While one of the less famous ships from Operation Crossroads, USS independence is still an interesting case. This light carrier survived both tests, in more or less one piece. Heavily damaged, yes, but not enough to be a write off.

So she was towed off and studied for the next few years, before being scuttled in 1951.

Her wreck would then be located, in the early 21st century. Still in more or less one piece, but now absolutely covered in glass sponges. To an almost ridiculous extent, in fact. That's fun to look at in its own right, but the overall condition of the wreck is more interesting.

Dive on the Wreck:
   • USS Independence: An 'Operation Cross...