Uncover the historic devastation of Battleships Sunk At Pearl Harbor, where surprise attacks led to the demise of iconic warships. Delve into the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, and USS Utahs tragic fate, and explore the significance of this pivotal event in World War II history.
December 7, 1941, is a day that will be etched in the memories of Americans for generations to come. It was on this fateful morning that the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The assault, which caught the U.S. military by surprise, resulted in the sinking of several battleships, as well as the deaths of over 2,400 Americans. In this article, we will delve into the history of the battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor and explore the significance of this pivotal event in American history.
The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was intended to prevent the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with Japanese expansionist policies in Asia. The Japanese had been planning the attack for months, and on the morning of December 7, a fleet of 353 Japanese aircraft descended upon the unsuspecting naval base. The attack, which lasted for just over two hours, resulted in the destruction of 19 U.S. Navy ships, including eight battleships.
USS Arizona (BB-39)
The USS Arizona was one of the battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor. Commissioned in 1915, the Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that had seen action in World War I. On the morning of December 7, the Arizona was moored at Ford Island, alongside several other battleships. At 8:06 a.m., a 1,760-pound armor-piercing bomb struck the Arizona's forward magazine, causing a massive explosion that killed 1,177 crew members. The Arizona sank just nine minutes later, taking with it the lives of over half of its crew.
USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
The USS Oklahoma was another battleship sunk at Pearl Harbor. Commissioned in 1914, the Oklahoma was a Nevada-class battleship that had also seen action in World War I. On the morning of December 7, the Oklahoma was moored at Ford Island, alongside the USS Maryland. At 8:00 a.m., the Oklahoma was struck by four torpedoes, which caused significant damage to its hull. The ship capsized at 9:30 a.m., resulting in the deaths of 415 crew members.
USS California (BB-44)
The USS California was a Tennessee-class battleship that was commissioned in 1921. On the morning of December 7, the California was moored at Ford Island, alongside the USS Tennessee. At 8:55 a.m., the California was struck by two torpedoes, which caused significant damage to its hull. The ship sank at 9:30 a.m., resulting in the deaths of 100 crew members.
USS West Virginia (BB-48)
The USS West Virginia was a Colorado-class battleship that was commissioned in 1923. On the morning of December 7, the West Virginia was moored at Ford Island, alongside the USS Tennessee. At 8:00 a.m., the West Virginia was struck by seven torpedoes, which caused significant damage to its hull. The ship sank at 9:30 a.m., resulting in the deaths of 106 crew members.
USS Tennessee (BB-43)
The USS Tennessee was a Tennessee-class battleship that was commissioned in 1920. On the morning of December 7, the Tennessee was moored at Ford Island, alongside the USS West Virginia. Although the Tennessee was not sunk, it suffered significant damage from the attack.
USS Maryland (BB-46)
The USS Maryland was a Colorado-class battleship that was commissioned in 1921. On the morning of December 7, the Maryland was moored at Ford Island, alongside the USS Oklahoma. Although the Maryland was not sunk, it suffered significant damage from the attack.
USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)
The USS Pennsylvania was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that was commissioned in 1915. On the morning of December 7, the Pennsylvania was in dry dock at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard. Although the Pennsylvania was not sunk, it suffered significant damage from the attack.
Aftermath of the Attack
The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans, including 1,177 crew members of the USS Arizona. The attack also destroyed or damaged 19 U.S. Navy ships, including eight battleships. The aftermath of the attack was marked by a period of national mourning, as Americans struggled to come to terms with the devastating loss of life.
Gallery of Battleships Sunk at Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor marked a turning point in American history, as it led to the United States' entry into World War II. The sacrifices made by the crew members of the battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor will never be forgotten, and their memory will continue to inspire future generations of Americans.