Ships of Pearl Harbor: USS Tern

Naval History & Heritage Command, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The morning of December 7th, 1941, etched itself into American history as a day of infamy. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces crippled the US Pacific Fleet, throwing the nation into World War II. Amidst the towering battleships and nimble destroyers, a smaller vessel, the USS Tern, played a crucial, if lesser-known, role in the events of that fateful day.

Originally launched in 1919 as the USS Tern (AM-31), this Lapwing-class minesweeper was anything but a glamorous warship. Built for the unglamorous but essential task of clearing underwater threats, the Tern was a workhorse of the fleet. At a modest 188 feet long and displacing 1500 tons, she was dwarfed by the battleships around her. Yet, within her unassuming hull resided a crew ready to rise to the occasion.

Stationed at Pearl Harbor as part of Train Squadron 2, the Tern found herself alongside the destroyer USS Argonne on December 7th. With her engines undergoing maintenance, the Tern was tethered to the dock, dependent on external power. As the first bombs rained down, shattering the tranquility of the Hawaiian morning, the crew of the Tern sprang into action. Despite being caught unprepared, with their very lifeline to power severed, they didn’t hesitate.

According to the USS Tern’s action report, the first order of business was getting underway. Without engine power, this meant relying on manpower and quick thinking. Sailors scrambled to raise anchors and secure lines, a race against time as enemy aircraft swarmed the harbor. With sheer grit and determination, they managed to maneuver the Tern free by 09:43.

But the ordeal was far from over. The Tern’s crew, unable to directly engage the attackers due to their position, witnessed the devastation unfolding around them. One report describes them opening fire on an enemy plane, obscured by the USS Argonne, only to see it fall near the Officers’ Club. This small act of defiance, amidst the larger chaos, exemplifies the courage displayed by the Tern’s crew.

The true test came in the aftermath of the initial attack. The harbor was a scene of carnage, with burning ships and injured personnel scattered across the water. The Tern, now mobile, didn’t hesitate to join the rescue efforts. They picked up 47 survivors, offering a lifeline to those clinging to hope amidst the wreckage.

The heroism of the Tern extended beyond immediate rescue. The burning battleship USS West Virginia, critically damaged in the attack, desperately needed assistance in controlling the flames. The Tern, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Oscar C. Badger, received orders to join the firefighting efforts. Without hesitation, they positioned themselves alongside the West Virginia and poured their resources into battling the inferno.

The USS Tern’s story serves as a potent reminder that heroism comes in all shapes and sizes. While the battleships and their crews rightfully hold a prominent place in the narrative of Pearl Harbor, the smaller vessels like the Tern played a vital role. Their quick thinking, unwavering courage, and dedication to duty in the face of overwhelming odds embody the spirit of the American sailor.

The USS Tern continued to serve with distinction throughout World War II. Reclassified as an ocean tugboat (ATO-142) in 1942, she participated in vital operations across the Pacific theater. Her story, however, serves as a microcosm of the countless smaller vessels and their crews who played a critical, but often overlooked, role in securing Allied victory.

The next time you visit Pearl Harbor, or delve into the history of that fateful day, remember the USS Tern. Let her story be a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who served, a reminder that heroism isn’t confined to the size of your ship, but the size of your heart.

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