Underwater camera provides first look at USS Independence in 65 years

65 years ago, the USS Independence was deliberately sunk in the waters off the coast of San Francisco, reports USA Today.

The aircraft carrier, which had survived both World War II and atomic testing, had not been seen since, but that recently changed.

On Monday, the crew of the E/V Nautilus sent its remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore the wreckage and survey it for a variety of data.

Among the plethora of sea life now surrounding the ship, the ROV spotted many remnants from decades ago, including a plane on the vessel.

James P. Delgado, Director of NOAA's Maritime Heritage, noted, "It was amazing to see because it's a plane that should not be there...You could still see the prominent star and stripe, the national insignia of a late war airplane."

The mission was conducted in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Naval Historical Foundation.

It is part of a larger endeavor to study the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.