The Boston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has returned a variety of historical artifacts and records belonging to the USS Massachusetts, a decommissioned World War II battleship.
The FBI says they returned nine items, including a folder labeled ‘Plan of the Day for 1942’ – containing a historically significant set of documents that provides a rare glimpse into the Navy’s operational planning during World War II.
Also returned were a rusted metal crate labeled “Missile Hazards Within,” and a First Lieutenant’s Damage Control Book detailing the exact engineering and structural specifications required to keep the battleship afloat and combat-ready.
FBI officials say the artifacts were believed to be missing for decades and are expressing appreciation to a Texas family for turning them over after finding them among their late father’s possessions.
The father had worked on refurbishing the ship in the 1990s.
The USS Massachusetts is affectionately known by her crew as “Big Mamie.”
It serves as a floating museum at Battleship Cove in Fall River.
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