Vandalism of Shipwreck
The Emmons made national headlines in September, 2010 when it was revealed the shipwreck had been vandalized by divers. The ship's plaque, or data plate, has been removed without permission of the U.S. Navy, which still maintains custody of the wreck. To many veterans this act is akin to robbing a grave. As one said, "that ship is a resting place (for sixty men). Those men deserve our respect". The Emmons lies in 147 feet of water off Okinawa's Kouri Island. It has become a popular dive site since its rediscovery in February, 2001.
On 7 April 2011, the plaque was recovered by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and is the hands of proper authorities. The US Navy will determine how the plaque will be displayed.
Read more about this topic: USS Emmons (DD-457)
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