Intro
Uncover the pivotal role of USS California at Pearl Harbor with these 5 key facts. Learn about the battleships history, its fate during the 1941 attack, and its significance in the Pacific War. Discover how the USS Californias story is intertwined with the USS Oklahoma, USS Arizona, and other historic ships.
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, drawing the United States into World War II. Among the battleships that suffered significant damage during the attack was the USS California (BB-44). Here are five key facts about the USS California's experience at Pearl Harbor:
The USS California was a Tennessee-class battleship that was commissioned on August 10, 1921. It was one of the older battleships in the US Pacific Fleet, but it had undergone significant modernization in the 1930s, including the installation of new anti-aircraft guns and fire control systems. On the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS California was moored at Ford Island's Berth F-3, alongside the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) and the USS Maryland (BB-46).
1. Extensive Damage and Flooding
During the attack, the USS California suffered extensive damage from Japanese bombs and torpedoes. At around 8:05 am, a 250-pound armor-piercing bomb hit the ship's forecastle, causing significant damage to the bow. Shortly after, a torpedo struck the ship's port side, causing flooding in several compartments. The flooding was exacerbated by the fact that the ship's watertight doors were not fully closed, allowing water to spread quickly throughout the vessel.
The crew of the USS California worked tirelessly to try and save the ship, but their efforts were hindered by the lack of power and communication. The ship's main engines were shut down due to the flooding, and the backup generators were also out of commission. This left the crew without power to operate the ship's pumps, making it impossible to stem the flooding.
2. Sinking and Salvage Efforts
Despite the best efforts of the crew, the USS California continued to take on water, and it eventually slipped beneath the surface of the harbor. The ship came to rest on the harbor floor, with its superstructure still above water. In the aftermath of the attack, the US Navy began salvage efforts to try and raise the ship.
The salvage process was long and arduous, taking over 17 months to complete. The US Navy used a combination of patching the hull, installing cofferdams, and pumping out the water to refloat the ship. On March 23, 1943, the USS California was finally refloated, and it was subsequently towed to the Puget Sound Navy Yard in Washington state for repairs.
3. Heavy Loss of Life
The attack on the USS California resulted in the loss of 100 lives, with many more crew members injured. The ship's crew was unable to respond effectively to the attack, as they were caught off guard and without power. Many of the crew members who perished were trapped below deck as the ship flooded, while others were killed by the initial explosions and fires.
The loss of life on the USS California was one of the highest of any ship during the Pearl Harbor attack. The ship's captain, Joel W. Bunkley, was among those who survived the attack, and he later received the Navy Cross for his heroism.
4. Investigation and Aftermath
The attack on the USS California was the subject of a formal investigation, led by the US Navy. The investigation found that the ship's crew had been inadequately prepared for the attack, and that there were significant deficiencies in the ship's defenses. The investigation also highlighted the need for improved communication and coordination between the US military services.
The aftermath of the attack saw significant changes to the US Navy's tactics and procedures. The US Navy implemented new security measures, including increased patrols and improved communication systems. The US Navy also increased its focus on aircraft carriers, recognizing the importance of air power in modern naval warfare.
5. Legacy and Commemoration
The USS California played a significant role in World War II, serving in several major battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal. The ship was eventually decommissioned in 1947 and sold for scrap in 1959.
Today, the USS California is remembered as one of the heroes of Pearl Harbor. The ship's crew is commemorated at the USS Arizona Memorial, which honors the lives lost during the attack. The USS California's legacy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the US military during World War II.
Gallery of USS California at Pearl Harbor:
USS California at Pearl Harbor Image Gallery
We hope you found this article informative and interesting. The USS California's story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the US military during World War II. We invite you to share your thoughts and comments on this article, and we encourage you to share it with others who may be interested in this important piece of history.