Current expedition

Maritime Archaeology of Guadalcanal: Iron Bottom Sound

July 2 – 23, 2025
Description and highlights
Current Status
Vehicles Ascending
Locke headshot new
Update
Our remotely operated vehicles Atalanta and Hercules are about 800m under the surface. We are troubleshooting the winch that raises and lowers Atalanta on its tether. Come critter spotting with us in the meantime!
2 hours ago
Ship Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands
Our team is in the control room and ready for your questions!

Technology

Ship location

The ship location map has been disabled temporarily.

In accordance with federal regulations, international best practices, and OET policies, location data for maritime heritage sites is restricted from public release.

Current Watch

Watch Leader

Scientist

Data Logger

Data Logger

Hercules Pilot

Atalanta Pilot

Navigator

Video Engineer

On shore

Scientist
Scientist
Scientist
Scientist
Scientist

Recent Posts

USS new orleans bow OET
Ocean Exploration Trust

🚨 New wreck alert! We're proud to share the first photos of the newly discovered bow blown off the World War II heavy cruiser USS New Orleans. 
 

HMS Canberra
US National Archives

Eighty years after World War II, the NA173 expedition brings together archaeological experts from all combatant nations — the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand— as well as interdisciplinary experts worldwide through the Scientist Ashore program. In locating and exploring these historically significant sites, this expedition aims to honor those lost and keep alive the memory of sacrifices made during the Battles of Guadalcanal, as well as highlight the significance of this unique place globally. 
 

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