semi circle from the port side to starboard side.The white area is the inner side of the wheel house (bridge).The Johnston was being fired upon by many Japanese ships on her last attack before she went down with her valiant crew and it definitely explains why she lays so broken up on the bottom.God rest their souls
In Memoriam. My uncle, Norman Peden, MM1C, USS Johnston. Like his Captain, he went down with his ship.
@Dan Rush To Absent Friends...
Absolutely heroic crew.
Respect.
That ship and crew are legend.
They shot their way to Valhalla.
The courage of your uncle saved the life of my cousin, and generations of my family.
May I point out the USS Indianapolis was doing picket duty instead of for example being a part of Taffy 3 for much of the war. Perhaps an outrageous blunder?
I thankful that you found her. The story of the U.S.S. Johnston and the U.S.S. Samuel B. Roberts is my favorite. What the crews of these two ship accomplished almost brings me to tears. I wish the Navy would stop naming our capital ships after presidents and use the names of ships like these, they earned it.
I agree, they more than earned it.
The namesake successor to _Samuel B. Roberts_ also has a story to tell defying odds.
USS Donald Trump. Sounds like something that would blow up on its own.
@@doducduy96 Dude we are talking about two of the most heroic ships in the U.S. Navy. Men like Gunners Mate Paul H. Carr served and died on them. If you want to talk politics go somewhere else.
@BC Bob At the beginning of the video they list 2 reasons they believe that it is the Johnston. But yes It could be the Hull but one of the reasons they believe that it isn't is because the Hull had a dazel paint job, the Johnston was solid grey.
"When faced by an enemy whose largest gun turret weighed more than their entire ship, Captain Evans and the Johnston decided that running was boring" -Drachninifel in "Odds? What are those?" (Edit: minor punctuation error)
Love his channel
best quote of his to date.
There was a documentary (there are several in fact) about the Johnston and the battle for Philippine island beach head. I think the best quote from it was something to the effect of, "a biblical version of David vs. Goliath." After all 2 or 3 of those battleships that engaged taffy 3 weighed as much as taffy 3's entire fleet. Also it was the Johnston who broke off first from the fleet and charged headlong into the enemy making a smoke screen to protect the jeep carriers. It was a true act of self sacrifice to protect and distract the enemy. Even when his ship was wounded and battered and put it in harm's way time and time again to disrupt the enemies advance. There was more bravery on that ship then most have today. I wish more people knew of the commander Evans and of the Johnston who had the heart of battleship and guts of a dive bomber.
czcams.com/video/q9_fvCKFyQY/video.html
@@benmabry2280 Hell, the Yamato by herself weighed more than all of Taffy 3 combined. One of her 3x18.1 inch gun turrets weighed more than any of the Fletchers of Taffy 3
The Johnston outweighed every other Japanese ship due to the weight of the crew's balls.
It's amazing that the Johnston stayed afloat for as long as it did, considering the weight of the crew's massive balls.
It amazes me that there has never been a movie about “Taffy Three”. I guess that nobody wants to take on the huge challenge and responsibility of doing it and getting it right. I’ve been obsessed with WW2 since I was just a little kid and I read in the history books and other military books about Leyte Gulf and the battle of Samar Island, but until I read “The Last Of The Tin Can Sailors” I never knew the whole story. The truly astounding bravery of the American sailors in this fight stands tall as one of the most shining moments in all of American history. I’m 62 yrs. old now and I hope that someday soon someone will understand that this story needs to be told on the big screen and told right. The brave men who charged into such a frightfully one sided fight so that so many others could live deserve nothing less.
That's very well said.
I suspect that's because Hollywood's not aware - Bay, Emmerich, Lucas and all the other B-list writers fell asleep in history class, so they only know Pearl Harbor and Midway.
All the better for us, because when somebody finally comes along who does know, they'll do it right.
It would be a blockbuster if directed by the right people. Truly an epic battle
I'd watch a movie like this anytime instead of million unnecessary sequels and reboots nobody asked for. If not from Hollywood, maybe from independent studios or streaming services.
There actually an upcomimg movie that is focused on the battle of leyte gulf that is focused on this particular battle.
In my opinion, the bravest Captain of WWII. When 4 Japanese Battleships (including the YAMATO), 8 cruisers and 11 destroyers crested the horizon, Captain Evans turned to engage, alone, and without orders to do so, likely certain of his fate, but also certain of his Duty.
