In a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the US Navy, the Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) team has successfully retrieved the bell of the USS Jacob Jones, a poignant symbol of one of the most notable shipwrecks in US naval history.
After 107 years resting in the depths near the Isles of Scilly, the bell of the USS Jacob Jones was brought to the surface during the first deployment of a new remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). This milestone marks a significant moment in maritime history, as the bell represents the enduring legacy of the ship and the courage of its crew.
The USS Jacob Jones met its tragic fate in 1917 when it was torpedoed by a German submarine while escorting a convoy carrying troops and supplies from the US to the UK during World War I. Sixty-four crew members perished in the attack, making it the first US Navy destroyer to be sunk during wartime.
The discovery of the USS Jacob Jones wreck by the Darkstar Diving Team in 2022, resting on the seabed over 100 meters below the surface, sparked a collaborative effort between the US Navy’s Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) and the SALMO team. Last December, NHHC reached out to the UK authorities to preserve the sanctity of the wreck and recover its bell, a cherished icon of naval history.
Navigating challenging tidal conditions and obscured visibility due to sediment, the SALMO team conducted meticulous surveys to locate the bell. Maneuvering the ROV with precision, they eventually uncovered the bell, obscured by growth, in an upright position on the seabed.
In a touching tribute to those who lost their lives aboard the USS Jacob Jones, the SALMO team laid a wreath and the US flag on the wreck before retrieving the bell. Following a ceremonial handover to the US, the bell will find its final resting place at the Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington DC, where it will serve as a poignant reminder of the valor and sacrifice of those who served their country at sea.
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