USS Juneau (CL-52)

The USS Juneau (CL-52) was an Atlanta-class light cruiser of the United States Navy commissioned in 1942. Her service was tragically brief, lasting only a few months during World War II.

Juneau participated in several naval battles in the Pacific Theater, most notably the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in November 1942. During this engagement, she was heavily damaged by Japanese torpedoes. After withdrawing from the main battle group, Juneau was struck by a torpedo from the Japanese submarine I-26. The resulting explosion detonated the ship's forward magazines, causing her to disintegrate rapidly.

The sinking of the Juneau resulted in a massive loss of life. Of her crew of nearly 700, only about 10 survived the immediate aftermath. Due to communication issues, search and rescue efforts were delayed, and many who had initially survived perished in the days following the sinking. Among those lost were the five Sullivan brothers, whose story became a symbol of American wartime sacrifice.

The wreck of the USS Juneau was discovered in March 2018 by the Research Vessel Petrel at a depth of approximately 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) off the coast of Guadalcanal. The discovery confirmed the long-held belief regarding the location of the wreck.

The Juneau's legacy is significant, representing both the fierce fighting during the Guadalcanal campaign and the immense human cost of war. The story of the Sullivan brothers, in particular, led to changes in U.S. Navy policy regarding family member assignments to naval vessels.