Well said.
That was the beauty of the American military during that time. It gave the commanders the ability to make snap decisions that ultimately changed the way the battle went. This was mostly due to the boldness and brass balls on these leaders who weren't afraid to die if it meant saving lives and winning the day!!
@grodhagen sometimes the bravery and sacrifice of a few stout men can turn the tide. This has been proven throughout time. The 300 Spartans who held up an entire army and showed the enemy just how much blood would be spilled in the coming battles.
While it's not known or explored in this battle one has to assume that there was more going on then what history has left us. There are several claims that when the Japanese first saw and identified the tin can Johnston, they mistook her for a 10,000 ton cruiser. Which is almost 5 times the size of the destroyer. So I would speculate that they thought they ran headlong into a battle ring with battleships and heavy gun platforms further in. That and the ferocity and tenacity of the planes attacking the enemy ships surely had a lasting and devastating mental lapse. They were suddenly shitting bricks because they were thinking they ran into the carrier task force.
All of this was caused by being relentless in their attacks and their sheer devotion to the men on the beaches and the ships they were supporting.
That action in itself is what it means to be an American!
only time in the war that Japanese sailors all came to attention and saluted as they passed a sinking enemy there are reports from Japanese sources and few americans that japan honored them
From Johnston's complement of 327 officers and men, only 141 were saved. Of the 186 men lost, about 50 were killed by enemy action, 45 died later on rafts from wounds, and 92 men-including Cmdr. Evans-got off before she sank, but were never seen again. I mourn the crew,as a fellow Sailor.
My hat is off with yours, Brother.
the japanese were shocked by the ferocity and saluted the men as they passed the rafts
One of the most storied ships in the history of the US Navy. The destroyer that fought like a battleship.
Evan that moniker goes to the USS Samuel B Roberts
@@Errr717 Samuel B. Roberts was a destroyer escort.
@@MrEvanfriend Yes it was but that moniker was attributed to the Roberts. I served aboard the second Roberts.
@@Errr717 👍👍👍
So did the Sammy B
It beggars the imagination the courage those men showed.
WELL SAID.
You are so very right! I try to imagine it in a simple way, like what was it like for any one of the crew, what did they see? how did they feel? This is absolutely total annihilation over an extended period of time, "Numerous ships half circled her and "continued" firing"...!! they were not destroyers either. My God, the sheer terror of it!!
If it was left to our young men of today....we woulda lost that war.
That was our greatest generation, and I'm proud that I got to meet alot of WW2 vets in my youth, and be mentored by them in my formable years.
My dad was on that ship, 3 days 4 nights in the water. Washed up on japanese held island, but was found by locals who rescued & hid him.
@@pennyvadnais8440 I'm glad your father was saved like that. He's an extremely lucky man and heroic to boot
My dad served aboard the Johnston. He was injured during an attack and was left behind when the ship sailed under Taffy 3. Thank you Vulcan and the crew of the Petrel for finding this piece of history.
Check out Drachinifel's channel, Odds? What are those. You may have seen it?
My Uncle William N. Ellis died in the after engine room when the first shell hit. Eternal blessings to the crew!
All honor and gratitude to your Uncle for his defense of our freedom, even to the point of his last full measure. He is a hero. 😞🇺🇸
I never thought she would be found, great job, you found one of the most heroic and sadly forgotten ships.
My father Oris L Winkler was a survivor and attended the shipd reunions from the first one in 1982 until he passed away in 2000.
God bless him and his memory. Your dad was a great man who endured and survived the unthinkable.
Your father was a hero.
I can't help but think Evans must have been a pretty good captain. His crew was willing to charge the hot end of Hell with him.
They didn't call them the best generation for Nothing...🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Hand Salute, Oris Winkler!!
My father, Orin Vadnais, also survived & attended the reunions
RIP, she stopped the IJN Central fleet, BBs & CRuisers. Saved he Jeep carriers
No they did not save the jeep carriers but they fought so hard, they save the landing force. Check out The History Guy YT channel.
@@mikeb.5039 I believe they saved 4 escort carriers but lost 2 escort carriers.
@@txusmc69 correct, because of the fight that was put up the landing forces were saved when the IJN chose to retire
@@mikeb.5039 Retire? They *ran away*! lol :)
@@mikeb.5039 - I like the History Guy, but I don't feel his video on the Battle of Leyte Gulf with Taffy 3 was very good. There was no mention of the U.S.S. Johnston, the U.S.S. Samuel B. Roberts, etc., and the incredibly brave crews of these ships. To not do that I feel was an injustice.
