On Dec. 17, 1917, 19 sailors aboard the U.S. Navy submarine USS F-1 made the ultimate sacrifice during a training mission when the vessel collided with its sister ship. The wreck, now resting 1,300 feet below the surface off the coast of San Diego, has remained hidden until recently, when scientists employed cutting-edge technology to capture never-before-seen images of the site.
Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) conducted a series of dives between February 24 and March 4, using advanced submersibles and autonomous underwater vehicles to document the wreck. The expedition, which was both an archaeological and engineering mission, aimed to honor the fallen sailors and preserve the historical importance of the site. During a commemorative ceremony, a bell was rung 19 times on the research vessel Atlantis, directly above the wreck, to mark the lives of the 19 sailors who perished.
The mission also included the survey of a Navy torpedo bomber training aircraft that crashed in the same location in 1950. Advanced imaging technology, including multibeam sonar systems and photogrammetry, was used to produce high-resolution maps and 3D reconstructions of the submarine and its surrounding area. This detailed documentation not only helps to preserve the history of the site but also serves as a testament to the bravery of those who served during the First World War.
Naval History and Heritage Command Underwater Archaeologist Brad Krueger emphasized the significance of the find, stating, “It was an incredibly exciting and humbling experience to visit these historically significant wrecks and to honor the sacrifice of these brave American Sailors.” The team, which included Navy veterans and historians, approached the mission with a deep sense of responsibility, ensuring that the memory of the fallen would not be forgotten. This discovery not only highlights the role of technology in uncovering history but also underscores the enduring legacy of naval service and the importance of preserving maritime heritage.