The Battleships of Pearl Harbor

The battleships of Pearl Harbor have their own story. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor became the focal point of a devastating attack that would thrust the United States into World War II. Among the prime targets were the eight battleships moored at Battleship Row: the USS Arizona, Oklahoma, West Virginia, California, Nevada, Tennessee, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. These vessels, representing the might of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, each met varying fates during the attack, from complete destruction to later restoration and service in the war effort.

The USS Arizona stands as one of the most tragic symbols of the Pearl Harbor attack. Hit by a massive explosion, the Arizona sank rapidly, taking 1,177 sailors to their watery graves. The ship’s remains now lie beneath the waters of Pearl Harbor, serving as a poignant memorial for those who perished that day. The USS Arizona Memorial is the most visited site at Pearl Harbor, honoring not only those lost aboard but also all who were affected by the attack.

The USS Oklahoma was another significant casualty, capsizing after being struck by five torpedoes. The attack claimed the lives of 429 sailors, many of whom were entombed within the ship as it sank. In 2011, efforts were made to identify the remains for individual burials, offering a sense of closure to the families of the fallen. The USS Oklahoma was ultimately lost to the Pacific during an attempt to transport the wreckage to a scrapyard.

Despite suffering severe damage from seven torpedo hits and two bomb strikes, the USS West Virginia was later refloated and returned to service in 1944. The ship played a significant role in the Philippines’ liberation, participating in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The resilience of the USS West Virginia and its crew exemplifies the determination of the U.S. Navy to bounce back from the devastation of Pearl Harbor.

The USS California, struck by two bombs and two torpedoes, sank but was later refloated and returned to service. The ship’s participation in the Battle of Surigao and the Leyte Gulf invasion underscored its restored power. The USS California’s comeback story reflects the broader recovery of the U.S. Navy following the Pearl Harbor attack.

The USS Nevada’s story is one of determination and quick thinking. After being hit by six bombs and one torpedo, the crew managed to maneuver the ship out of the harbor, preventing it from sinking in deep water. Refloated within months, the Nevada returned to service in 1942, eventually participating in the invasion of Normandy. The ship’s survival and continued service symbolize the unyielding spirit of the U.S. Navy.

Both the USS Tennessee and USS Maryland sustained damage during the attack but remained afloat. The Tennessee, struck by two armor-piercing bombs, suffered minor damage, while the Maryland was hit by two bombs that failed to cause significant harm. Both ships were quickly repaired and returned to service, with the USS Tennessee joining the Aleutian Islands Campaign and the USS Maryland supporting the fleet at the Battle of Midway.

The USS Pennsylvania, moored in dry dock during the attack, is believed to have been the first battleship to open fire on the Japanese attackers. Despite being struck by one bomb, the USS Pennsylvania sustained only minor damage and went on to participate in the Aleutian Campaign in 1943. The ship’s early response to the attack highlights the readiness and resolve of the U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor.