The wreckage of the USS Lexington, sunk in the Battle of the Coral Sea during World War II, has been located by the expedition crew of research vessel (R/V) Petrel, owned by billionaire-explorer Paul Allen. The ship was found roughly 500 miles off the eastern coast of Australia in water almost 2 miles deep. 

“To pay tribute to the USS Lexington and the brave men that served on her is an honor,” said billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. “As Americans, all of us owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who served and who continue to serve our country for their courage, persistence, and sacrifice.”

The USS Lexington (CV2) was the second aircraft carrier ever commissioned by the US Navy. Originally designed as a battlecruiser, she was converted into an aircraft carrier during construction to comply with the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922. The carrier entered service in 1928 and served in the Pacific until she sank on May 8, 1942.

This is the third major World War II combatant found by Paul Allen and his team on the R/V Petrel in the last three years.  In August 2017, Allen announced that they had located the wreckage of the cruiser USS Indianapolis sunk in 1945.  In 2015, after eight years of searching, a team led by Paul Allen discovered the wreck of the Japanese battleship Musashi, sunk in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944. 
  

Wreckage of USS Lexington Located in Coral Sea

Thanks to David Rye, John Gregoire, and Phil Leon for contributing to this post.