Intro
Discover the tragic fate of 6 battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Learn about the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, USS Tennessee, and USS Maryland, exploring the heroic stories of survival and sacrifice amidst the devastating Japanese attack.
December 7, 1941, is a day that will be etched in the memories of Americans for generations to come. On that fateful morning, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing over 2,400 Americans and destroying much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Among the many vessels sunk or damaged during the attack were six battleships that played a significant role in the war. In this article, we will explore the stories of these six battleships and their fate during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
USS Arizona (BB-39)
USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship commissioned in 1915. On December 7, 1941, Arizona was moored in Ford Island's berth F-7, alongside USS Vestal (AR-4). At 8:06 a.m., a 1,760-pound armor-piercing bomb struck the ship's forward magazine, causing a massive explosion that killed 1,177 crew members. The ship sank to the bottom of the harbor, taking many of its crew with it.
USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
USS Oklahoma was a Nevada-class battleship commissioned in 1914. During the attack, Oklahoma was moored in Ford Island's berth F-5, where it was struck by four torpedoes. The ship capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of 415 lives.
USS California (BB-44)
USS California was a Tennessee-class battleship commissioned in 1921. On the morning of the attack, California was moored in Ford Island's berth F-3, where it was struck by two torpedoes and one bomb. The ship sank to the bottom of the harbor, resulting in the loss of 100 lives.
USS West Virginia (BB-48)
USS West Virginia was a Colorado-class battleship commissioned in 1923. During the attack, West Virginia was moored in Ford Island's berth F-6, where it was struck by two bombs and seven torpedoes. The ship sank to the bottom of the harbor, resulting in the loss of 106 lives.
USS Tennessee (BB-43)
USS Tennessee was a Tennessee-class battleship commissioned in 1920. On the morning of the attack, Tennessee was moored in Ford Island's berth F-2, where it was struck by two bombs. Although the ship suffered significant damage, it managed to escape the harbor and undergo repairs.
USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)
USS Pennsylvania was a Pennsylvania-class battleship commissioned in 1915. During the attack, Pennsylvania was in dry dock, where it was struck by one bomb. The ship suffered significant damage, but it managed to escape the harbor and undergo repairs.
USS Utah (AG-16)
USS Utah was a Florida-class battleship commissioned in 1911. Although it was no longer a battleship at the time of the attack, having been converted to a target ship in 1931, Utah was still a significant target for the Japanese. On the morning of the attack, Utah was moored in Ford Island's berth F-11, where it was struck by two torpedoes. The ship capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of 58 lives.
In conclusion, the attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment in American history, resulting in the loss of many lives and the sinking of several battleships. The bravery and sacrifice of the crew members on board these ships will never be forgotten.
Pearl Harbor Battleships Image Gallery
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