Wartime History
Assigned to US Navy Squadron VF-39, based at Dalop Island. At the end of the war, this Hellcat was dumped.

Wreckage
Discovered in Majuro Lagoon, near the Outrigger Resort by Matt Holly. The aircraft was found while he was searching for an anchor lost by the cargo vessel Neptune Gale, nearly 500 yards from the shore. Matt was accompanied by divers Aki Mike and Darryl Holson, who later returned with Matt to videotape the aircraft and search the immediate area for other wreckage.

The wings are folded back in their parked position, but the left side wing and stabilizer were damaged, possibly from an anchor dragging through the site. The site is also unique as the Hellcat is sitting straight up and down in the water on its nose, balanced by its engine mount, front wing edges, and landing gear. Missing its engine, guns, and many smaller cockpit items.

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