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| USN VF-39
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Aircraft History Built by Grumman as model G-50 in Bethpage, New York. Constructors Number unknown. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as F6F-3 Hellcat bureau number unknown. Wartime History Assigned to Fighting Squadron 39 (VF-39). No known nickname or nose art. This plane operated from Dalop Island. At the end of the Pacific War, this Hellcat was stripped for usable parts then dumped into Majuro Lagoon. Wreckage During 2000, this aircraft was discovered by Matt Holly near the Outrigger Resort (Marshall Islands Resort (MIR). The aircraft was found while he was searching for an anchor lost by the cargo vessel Neptune Gale, nearly 500 yards from the shore. Matt was accompanied by divers Aki Mike and Darryl Holson, who later returned with Matt to videotape the aircraft and search the immediate area for other wreckage. The wings are folded back in their parked position, but the left side wing and stabilizer were damaged, possibly from an anchor dragging through the site. The site is also unique as the Hellcat is sitting straight up and down in the water on its nose, balanced by its engine mount, front wing edges, and landing gear. Missing its engine, guns, and many smaller cockpit items. The divers claimed to find bureau number "25116" but this bureau number is not associated with the F6F Hellcat and might be in error or that number might be another part number. References Note Bureau Number 25116" is not associated with the F6F Hellcat and must be in error. Pacific Islands Report - Hellcat Found in Majuro Lagoon May 26, 2000 via WaybackMachine Thanks to Matt Holly for additional information Contribute
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