USS Sotoyomo: The Oldest Ship at Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor led to a devastating loss of more than 2,400 American lives and inflicted severe damage on the Pacific Fleet. The Japanese assault, aimed at crippling the U.S. Navy’s presence in the Pacific, failed to completely achieve its objective, and America’s resilience soon took hold. Among the ships that endured the surprise attack was the USS Sotoyomo (YTM-9), a harbor tug that embodied the spirit of resilience in the face of destruction.

On that quiet Sunday morning, the USS Sotoyomo was laid up in dry dock YFD-2 alongside the destroyer USS Shaw (DD-373). She was undergoing scheduled maintenance, completely unprepared for combat action. At 0800, as the Japanese forces launched their assault, the USS Shaw was hit, resulting in a violent explosion. The flames from the stricken destroyer quickly spread to the nearby Sotoyomo, causing severe damage. In the chaos that ensued, the USS Sotoyomo suffered extensive fire damage, and like several other vessels, she sank before the day ended. Initially, she was considered a complete loss.
However, the story of the Sotoyomo did not end with the attack. Reflecting the resilience of the U.S. forces, the Sotoyomo was later refloated and assessed for repairs. It was soon discovered that the ship could be salvaged. Like the majority of the ships damaged during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Sotoyomo returned to service, embodying the determination and tenacity of the United States Navy.

Launched in August 1903, the USS Sotoyomo was one of the oldest vessels at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack. Despite being launched in 1903, she wasn’t officially commissioned until July 1, 1911. Much of her early service remains undocumented, though she is known to have served at the Puget Sound Navy Yard during World War I. The harbor tug spent several decades assisting larger vessels and contributing to Navy operations before becoming an unexpected participant in the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor.
Following the attack, the USS Sotoyomo was repaired and returned to duty, continuing her service in World War II. Though small in size, her role was invaluable, providing support and assistance to various operations throughout the Pacific campaign.

By the end of World War II, the USS Sotoyomo had earned multiple decorations, marking her as a symbol of service and resilience. Her awards included the World War I Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon for her role in the Pearl Harbor attack, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. She also earned a battle star for her service in World War II, highlighting her contribution to the war effort despite her limited size and capabilities.

After 43 years of dedicated service to the United States, the USS Sotoyomo’s journey came to an end. Following World War II, she was scuttled off Leyte, Philippines, marking her final resting place. Her legacy, however, remains, as she stands as a reminder of the resilience and endurance demonstrated by the U.S. Navy in the wake of Pearl Harbor.
The USS Sotoyomo’s story exemplifies the spirit of recovery and perseverance that helped shape the Allied victory in World War II. From enduring a direct attack to returning to service, the Sotoyomo remains a powerful symbol of American resilience. As the oldest ship at Pearl Harbor, she holds a special place in history, commemorating both the sacrifices and the strength of those who served.