I am amazed there isn't a movie about the Johnston and Taffy Three. The entire group's heroism was incredible. Capt Evans and the crew of Johnston were on another level.
“This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm’s way, and anyone who doesn’t want to go along had better get off right now.” -- Commander Evans addressing the crew during the ship's commissioning in 1943.
I've always held the view that the measure of a man is how true he is to his word. Ernest Evans surpassed his. No man can do more.
As I read thru the comments I realized most everyone was a touched by this video as I am.
I can not fathom the courage the men aboard the Johnson had.
Great men rode this great ship.
Never thought I'd see the Johnston. Thanks for the video and remembering perhaps the bravest crew of all time.
The exploits of Taffy 3 should not be forgotten.
My cousin was a TBM radio operator serving off the U.S.S. Gambier Bay.
Fantastic video and I thank you for the work you have done. I hope some day the Gambier Bay and all the other ships lost on 25 Oct are found again.
Edit: Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors is worth a read.
My Father Kenneth McLaughlin served aboard Gambier Bay
My Dad wss a survivor of the USS JOHNSTON. He hung on to the side of a like boat for 52 hours and then was rescued. I am thankful for the hospital ship that gave life saving treatment. He had a piece of metal lodged behind his heart. And his shoulder socket was in pieces. We talked about the goings on of his service. Evans was in a life raft and he did not make it. God Bless them all. God Bless my Dad! They called him Red. He had red hair.
May he rest in peace 🇺🇸
Good video. I appreciate that there's no annoying music in the background.
Agreed
“Oh hear us call to thee, for those in peril on the sea!”
Commander Evans, Ama Danuwa Analehi, Veteran Sailor (Cherokee)
Amen Brother. Amen.
To find these lost ship’s is an amazing discovery, but we should always keep in mind that we didn’t just find a wreck but a tomb of those who gave there all for freedom & a nation’s survival. Let’s us always show honor & reverence.🇺🇸 my god bless & keep our fallen in his eternal care.🇺🇸
@Herbert Norkus I would be down to donate to that cause. Maybe the team who found her could help with that?
@Herbert Norkus ; I concur, what those scrappers did to ships like IJN Amatsukaze is a sacrilege.
@@FirstDagger Agreed. I don't think most people realize what has been done to some of these tombs. It is horrific that anyone would pilfer the final resting place of these brave men; American or Japanese.
RIP USS Johnston and USS Hoel two of the greatest fighting ships of all time.
Don't forget the USS Samuel B. Roberts
@@dr2644 no doubt.
Sammy B fought until rounds complete and was then observed to continue to engage..i think chikuma..with their AA armament.
The account of mount 5-2 is particularly moving.
And Roberts, of course.
HMS Victory: Am I a joke to you?
@@usswisconsinbb-6441 compared to them pound for pound, yes.
The feeling I get when I SEE the wreckage is almost undescribable.. The Johnston.. The destroyer that fought like a battleship.. It went through so much hell yet it kept fighting until the very end.. Seeing the ship and all the scattered parts of the ship surrounding it gives me a sense that THAT ship holds a part of history that that grave site can't let go.. The guns are still aimed, the plating is torn and mangled, knowing that when that ship laid down to rest on the bottom of the seafloor it has been undisturbed for many many MANY decades... Its an overwhelming feeling. Bless the souls of the brave men aboard the USS Johnson!
A lot of brave men when down with there ship!!! Rip !!
@D. C. Keasling well now we have warriors like " Lil Wayne"!
@D. C. Keasling I believe jquest was being sarcastic, but in today's world/culture sarcasm is not only a dying language but neigh impossible to tell without context or some form of sarcasm text.
@Gripen Draken a simple LOL Emoji would have done the job
My father Paul F. Ray GM3 served on the Sproston DD577 throughout her service in WW2 including Leyte. Thank you for your efforts in finding this Fletcher!
the johnston was actually saluted by japanese sailors as they passed her sinking they had lot respect for them for charging straight in
The Japanese were already retreating for over 20 minutes before they ordered abandon ship. They would have likely machine gunned them in water if they had the chance.
@@Wallyworld30 this was reported by the sailors involved as well as at least one of the japanese ships
My Dad, James Buzbee, confirmed the survivors were strafed with gunfire after the sinking.
