Facts About the USS Utah

There are many facts about the USS Utah that people should know. The USS Utah (BB-31) is a lesser-known yet profoundly significant part of the Pearl Harbor narrative. Although it was demilitarized and reclassified as a target ship years before the infamous attack, its fate on December 7, 1941, and the stories surrounding it are both tragic and heroic.

Commissioned in 1911, the USS Utah was a Florida-class battleship that served during World War I. By 1931, the ship was converted into a target ship, redesignated as AG-16. Stripped of its heavy armament, the Utah’s new role was to provide training for naval aviators, who practiced bombing runs on the ship. Despite this demilitarization, the USS Utah retained its value as a training vessel, contributing significantly to the Navy’s preparedness.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS Utah was moored at Pearl Harbor. In the early minutes of the Japanese attack, the ship was struck by two torpedoes, causing it to flood rapidly. The vessel began to capsize, and despite efforts to save the ship, it sank, claiming the lives of 64 men out of its 525 crew members.

Among the many stories of bravery that emerged from the Pearl Harbor attack, Chief Watertender Peter Tomich’s stands out. As the ship began to capsize, Tomich remained at his post in the boiler room, ensuring that his fellow sailors had enough time to escape. His selfless act of courage cost him his life, but it saved many others. For his heroism, Tomich was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, one of the highest military honors in the United States.

Ten years before its tragic end, the USS Utah was demilitarized. In this process, authority removed the ship’s main armaments and converted it into a target ship, designated AG-16. Although it was no longer a frontline battleship, the USS Utah played a crucial role in training naval personnel, particularly in anti-aircraft warfare. The ship was even equipped with experimental 1.1″/75 caliber anti-aircraft guns, which were tested extensively before being deployed on other ships.
One of the more poignant tales associated with the USS Utah involves Chief Yeoman Albert Wagner and his daughter, Nancy Lynne Wagner. Nancy was born prematurely and tragically passed away shortly after birth. Wagner had intended to scatter her ashes at sea, but the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred before he had the chance. Her ashes were stored in his locker aboard the Utah. After the ship sank, Wagner chose to leave her ashes aboard the vessel, where they remain entombed to this day, a silent testament to personal loss amidst the broader tragedy of war.

Today, the USS Utah lies on the floor of Pearl Harbor, partially submerged and serving as a solemn memorial to those who lost their lives during the attack. Unlike the more famous USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial is less accessible, with visitation generally restricted to military personnel and their guests. However, it remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day and the enduring legacy of the ship and its crew.
The story of the USS Utah is one of bravery, sacrifice, and loss. While the ship may not be as well-known as others that were present at Pearl Harbor, its history is rich with stories that deserve to be remembered. From the heroism of Peter Tomich to the heartbreaking tale of Baby Nancy, the USS Utah’s legacy is a significant chapter in the story of Pearl Harbor. As we remember the events of December 7, 1941, we honor the memory of those who served aboard the USS Utah and all who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country.