Ships of Pearl Harbor: USS Hoga

The USS Hoga (YT-146), a harbor tugboat, played a crucial yet often overlooked role during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. When discussing the pivotal moments of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, much attention is given to the battleships and aircraft carriers that bore the brunt of the assault. However, one of the most heroic vessels involved that day was not a warship but a humble harbor tugboat—the USS Hoga (YT-146). Although small in size and lacking offensive firepower, the USS Hoga played a crucial role in mitigating the disaster and saving countless lives during and after the attack. Her story is a testament to the courage, quick thinking, and resilience of her crew.

The USS Hoga was stationed at the 1010 Dock when the first wave of Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor. With bombs and torpedoes raining down on Battleship Row, the larger ships like the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were immediately targeted and heavily damaged. Despite the chaos, the crew of the USS Hoga quickly sprang into action. Lieutenant Commander William W. commanded Outerbridge, the tugboat moved through the harbor, helping extinguish fires, tow ships out of harm’s way, and rescue sailors who had been thrown into the water.

One of the most significant contributions of the USS Hoga was her role in saving the USS Vestal, a repair ship that had been moored alongside the USS Arizona. After the Arizona was hit and engulfed in flames, the Vestal was in grave danger of suffering the same fate. The crew of the USS Hoga, demonstrating remarkable skill and bravery, managed to pull the Vestal away from the burning wreckage, thereby preventing further damage and loss of life.
The USS Hoga’s crew also played a vital role in assisting the USS Nevada. The Nevada was the only battleship to get underway during the attack, but she was soon hit by multiple bombs and began to sink. To avoid blocking the channel and trapping the Pacific Fleet in the harbor, the decision was made to beach the Nevada at Hospital Point. The USS Hoga helped maneuver the wounded battleship into position, an action that was critical in keeping the harbor open for future operations.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Hoga continued to serve valiantly throughout World War II. Her duties included firefighting, salvage operations, and assisting in the recovery of damaged vessels. After the war, in 1948, the USS Hoga was transferred to the Port of Oakland, California, where she served as a fireboat for many years. In her new role, she continued to protect lives and property, fighting fires and responding to emergencies in the busy port.

In 2015, the USS Hoga found a permanent home at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Here, she is displayed alongside the USS Razorback (SS-394), a submarine that saw action in World War II and later served in the Vietnam War. The pairing of these two vessels at the museum is symbolic, as the USS Hoga represents the beginning of America’s involvement in World War II, while the Razorback marks the war’s conclusion.

The USS Hoga’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of every vessel and crew member during wartime, regardless of size or firepower. Her actions on December 7, 1941, were nothing short of heroic, and her legacy continues to inspire those who learn about her. The USS Hoga may not have been a mighty battleship, but her contributions were invaluable, and she remains a cherished part of Pearl Harbor’s history.