An epic find. This site is a monument to supreme courage. May the crew of this ship find peaceful sleep forever in this quiet place of honor.
Well said Brother
My father survived, DD-533. -Badly wounded and disabled for life.
It's a "small world" as they say.. The DD-533 radioman only lived a few miles away from me, and I had no idea!, until the internet, and I learned of survivors. So was able to visit with him (he's since passed away). He had an operating replica Hoel radio room!! at his home, and a model of the ship.
@@zuutlmna That must have been pretty cool.
Commander Evans stated that the Johnston would be a fighting ship and he intended to take it into harms way, and when Halsey took off with the big carriers and battleships it was left to the Johnston and other destroyers to protect the Leyte Gulf landings and the Johnston and her crew sure did that, Johnston was the first to lay smoke, and attack the Japanese fleet all without waiting for orders to do so. the Japanese pounded the hell out of the Johnston to make sure it went down, some of the survivors stated seeing the Japanese of one cruiser salute the Johnston as she went down.
The Japanese (for all there hatred for POWs) respected an enemy who fought to the death. So reading that and knowing how much they respected courage, honor and death makes it highly plausible that this happened.
It was the Captain and crew of the Yukikaze that paused to offer salute to the Johnston.
@@andrewtaylor940 that's something that's not mentioned too often in the history books.
ben mabry It actually comes up a bit if you read up on the IJN Yukikaze. She is herself a quite famous Tin Can, being the only ship of her class and one of the very few Japanese Destroyers to survive the entire war. She ended up in service in the Taiwanese Navy until the 70’s.
Chaos Stalker
For my Shipmates from an earlier era-
Stand down now good and faithful servants. Your long watch is over. We have the Conn now. Go rest high on that mountain brothers. Be at ease, Rest in Honored Peace. Go forth and war no more. God's Speed and God bless. Prayers for your families and friends. Prayers for those still on watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas Brothers. And one more time this old Doc whispers,
Semper Fi........
SEMPER FI....
Amazing. I've watched the Death of the Japanese Navy episode of Dogfights and seeing the huge amount of damage the Japanese ships did to the Johnston before she sank and seeing the battle damage for real is just incredible mainly seeing the 5in gun turrets being absolutely shot to pieces, i have no doubt that this amazing ship is the Johnston. R.I.P to the brave sailors that went down with their ship.
Enterprise206 the Death of the Japanese navy is one of the best pieces ever produced by history channel. I watch it very often. It brings me to tears seeing the survivors recount that fabled day. The Johnston went down firing. Incredible story.
The two cylinders you show at 19:15 appear to be the after steering rams. there was one port and one starboard . they were hydraulic two pumps supplied the fluid pressure, The white painted plate with the large holes were in the void under after steering often used for storing items not used very often. after steering was my sea detail station. Also general station station so they look very familiar .
Thank you for your service Sir.
Was in post office one day when saw an elderly man wearing hat with USS KALININ BAY CVE 68, one of the "Jeep" or escort carriers in Taffy 3 Got to talk to him for few minutes …..
@richard estey BROTHER, was shocked to see a relative. WOW!!! My name is Bobby Estey contact me BROTHER :-)
At 9:42 the narrator says he doesn't know what this structure is and the co-narrator speculates its a mechanism to turn the rudder. Looking at it. It is some kind of cylinder....yet there is two, one port and one starboard....hydraulics wasn't really used as much back then as it is today....so these might be steam operated rams to steer the ships rudder with. Back in the 1960's and 70's I worked on a lot of T-2 prewar built oil tankers. They were equipped with Steam Generators ( boilers ). And they used steam turbines to turn the main shaft for propulsion, through a reduction gear box. Everything aboard those prewar tankers were operated by steam. The Massive anchor's were winched aboard by steam winches....mooring lines were also hauled aboard by steam winches. Steam turbines were used to generate electricity and keep the power on board operating. In this picture at 9:42 in the video....the opposite side cylinder looks to have a packing gland that has a 4 inch shaft coming out of it. That shaft is either hydraulically operated or steam driven. But looking on the top of the cylinder there appears to be a hydraulic type hose fitting that allows the oil to be high pressure pumped into it as some means to cause the shaft to also operate in and out. Possibly to turn the rudder. The ram has to be push/ pull type hydraulic system. From the looks of squashed bulk heads in close proximity there appears to be a definite idea that those are the aft section frames in the Shaft log at very rear of the ship. The port and starboard squash bulkhead frames are to close together not to be in the rear or extreme bow section of the ship. I have been in the shaft log of the prewar type ships built just before world war II. And the shaft of the propeller is set between these types of frames at the extreme rear of the vessel. There is a packing gland, that we call a stuffing box, at the final extent of the aft bulkhead. And the propeller shaft goes through the packing gland causing a water tight seal that still allows the shaft to spin in it without sea water entering the ship. Above that packing gland at a different level and some what more aft is the rudder shaft also set in a packing gland vertically set up attached to the ships rudder on the outside of the hull. Two hydraulic rams are attached to arms on the rudder shaft. They steer the ship by one pushing the rudder while the other is simultaneously pulling the rudder in its directing. Thus steering the ship. At first glance looking at the squash bulk head frames, you think they are port lights, from the side of the ship from the quarters. But those are actually manufactured type frames more an likely attached to the ships (double bottom) hull. They allow the bilge water to pass through them to be pumped out in the event water comes into that area of the shaft log compartment.
