USS Utah: From Battleship to Memorial

The USS Utah (BB-31) embodies a profound narrative of transformation, sacrifice, and memory. Launched in 1909, this Florida-class battleship initially symbolized American naval power, playing crucial roles from the Mexican Revolution to World War I. As naval warfare evolved, so did the Utah—converted into a target ship in 1931, she served in anti-aircraft gunnery training, adapting to the changing needs of the U.S. Navy.

December 7, 1941, marks a tragic chapter in the history of Pearl Harbor. On this day, the Utah was moored at Ford Island when Japanese bombers, intending to strike high-value targets, mistakenly targeted her instead. Within minutes, two torpedoes struck the ship, causing her to capsize and trapping many of her crew. The attack on Pearl Harbor, a pivotal moment in World War II, resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans, raising the question, “How many died in Pearl Harbor?” Among those lost were 64 sailors from the USS Utah, including Chief Watertender Peter Tomich, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his bravery.
The remains of the USS Utah now rest beneath the waters of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, a constant reminder of the events of Pearl Harbor Day. Unlike the more famous USS Arizona, the Utah has not been raised, nor has she become a tourist destination like the Pearl Harbor tour. Instead, a memorial was established on Ford Island, accessible only to military personnel, preserving the ship’s legacy and honoring those who perished.
The USS Utah’s story, though less known compared to the popular narratives captured in films like the Pearl Harbor movie cast by Michael Bay, is no less significant. Her transition from a formidable battleship to a training vessel, and ultimately to a memorial, reflects the broader story of the U.S. Navy’s evolution throughout the 20th century. As Pearl Harbor Day 2023 approaches, the USS Utah stands as a solemn reminder of the cost of war and the bravery of those who defended their nation on that fateful day.
The USS Utah’s presence at Pearl Harbor is not just a relic of the past but a symbol of enduring spirit. For those visiting Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the memorial offers a space for reflection, far from the dramatized events seen in films or the numbers recounting how many died in Pearl Harbor. It’s a place where the quiet dignity of history is preserved, where the story of a ship and her crew lives on, reminding us of the resilience and sacrifice that defined one of the most critical moments in American history.
As we remember Pearl Harbor and the events of December 7, 1941, through various forms—whether it’s in educational tours, cinematic representations like the cast of the Pearl Harbor film, or commemorative events—it’s essential to honor all who served, including those aboard the USS Utah. Their legacy endures in the memorial that stands quietly at Pearl Harbor, a testament to the ship’s journey from battleship to a lasting symbol of remembrance.