Ships of Pearl Harbor: USS Dobbin

The USS Dobbin (AD-3) played a crucial yet often unsung role in the events of Pearl Harbor, forever etched into history on Dec 7, 1941. When Pearl Harbor was bombed, the Dobbin, a destroyer tender, was stationed near Ford Island, witnessing the devastation unleashed by the Japanese forces.

Although not a primary target during the Pearl Harbor bombing, Dobbin’s crew was thrust into action, rescuing hundreds of sailors from the fiery chaos. Amid the relentless attack on Pearl Harbor, they displayed unparalleled bravery, pulling men from the water and offering sanctuary aboard the ship. This act of courage unfolded at a time when the U.S. Pacific Fleet was under siege, and the nation was coming to terms with the profound shock of the attack on Pearl Harbor date—December 7, 1941.
Interestingly, just months before the attack, the USS Dobbin’s history took a mysterious turn. In July 1941, Captain Thomas Calloway Latimore, appointed to command the Dobbin, disappeared during a hike in the Aiea Mountain Range. Despite exhaustive searches, his body was never found, adding a layer of intrigue to the USS Dobbin’s narrative before the fateful Pearl Harbor bombing.
Following the attack, the USS Dobbin served as a pivotal support vessel in the Pacific theater. She was reassigned to Sydney, Australia, and continued to contribute to the war effort, surviving a Japanese midget submarine attack while anchored off Sydney. Her journey took her through various Pacific locations, including Brisbane and New Guinea, until the end of the war. On December 7, 1945, exactly four years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, she returned to San Diego.
USS Dobbin’s legacy is one of resilience and service, symbolizing the broader narrative of Pearl Harbor’s ships and their enduring importance. Today, visitors can explore this chapter of history through Pearl Harbor tours, which often include stops at key sites like the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. These tours help answer questions like “Why did the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor?”.
For those who wish to delve deeper into the history, the Pearl Harbor tour experience, including visits to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, provides a comprehensive look at the attack and its aftermath. The story of the USS Dobbin, while not as widely known as some of the other ships, is a reminder of the many roles played by various vessels during this pivotal moment in history. As we reflect on Pearl Harbor, it’s important to remember not just the famous battleships but also the support ships like the Dobbin, which were vital to the Navy’s resilience and ultimate victory.
In the modern context, the memory of Pearl Harbor was also immortalized in the 2001 film “Pearl Harbor,” which dramatized the events and brought renewed attention to this chapter of American history. The USS Dobbin may not have featured prominently in Hollywood’s portrayal, but her story remains a significant part of the real-life drama that unfolded on that “date which will live in infamy.”
For those interested in exploring more about Pearl Harbor, from the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor date to the strategic significance of why the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, a visit to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and other historical sites offers invaluable insights into this turning point in history. Whether through a Pearl Harbor tour or educational resources, the legacy of ships like the USS Dobbin continues to resonate, reminding us of the bravery and sacrifice that marked that tragic day.