It is great to see how many folks know of this ship and its crew's heroism. Teach your children!
Petrel crew, you are providing history with an incredible, valuable, service. I can't thank you enough. I'm certain those on eternal patrol thank you as well. True history may be painful, but it puts facts before us. God holds these sailors in the cup of his hands.
Let us never forget the men that gave everything, so we can be free! To the brave crew of the USS Johnston, Thank You all!
🇺🇸⚓🇺🇸
This was a time when saying someone showed immense bravery, it really meant something.
Rip Uss Johnston a ship full of courageous men who gave it all.
Taffy III is one of the greatest guts and determination stories of WWII. A US navy task force attacking the Japanese navy fleet.
Buffalo, NY has a Fletcher Class Destroyer DD-537 the USS The Sullivans
Damn shes really tore apart.The trip to the bottom didn't help either.YorktownCV5 was doing an estimated 25knots when she hit stern first and sits at 16000 ft.
Mag explosion maybe?
@@davidknowles2491 yea from testimony of the survivors they felt an underwater boom as she went down
"Then out spake brave Horatius, the Captain of the Gate: to every man upon this earth death cometh soon or late. And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, and the temples of his gods".
Shipwrecks have always fascinated me. It's beautiful and terrifying at the same time.
"Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, [James D. Hornfischer]" great book, glad they won't make a movie, after the Midway trailers, I'm convinced Hollywood needs to stay away from WW2
John Beebe It’s one of my favorites in my WWII and naval history library. I’m not sure Hollywood could do the story justice. It’s a retelling of one of the most selfless and bravest actions in history... it would be criminal to tart it up for the sake of commercialism.
There's just too much real courage and spirit to be contained in some Hollywood nutjob's brain to do Task Force 3 or Kurita's Central Force any justice at all now, unless the filmcrew of "Tora Tora Tora!" is miraculously mass-resurrected.
It's a story I don't think most 2019 filmmakers have the gonads for, not even a bit. The men Japan and the United States lost in these ships deserve better memories than a summer blockbuster hack can provide.
TLDR fuckin' A, bubba, they can't touch this.
I agree. I saw a Midway trailer and I was like, Oh no... (shaking head with palm on face).
Midway was pretty good
@@00GrnGT Like all Hollywood movies, they sacrificed historical and technical accuracy for dazzle. If they did in real life what they did in the movie, they Hiryu would not have sank. The bomb would have bounced off the flight deck into the sea. This is just one, of hundreds, of inaccuracies. Sure, flying across the flight deck, like an aborted landing, before dropping the bomb, might "look cool," but people might walk away from this movie named after a historical battle and might think it's accurate. The bombs _needed_ the kinetic energy of the dive to punch through the flight deck. They add in stuff that really happened to make people drop their guard to think the dazzle is just as accurate.
Did I enjoy it? Yes.
Historically accurate? Parts of it.
Update: They found the hull and its in amazing condition all things considered.
How could that ship stay afloat with the massive stones of the men aboard?
The sheer audacity of Taffy 3 is astonishing.
Some years ago I read "The last stand of the tin can sailors" it tells the story of the Battle of Samar. This video gives me a new appreciation of the courage and tragedy of the USS Johnston's crew and that of all the US Navy men involved in this desperate battle.
