On Wednesday, May 1st, the Military Aviation Museum will host a webinar with team members of the U.S.S Lexington (CV 2) Aircraft Recovery Project. A presentation of the significance of the Douglas TBD-1 Devastator torpedo bombers, a unique Grumman Wildcat F4F-3 fighter, and the famous men who flew these aircraft.
The USS Lexington, affectionately known as “Lady Lex” by her crew, met an illustrious fate during the Battle of the Coral Sea, a pivotal moment in naval history. In 2018 after more than 76 years of resting in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, she emerged from the shadows of history, thanks to the efforts of philanthropist Paul G. Allen and his research vessel R/V Petrel. The discovery of the USS Lexington not only unveiled a significant piece of WWII history but also honored the bravery and sacrifice of those who served aboard her. As her story resurfaces, it serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom on the high seas.
The presentation will provide an overview of how the project came together with support from families of veterans of the Battle of the Coral Sea and international organizations, the status at present, and a look at what will happen to the aircraft if the Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command approves the project.
I once saw underwater pictures of airplanes from sunken aircraft carrier with Felix the Cat pictured on the side. I have forgotten the name of the ship. Can anyone repost the images or know the name of the ship?
I believe that was one of the now-historic aircraft flown by pilots on the USS Lexington. I do not know if there are any surviving aircraft of this type. Since it’s likely one of the planes that flew in the historic Battle of Midway, its value would be literally priceless.
There are no TBD devaststors, above water, anywhere. I believe they found one over 15 yrs ago in 500 feet of water around the bahamas, that was used as a training aircraft, but if I recall, the navy refused to allow a restoration group to raise it.
VFA-31 aka The Tomcatters operated from the USS Lexington which is probably what you’re remembering. The underwater photos clearly show the Felix insignia.
VFA-31,FIGHTING TOM CATTERS.
See on Wikipedia
That’s aboard the same wreck, the USS Lexington:
https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Recent/Article-View/Article/2686864/newly-discovered-wreck-of-uss-lexington-reveals-rare-f4f-wildcat/
It was the USS Lexington which sank during the Battle of the Coral Sea…VF-31 (the Felix the Cat squadron) was attached to the Lexington.
Through the years the VF-31 “Fighting 31” squadron and their predecessors have served on many of the Navy’s early aircraft carriers, including the first, USS Langley; the second, USS Lexington; and the sixth, USS Enterprise. They were aboard Enterprise during the Attack on Pearl Harbor as well as the battles of Wake Island, Marcus Island, Midway, Guadalcanal, and the Eastern Solomon Islands. The squadron also saw aerial combat over the Philippines, Formosa, Okinawa, and China.
I found one with a small Felix carrying a spherical bomb near the windshield. The shop was the Lexington. The image was on reddit.
Is this it? https://www.reddit.com/r/WWIIplanes/comments/bpfzb6/grumman_w_felix_the_cat_insignia_at_the_wreck_of/
Wow,great picture, that guy was nearly a ace.
The late Paul Allen was involved in many historic aviation projects. These planes are in terrific condition. let’s get em.
What came pout of this meeting. Was there any USN movement? Inquiring’s minds……….