Intro
Uncover the tragic history of Pearl Harbors battleship losses. This article reveals the 8 battleships sunk during the surprise attack on December 7, 1941. Learn about the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and other vessels that suffered devastating damage, and discover the significance of these lost ships in American naval history.
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a pivotal moment in American history, drawing the United States into World War II. On that fateful day, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise assault on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, resulting in the loss of numerous lives, aircraft, and ships. Among the most iconic casualties of the attack were the battleships, eight of which were sunk or severely damaged during the assault.
USS Arizona (BB-39)
The USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that was commissioned in 1915 and played a significant role in World War I. On December 7, 1941, the Arizona was moored at Ford Island in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. A 1,760-pound armor-piercing bomb struck the ship's forward magazine, causing a massive explosion that killed 1,177 crew members. The Arizona sank to the bottom of the harbor, resulting in one of the highest casualty counts of any ship that day.
USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
The USS Oklahoma was a Nevada-class battleship that was commissioned in 1914 and saw action in World War I. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Oklahoma was moored on the outside of Ford Island when it was struck by four torpedoes. The ship capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of 415 lives. Despite efforts to salvage the Oklahoma, it was eventually deemed too damaged and was sold for scrap in 1946.
USS California (BB-44)
The USS California was a Tennessee-class battleship that was commissioned in 1921. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, the California was moored at Ford Island when it was struck by two torpedoes and several bombs. The ship sank to the bottom of the harbor, but was later salvaged and repaired. It went on to serve in several campaigns during World War II, earning seven battle stars for its service.
USS West Virginia (BB-48)
The USS West Virginia was a Colorado-class battleship that was commissioned in 1923. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, the West Virginia was moored on the outside of Ford Island when it was struck by six torpedoes and several bombs. The ship sank to the bottom of the harbor, but was later salvaged and repaired. It went on to serve in several campaigns during World War II, earning five battle stars for its service.
USS Tennessee (BB-43)
The USS Tennessee was a Tennessee-class battleship that was commissioned in 1920. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Tennessee was moored in a double berth with the USS West Virginia when it was struck by two bombs. The ship suffered significant damage, but was able to remain afloat. It went on to serve in several campaigns during World War II, earning ten battle stars for its service.
USS Maryland (BB-46)
The USS Maryland was a Colorado-class battleship that was commissioned in 1921. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Maryland was moored in a double berth with the USS Oklahoma when it was struck by two bombs. The ship suffered significant damage, but was able to remain afloat. It went on to serve in several campaigns during World War II, earning eight battle stars for its service.
USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)
The USS Pennsylvania was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that was commissioned in 1915. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Pennsylvania was in dry dock when it was struck by a bomb. The ship suffered significant damage, but was able to remain afloat. It went on to serve in several campaigns during World War II, earning eight battle stars for its service.
USS Nevada (BB-36)
The USS Nevada was a Nevada-class battleship that was commissioned in 1914. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Nevada was moored at Ford Island when it was struck by a torpedo and several bombs. The ship suffered significant damage, but was able to remain afloat. It went on to serve in several campaigns during World War II, earning seven battle stars for its service.
Pearl Harbor Image Gallery
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a devastating blow to the United States, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and numerous ships. However, it also served as a catalyst for American involvement in World War II, ultimately contributing to the Allied victory. Today, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day, and serves as a tribute to the lives lost during the attack.
We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections on the attack on Pearl Harbor in the comments below. How do you think this event shaped American history, and what can we learn from it today?