Currently reading it now November 11th, 2022.👍🇺🇸
That item you saw at the 10-minute mark is the Mk 37 GFCS gun director that sits on top of the bridge. The porthole portion IS the bridge.
Man im surprised they found her. But knowing this ships history im glad they found her. This destroyer put the term "destroyer" in a whole new light considering all she did during the battle off samar
Nice find for history. RIP ship mates
Question: Why are we naming our Aircraft Carriers after politicians (tho some served bravely in WWll) ... we should be naming them after the Captains of the Samuel B Roberts, the Johnston, the Hoel ... and the other Captains of the brave ships that fought bravely till they could fight no more, taking their flags to the bottom w/ them ... the Battle of Java Sea/the Houston ... the Battle of Savo Island ... there are so many ... and don't forget the MoH's awarded to USMC ...
I highly concur i say they need to name a carrier after two of the bravest captains the navy had and one for sure after the bull
Carriers should not be named after people they should be named based on Carrier Namming conventions. Destroyers have a tradition of being named after Navy or USMC heros not carriers.
@@donaldkepple4927 Halsey is the reason that so many sailors and aviators of Taffy 3 died needlessly, however heroicaly.
just read a couple days ago, the Navy will be naming one of its new carriers the USS Doris Miller
Enterprise is not named for a politican nor is the USS Doris Miller
Please explore the wreck further. This us the final resting-place of one of the most gallant ships and intrepid crew ever to grace the annals of naval warfare. My love if history goes back as far as I can remember and has never waned. As a 77-year-old former Canadian sapper, I
They found the hull
Some truly brave men rest there!
This ship is devastated. I still can't believe that there would be no hull left. Even if a magazine exploded the oppisite end of the ship would not have been obliterated. Maybe the major pieces of the hull are further down the trench. Thank you for showing us what was found.
The hull has been found
Time stamp 9:38 that is the upper part of the bridge the mess on top is what is left of the fire director for the forward 5 in gun turrets
www.usskidd.com/ship-tour/the-steering-gear-room-the-armory-and-the-shipfitters-shop/ Check the machinery at the back of the room to the lower right. It matches with the part that is dead center on the screen at 9:38
ross parker Yep. I agree. It’s easy to verify with extent photos too.
Yes Most definitely looks like part of bridge and mangled parts of gunnery director
The bridge portholes were round and the ports had 3 dogs and a hinge at top. Looking close at the 'portholes' at 9:38 they appear to be more oval in shape, no evidence of the dogs/hinges. What appears to be broken glass at first look probably isn't.
I was shocked to see the Johnston ripped to shreds like that, i can't imagine the force it took to obliterate a ship that way. I suspect the piece that slid farther down into the trench may have been the bow, being the strongest part of the hull. I thank the crew for their service and their sacrifice. May they rest in peace! 😢
When the Japanese gun crews realized they were not shooting at large armored ships, the switched from armor piercing to high explosive shells. Instead if zipping right through the Johnston, they exploded on impact or inside the ship. That was ripping her apart, then ordnance exploding and compartments imploding during her plunge to the bottom finished the job.
Legendary valor. She, Roberts and the rest of their Task Force 3 companions inspire us all to "punch above our weights." They suffered the horrifying cost of such pluck & valor, but they achieved what absolutely had to be done. Magnificent men and ships. God rest their souls.
Beautifully said
“I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm’s way.”
-John Paul Jones
Very similar to what Cpt Evans said at the Johnstons commissioning...I intend to go into harms way. Any man who doesn't want to fight this ship, transfer out...now.
Uss Johnston the tincan destroyer that fought like a battleship making captain Evans recipient of the Medal of Honor posthumously as well the ship receiving the presidential unit citation as well other awards for her actions on making the Japanese center forcé to retreat thinking that they where fighting the biggest American 3rd fleet honor to those that die on her gone but never forgotten
That honor goes to the Destroyer Escort USS Samuel B Roberts.
Enterprise206 the Johnston was the first ship to break formation and charge the Japanese all these tincan ships deserve honor as they all fought hard an managed to hold the enemy away from the landing forces
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
The hull is down there, you MUST find it. The 150,000 soldiers and Marines who lived to take back the Philippines need to see it.
They found the hull
The hull of the USS Johnstown was found at a depth of 21,180 feet on 31 March 2021. Conclusive proof was her hull number of 557
@@robertyoung3992 That's fantastic!! Thanks for the info Robert. I'd love to see some photos of that heroic ship in its final resting place.
