Ships of Pearl Harbor: USS Avocet

The USS Avocet was commissioned on September 17, 1918, as a Lapwing-class minesweeper with the hull designation (AM-19). For the first seven years of her service, she operated under the command of Lieutenant Christian Crone, participating in a variety of naval exercises and tests. Despite this activity, the Avocet did not see combat during her early years. However, after being recommissioned in 1925 as a seaplane tender with a new hull designation (AVP-4), her role in history began to change, eventually leading her to Pearl Harbor, where she would witness one of the most significant moments in American history.

On December 7, 1941, the USS Avocet was stationed at Pearl Harbor, moored on the southeastern side of Ford Island. That morning, as Japanese planes launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Avocet’s crew was forced into action. The initial shock of seeing enemy aircraft swarm the skies over Pearl Harbor soon gave way to a determined defense. General quarters were sounded, and the crew moved swiftly to arm their guns and bring ammunition to their stations.
While the Avocet was a relatively small vessel compared to the battleships anchored nearby, her crew played a significant role in defending the harbor. They were credited with shooting down a Nakajima B5N2 “Kate,” a torpedo bomber that had just attacked the USS California (BB-44). Although many Japanese planes continued their assault, Avocet’s crew focused on bringing down torpedo bombers, then shifted to targeting dive bombers in an effort to protect the ships around them.

One of the most dramatic moments of the attack involved the USS Nevada (BB-36), which attempted to break free of the harbor and escape into open waters. The Avocet had a clear view of the Nevada as it made its daring run. However, the battleship soon came under heavy fire from Japanese planes, making it impossible for the Nevada to escape. As the ship tried to evade the relentless bombardment, the Avocet’s crew provided cover, firing their guns at the enemy aircraft targeting the Nevada.
Despite their best efforts, the Nevada’s crew was forced to beach the ship at nearby Hospital Point to prevent her from sinking in the harbor. The Avocet, meanwhile, continued its defense of Pearl Harbor, managing to escape the attack with no significant damage. By the time the assault ended, her crew had fired 144 rounds and scored one confirmed kill. The Avocet’s crew largely escaped harm, with only two men suffering minor injuries—one from a dropped box of ammunition and the other from shrapnel. Remarkably, the Avocet even gained an additional crew member when a sailor from the USS Swan (AVP-7) joined after being unable to report to his own ship.

Once the Japanese planes had left and the attack was over, the aftermath of the destruction required immediate attention. The USS Avocet was called upon to assist in firefighting efforts on some of the severely damaged ships. First, the crew aided in extinguishing the fires aboard the USS California, which had been heavily damaged by bombs and torpedoes. Later, the Avocet turned its attention to helping the Nevada, which was beached but still smoldering.
Despite the chaos of that day, the Avocet emerged from the attack relatively unscathed and continued to serve throughout World War II. She played a vital role in tending to seaplanes and supporting naval operations in the Pacific theater.

The USS Avocet remained in service until the end of World War II, providing valuable assistance in both combat and support operations. After years of faithful service, she was finally decommissioned on December 10, 1945. Though she never gained the fame of the larger battleships at Pearl Harbor, the Avocet’s actions on that fateful day exemplified the bravery and determination of all who defended the harbor.
Her story is a reminder that even the smaller vessels and their crews played crucial roles in one of the most important naval battles in American history, contributing to the broader effort that ultimately led to victory in World War II.