Four Iconic Pearl Harbor Moments

Pearl Harbor is etched in history’s four most iconic moments. Among the many events, four moments were: the sinking of the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma, the launch of the USS Bowfin, and Japan’s eventual surrender. These events played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war and the world that emerged from it.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS Arizona was moored at Pearl Harbor when Japanese forces launched a devastating surprise attack. A bomb detonated in the ship’s forward ammunition magazine, causing a massive explosion that led to the Arizona sinking quickly.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was meticulously planned by Japan to neutralize the US Pacific Fleet, thereby preventing American interference in Japan’s expansionist ambitions in Southeast Asia. The USS Arizona, a Pennsylvania-class battleship, was one of the primary targets.
At 8:06 AM, a bomb struck the USS Arizona, igniting over a million pounds of gunpowder. The explosion tore through the ship, causing it to sink within nine minutes. Of the 1,512 crew members aboard, 1,177 perished, making it one of the most significant losses of life during the attack.

Another tragic loss on December 7, 1941, was the USS Oklahoma, a Nevada-class battleship that capsized after being hit by multiple torpedoes.
The USS Oklahoma was stationed outboard of the USS Maryland, making it highly vulnerable to torpedo attacks. As part of the Pacific Fleet, it was a key target for the Japanese forces.
The USS Oklahoma was struck by at least five torpedoes within minutes of the attack beginning. The rapid succession of hits caused the ship to capsize, trapping hundreds of sailors inside. Despite rescue efforts, 429 crew members lost their lives.
Rescue operations commenced immediately, with survivors cutting through the hull to save trapped sailors. The capsized ship was righted and salvaged, but the loss of life was a stark reminder of the attack’s ferocity. The sinking highlighted the need for improved naval defense tactics.

In the wake of the Pearl Harbor attack, the United States ramped up its naval capabilities, including the launch of the USS Bowfin, a Balao-class submarine.
Nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the USS Bowfin was launched on December 7, 1942, exactly one year after the attack. It was intended to play a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, targeting Japanese shipping and contributing to the US Navy’s offensive strategy.
The USS Bowfin embarked on nine war patrols, sinking 44 enemy ships and damaging numerous others. Its success in disrupting Japanese supply lines and its effectiveness in combat made it one of the most celebrated submarines of the war.

The culmination of the conflict in the Pacific came with Japan’s formal surrender on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri.
Following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet declaration of war on Japan, Japanese leaders recognized the futility of continued resistance. Japan’s Emperor Hirohito surrendered unconditionally on August 15, 1945.
The official surrender ceremony took place on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Representatives of the Allied powers, including General Douglas MacArthur and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, witnessed Japanese officials signing the Instrument of Surrender. This act formally ended World War II. The signing marked not only the end of hostilities but also the beginning of a new era in international relations. It symbolized the triumph of the Allies and the start of a lengthy process of rebuilding and reconciliation. The ceremony aboard the USS Missouri underscored the pivotal role the United States played in securing peace.