WOW!! That thing has some MAJOR damage! God bless all those that served on her. Amazing footage at those extreme depths. Absolutely amazing.
The unidentified section with the glass portholes appears to be the pilot house, from pictures found online of Fletcher-class destroyers.
Looking at what's left of it: Even when the sea claimed her, she still kept on fighting. o7
Given the fact the gouge in the seabed continues on into the deeper regions of the trench makes it possible more of the hull was intact.
They found her hull yesterday. Amazing!
@@Idontcarewhatmyhandleis87 at 21,180 feet
One of the bravest crews and fearless leaders of the Second World War. What an amazing story.
Now, we need to find the DE that fought like a battleship
You are looking at it right here!
@@dochlldy no he means the Samuel B Roberts the Destroyer Escort.
@@txusmc69 yeah, the one that won the gun duel against chokai and knocked the chikuma around a little bit before inevitably getting too close to Kongo. Kongo pulled a drive-by on literally every ship in Taffy 3 I think
@@txusmc69 I knew that, just had a brain fart after seeing just how badly the Johnston had been blasted. I knew she had taken a massive beating, but I thought she had at least gone down with her hull intact.The Roberts may not be in any better shape.
@@dochlldy I'm honestly not surprised at the quantity of debris and extent of the damages given the first-hand accounts of the brave sailors who were there.
My science teacher in 1971 talked about being on the USS Johnston during the epic battle in which it was sunk. Hw described how the near misses would color the splashes the dye used be the Japanese to correct their gunnery.
The skipper addressed the entire crew before they left on their first mission together. He told the crew that this was a fighting ship and he fully intended to go in harms way. If anyone did not want to go along they were welcome to get off of the ship right now.I thought that this was one of the most unusual statements he ever made but in doing so he was being as honest with the entire crew. He was true to his word and faithful to his country. I was assigned to a destroyer myself and our skipper was also honest with our crew. He said that he wanted everyone to know that if the ship was ordered to attack another force of equal size, we had approximately 20 minutes of effective offensive capability. After being in full offense for the 20 minutes our ship would be either dead in the water or sunk or sinking. We had absolutely no armor except on the 5 inch gun mounts and a great part of the superstructure above the main deck was welded aluminum. The Johnston looks just like it was said to have been destroyed. It was shot up by big guns and was literally blown apart by gunfire after it took on enough damage to bring it's engines to a stop. It became a sitting duck after it produced as much damage as it could inflict upon the enemy. This ship and it's crew is one of the country's finest examples of what is meant for a fast ship to go in harms way. The heroism and gallantry and the spirit of the U.S. Navy will always rest with the men of the USS Johnston.
“This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm’s way, and anyone who doesn’t want to go along had better get off right now.”
- Commander Ernest E. Evans, on taking command of the USS Johnston
They found the bow down slope this week, 4.2.21. About at 21,000 feet down I think.
The Samuel B Roberts wasn't a destroyer escort, it was the world's smallest battleship.
RIP USS Johnson Crew and Command. If this is the Johnson. A medal of Honor should be sank in that location. The heroic actions of one ship sparked the greatest underdog victory. Ernest Evans and Crew all deserve the highest metal of valor and honor. Thank you for showing this video and I hope you are right about this.
Amazing camera footage considering this is almost 2 miles deeper than Titanic! RIP to the brave young men who died heroes and went down with her. They really gave the enemy hell!
They found the hull at 21k feet down
Great footage of the ship. All honors to the men who served on her. Given the current footage, I think it is the Johnston. But I want to see more.
The story is incredible, the sheer fact that wreck is 6200m+/- and you can’t maneuver that ROV around is also incredible.
The back and forth between the two guys who were speaking made this video even more interesting.
A very heroic Captain and crew! Thank God for Taffy 3!
Haven’t read all the comments but here’s my 2 cents. The debris with all the circular ports may be part of the bridge structure. Under all 5 inch guns in the fletcher class was a handling room so there will be bulkheads under every turret. Also, I believe that the gun captain blast shields were on mounts 5-1 and 5-5 to protect the gun captain from the blast of the super firing five inch guns. I’ll look for photographic evidence.
The third from last photo of DD 557 (when zoomed in) shows blast shields on mount 5-1 an 5-5.
www.navsource.org/archives/05/557.htm
Rest In Peace brave sailors.
