Recently, a news about the discovery of the US World War II submarine "Gray Whale" near Okinawa has aroused widespread attention. The submarine has been dormant at the bottom of the ocean for 75 years since its disappearance in 1944. Why was it discovered here? Let's take a look at it, uncover the dust of history, and discover the truth that few people know.
Looking back at the long river of history, World War II is undoubtedly the most tragic war in the world. In that era of gunpowder, the US submarine "Gray Whale" was a fierce general of the US military, and it was famous in the Pacific Theater for its outstanding combat achievements and powerful firepower. The submarine was launched for the first time on January 31, 1940, and was commissioned in June of the following year, and has since been active on the front line against Japan.
Submarines, such huge underwater warships, became killer in naval warfare with their concealment and suddenness. In particular, diesel-electric hybrid submarines like the "Gray Whale" were not only fast and capable of stealing, but also equipped with 10 torpedo tubes, as many as 24 torpedoes, one deck gun and two machine guns, and were undoubtedly the hegemon of the sea at that time.
Just as the "Gray Whale" was galloping on the battlefield in the Pacific theater of operations, in 1944, the submarine suddenly disappeared silently into the shadow of the war and became an unsolved mystery. It wasn't until November 10, 2019, when an American undersea explorer accidentally discovered its wreckage in the waters off Okinawa, that this almost forgotten past resurfaced.
So the question is, why did the "Gray Whale" sink here? According to historical records, it was discovered and hit by Japanese anti-submarine aircraft during a deep-sea stealth mission. This also explains why it is found in the waters near Japan. And the discovery of this submarine is not only the discovery of a historical site, but also a review of that war-torn era.
After learning that the "Gray Whale" had been found, the U.S. government made a surprising decision not to salvage the submarine. The reasons behind this are manifold. From the point of view of respecting history, this submarine is the resting place of many US Navy soldiers, and undisturbed is more in line with respect for the martyrs. Technology and cost are also considerations. Salvage operations deep under the seabed are not only technically demanding, but also extremely expensive.
From a strategic point of view, there is also a deep meaning in not salvage. This submarine on the bottom of the sea can actually be used as a strategic resource. In the modern information age, every historical discovery may stimulate the public's interest in history and enhance national cohesion. For the United States, this is not only a testament to history, but also a great opportunity to showcase the history of its naval power and technological development.
This discovery undoubtedly provides valuable information for underwater archaeology and historical research. Through the study of the wreckage of the Gray Whale, scientists can better understand the technology of building submarines during World War II and the tactical layout of the time. This information is valuable not only for historians, but also for improving the design and safety of modern submarines.
And for us ordinary people, such a discovery is undoubtedly exciting. It is not only a review of the past, but also a remembrance of heroes. In that war-torn era, countless submarines like the "Gray Whale" and their brave crews threw themselves into the torrent of war for the sake of peace and freedom.
Although the discovery of the "Gray Whale" was full of drama, it also brought some controversy and food for thought. For example, different people have different opinions about the decision to salvage or not. Some people believe that we should salvage it so that the public can understand the history more intuitively and feel the events of that era. Others believe that it should be allowed to lie quietly on the bottom of the sea as a form of respect for history and the sacrifices.
This kind of controversy actually reflects our different attitudes and ways of dealing with historical memory. Whether you choose to respect silence or choose to commemorate history through a more intuitive display, behind it is a deep reflection on history and a sense of responsibility for the future.
The discovery of the submarine "Gray Whale" is not only the discovery of a shipwreck, but also a profound touch on history. It gives us the opportunity to re-examine that bloody history, and at the same time makes us think about how to better preserve and pass on these precious historical legacies. In the days to come, whether it is choosing a silent seabed or a display in a museum, the "Gray Whale" will continue its new mission, so that the world can remember the lessons of history and cherish the peaceful today.