The last of the major recovery expeditions to the Monitor took place in 2002. The 41-day recovery effort was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, which deployed divers to begin uncovering the ship’s turret for the first time in 140 years. Once the hull was removed from atop the turret, excavation of sediment began. During this process, two Dahlgren 11-inch cannons and their carriages were uncovered. Further, into the excavation the remains of two Monitor sailors were also revealed. The U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory, based in Hawaii, assisted in the documentation and recovery of the remains.
Go to the 2002 expedition page.