Looking at a side picture of the Johnston, that piece of unidentified wreckage looks like the compartment under the forward stack. Its a testament to the battering she received that morning that when she finally could not fight anymore, she went down more like a pile of glitter than an intact warship. I cannot even imagine the hell those men went through.
I would like to thank Captain Evans, and the crew of the Johnston. Their sacrifice allowed my grandfather Francisco Gonzalez of the USS Kalinin Bay to return home. I rode a destroyer, but years of my service could not stand muster to the duty and sacrifice these men demonstrated during two courageous hours that October morning.
Thanks for the long video.Much better than the two min from the Hornet.
In addition I was an E-5 2nd class gunner on board a Fletcher.Around 14:20 minutes of the video the wreckage that you are looking at I'm guessing is the Mk. 54 Fire Control Radar.The turreted director was a little smaller than a 5"38 gun mount,it sat above the bridge just forward of the radar mast,up high.Seeing that you saw the mast on the same dive and this unknown object was apparently close to the mast,I think that probably is that gun director or possibly a 40mm Gun mount.Great video but short.I would like to see other area's of the ship,when you find them,THANK YOU
In addition,I was a 2nd class E-5 gunner's mate and in the video around 14:20 minutes I'm guessing that it is the main fire control radar (mk.54) that you are viewing.The director was a little smaller than a 5"38 gun mount and high above the bridge and near the radar mast.Since you saw the mast probably close by,I'm guessing that it is the gun director or possibly a 40mm antiaircraft mount.The Johnston was being fired on by many Japanese ships before it sank and that could explain why it is broken up so badly,Nice Video,I'd like to see more video and in other areas of the ship,whether it is The Johnston or not THANKS
The mount commander shields would have been on mounts 1 and 5 to shield from the muzzle blasts of mounts 2 and 4.
I will repeat what S B said, "the bravest Captain of WWII." I fight back tears of pride in the US Navy every time I hear, or tell, the story of Cdr. Ernest Evans, his crew and the Johnston. I'm grateful I was never tested like he and his men were during my 6 years in the Navy. But, had I been, I can only pray I would have shown a fraction of their bravery.
Badass crew and ship that led the brave charge and made Yamato's battle group run. Respect to these heroes.
I had the honor or making and designing the monument in San Diego of taffy 3.....I met many of the survivors. They were one and all great men. The battle left a mark on them all and quite understandably. Meeting them left a mark on me.
Unbelievable damage. Huge forces involved. Great video guys. What a team effort. Thank you for sharing.
Less we forget, god bless the men of the USS Johnston.
Cmdr. Evans Commander USS JOHNSTON: "This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm's way, and anyone who doesn't want to go along had better get off right now."
My Dad, James Buzbee, was one of the survivors of the Johnston. He died at age 54, and is greatly missed.
It really looks like she hit while upside down and scraped off all the top structures before the bulk of the ship slid further into the trench.
Good things are you found it and the family’s can see and know where there loved ones lie
Amazing footage well done guys and girls
You keep
Doing amazing things keep going let’s see the other part if possible
A true David vs. Goliath story! Captain Evans saved the day by hitting hard and fast and inevitably chasing off a major Japanese battle fleet! A true hero!
So as this ship went down she literally blew apart underwater? I guess that explains why she’s in so many pieces, a monument to a legendary ship, may her crew have eternal rest
The hull has been found
I wondered the same thing. Perhaps one or more magazines was struck, because these are but pieces of the ship, and they are virtually unrecognizable. This crew fought with unimaginable valor.
April 5, 2021. They identified 557 on the side.
If I'm not mistaken. As the Johnston was sinking. The survivors saw the captain of the Japanese destroyer Yukikaze salute them as he went by.
When a 19 point captain with a fully upgraded Fletcher takes on a team 3 point noobs.
Well, when you sail broadside on to an angry smoke screen shooting lots of HE and typically torpedoes, without changing course or speed, as the old man says, "that's a paddlin"
@@blakebaker830 jingles lmao
I was on a Fletcher for 2 years, the USS Cony DD-508 and watched this video quite a few times. At 9 minutes 22 seconds into it,I believe you are looking at the BRIDGE the wheel house with the round ports, there were quite a few 15 or so in a semi circle from the port side to starboard side.The white area is the inner side of the wheel house (bridge).The Johnston was being fired upon by many Japanese ships on her last attack before she went down with her valiant crew and it definitely explains why she lays so broken up on the bottom.God rest their souls