USS Utah

The USS Utah BB-31 was a Florida-class battleship commissioned on August 31, 1911. During WWI, she served with Battle Division 6, guarding the western approaches against German incursions. As a result of the London Naval Treaty of 1930, She was converted to a radio-controlled target ship and was given the designation of AG-16. In 1940 she was equipped for anti-aircraft gunnery training. She was moored off of Ford Island on the opposite side of the Island from Battleship Row. She was aft of the light cruiser USS Raleigh. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, she was at first rejected as a target. However, six torpedo bombers thinking that she was a battleship, launched torpedoes at her. One hit the USS Raleigh, and two hit the USS Utah. The torpedo hits caused massive flooding. She began to list, and the crew abandoned ship. One man remained aboard to keep the power on as long as possible to allow other crew members to escape. Chief Watertender Peter Tomich would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for his actions. A total of 58 officers and men were killed on the USS Utah. Salvage attempts, such as with the USS Oklahoma, were attempted but were unsuccessful. As she did not obstruct a berth and she had no military value, her wreck was left in place. As the remains of those who died aboard her were never recovered, she is designated a war grave. A memorial was dedicated to her on Ford Island near her wreck. Please view the list to learn the names of those who lost their lives on that day.