USS Aaron Ward

Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands

Depth

80m

Visibility

15m - 45m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced

USS Aaron Ward

Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands

Depth

80m

Visibility

15m - 45m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced

About USS Aaron Ward

The U.S.S. Aaron Ward lies off Florida Island after having been sunk in a Japanese air attack in 43'. The gunners were 1500 - 2000 yards away when the opened fire and only the first bombs met their mark. Lives were lost and the ship couldn't be salvaged, it now lies upright at 200 - 240 ft. The current is good as is the viz, The ship is narrow a 5 inch gun turret points at the port with 40mm anti aircraft guns facing upward. There are prolific schools of fish. The stern bends at 90degrees from bottom impact. There's ammo strewn around and stored on the shelves as well as the torpedo launch unit fully loaded (400 lbs. TNT ) One can visibly see the impacts from the bombs all over the ship. Deco time is a while with the dive at 30m. Tulagi Island forms part two of this dive with its Japanese flying boat base where 6 Kawanishi flying boats sank in the bay. They are 4 engine, long range reconnaissance planes used to keep an eye on the American navy. The wreck dived here lies in 140 feet of water and the vis is not that great. There's still some fuselage and parts of the wings There are visible bullet holes and a deserted cockpit.

USS Aaron Ward Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Deep, Wreck

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

80m

Visibility Range

15m – 45m

Experience Level

Advanced

Best Gas Mix

—

CNS Load (20 min)

-1% at 78m / 21%

O₂

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Marine Life

Various

Weather Conditions

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Dive Operators near USS Aaron Ward

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Location

Location details missing.

Dive Site Hazards

Gradual Narcosis Onset — Narcosis may develop slowly, making self-assessment unreliable.
Task Fixation at Depth — Cognitive narrowing at depth can reduce awareness of time and ascent rate.
Increased Gas Density Breathing Load — Higher gas density at depth increases work of breathing.

Deceptive Entry Openings — Openings may become restrictive inside due to angle, collapse, or corrosion.

Surge-Induced Internal Silt Shift — Internal surge can move silt and debris without direct contact.

Partial Overhead Environment — Many wrecks limit direct ascent even without full penetration.

Fine Rust Particle Silt-Out — Disturbed rust particles can rapidly reduce visibility.

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