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World War II Era Fighter Plane Discovered at Midway Atoll – Photos

A P-40K Warhawk of the 78th Fighter Squadron.
A P-40K Warhawk of the 78th Fighter Squadron. Credit: Mark Stevens, 7th Fighter Command Association
Two years after surviving his accident at Midway Atoll, Capt. Ray L. Obenshain, Assistant Operations Officer of Fresno, California, checks his jungle pack at the 47th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group base on Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands.
Two years after surviving his accident at Midway Atoll, Capt. Ray L. Obenshain, Assistant Operations Officer of Fresno, California, checks his jungle pack at the 47th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group base on Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands. Credit: Mark Stevens, 7th Fighter Command Association
The .50-caliber gun muzzle with identifying plate helped pinpoint the wreckage as that of a P-40K Warhawk.
The .50-caliber gun muzzle with identifying plate helped pinpoint the wreckage as that of a P-40K Warhawk. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA
Allison V1770-81 engine of the P-40K Warhawk found at Midway Atoll.
Allison V1770-81 engine of the P-40K Warhawk found at Midway Atoll. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA
United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) 78th Fighter Squadron, stationed at Midway from January 23 until April 21, 1943 to protect the island, its garrison and fortifications and the submarine and communications base from enemy attacks.
United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) 78th Fighter Squadron, stationed at Midway from January 23 until April 21, 1943 to protect the island, its garrison and fortifications and the submarine and communications base from enemy attacks. Lt. Ray Obenshain is the third from the right in the second row from the bottom. Credit: Mark Stevens, 7th Fighter Command Association
The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) 78th Fighter Squadron, stationed at Midway from January 23 until April 21, 1943 in flight.
The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) 78th Fighter Squadron, stationed at Midway from January 23 until April 21, 1943 in flight. Credit: Mark Stevens, 7th Fighter Command Association
Jason Raupp documents the Allison V 1710 engine of the P-40K Warhawk wrecked at Midway Atoll.
Jason Raupp documents the Allison V 1710 engine of the P-40K Warhawk wrecked at Midway Atoll. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA
One of three .50-caliber guns from the P-40K Warhawk wrecked at Midway Atoll.
One of three .50-caliber guns from the P-40K Warhawk wrecked at Midway Atoll. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA
A P-40K of United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) 78th Fighter Squadron, in an Eastern Island revetment while stationed at Midway from January 23 until April 21, 1943.
A P-40K of United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) 78th Fighter Squadron, in an Eastern Island revetment while stationed at Midway from January 23 until April 21, 1943 to protect the island, its garrison and fortifications and the submarine and communications base from enemy attacks. Credit: Mark Stevens, 7th Fighter Command Association
Jason Raupp documents guns and other artifacts from the P-40K Warhawk at Midway Atoll.
Jason Raupp documents guns and other artifacts from the P-40K Warhawk at Midway Atoll. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA
Maritime archaeologists document several small artifacts scattered around the P-40K Warhawk site at Midway Atoll.
Maritime archaeologists document several small artifacts scattered around the P-40K Warhawk site at Midway Atoll. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA
Jason Raupp documents a strut (landing gear) from the P-40K Warhawk at Midway Atoll.
Jason Raupp documents a strut (landing gear) from the P-40K Warhawk at Midway Atoll. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA
Maritime archaeologists Kelly Gleason and Jason Raupp document the P-40K Warhawk wreck site at Midway Atoll.
Maritime archaeologists Kelly Gleason and Jason Raupp document the P-40K Warhawk wreck site at Midway Atoll. Credit: Nick Tenney/NOAA
The NOAA maritime archaeology team documented landing gear from the P-40K Warhawk.
The NOAA maritime archaeology team documented landing gear from the P-40K Warhawk. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA
Jason Raupp documents a strut (landing gear) from the P-40K Warhawk at Midway Atoll.
Jason Raupp documents a strut (landing gear) from the P-40K Warhawk at Midway Atoll. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA
The .50-caliber gun muzzle with identifying plate helped pinpoint the wreckage as that of a P-40K Warhawk.
The .50-caliber gun muzzle with identifying plate helped pinpoint the wreckage as that of a P-40K Warhawk. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA
Propeller hub and blade of the P-40K Warhawk found at Midway Atoll.
Propeller hub and blade of the P-40K Warhawk found at Midway Atoll. Credit: Kelly Gleason/NOAA

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