Discover the untold story of the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor. Learn about the ships tragic fate, heroic efforts, and lasting impact. From its sinking to the salvaging efforts, explore the 5 most significant facts about the USS Oklahomas role in the infamous attack. Get insights into the devastating damage, crew bravery, and historic significance.
December 7, 1941, is a day that will be etched in the memories of Americans for generations to come. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy caught the United States off guard, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and a significant portion of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. One of the ships that suffered the most damage during the attack was the USS Oklahoma (BB-37). Here are five facts about the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor:
The USS Oklahoma was a Nevada-class battleship commissioned in 1914. She was one of the largest ships in the U.S. Navy at the time, measuring 583 feet in length and displacing over 27,000 tons of water. The Oklahoma was equipped with ten 14-inch guns and had a crew of over 1,300 sailors and officers.
The Oklahoma was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the Japanese attack began. She was part of Battleship Row, a line of seven battleships anchored in the harbor. At 7:55 a.m., the first wave of Japanese aircraft attacked the Oklahoma, striking her with four 250-kilogram bombs. The bombs caused extensive damage to the ship's deck and hull, and she quickly began to list to port.
As the Oklahoma continued to take on water, her crew attempted to save the ship. However, the damage was too extensive, and she eventually capsized at 9:45 a.m. The Oklahoma remained in this position for over two years, until she was finally righted and salvaged in 1943. The ship was eventually sold for scrap and broken up in 1946.
The USS Oklahoma suffered the second-highest number of casualties during the attack on Pearl Harbor, with 415 crew members killed and 32 wounded. Many of the dead were trapped inside the ship's hull, where they remain to this day. In 2006, the U.S. Navy announced plans to exhume the remains of the Oklahoma's crew and rebury them in individual graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
In 1942, the U.S. government awarded the USS Oklahoma the American Defense Service Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal for her service during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Oklahoma's legacy lives on, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who served on board.
Causes of the USS Oklahoma's Sinking
The USS Oklahoma's sinking was caused by a combination of factors, including the Japanese attack and design flaws in the ship's construction. Here are some of the key causes:
Japanese Attack
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike intended to prevent the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with Japanese expansion in Southeast Asia. The attack was planned and executed by the Imperial Japanese Navy, which launched two waves of aircraft against the U.S. naval base.
The USS Oklahoma was one of the first ships to be attacked, and she was struck by four 250-kilogram bombs. The bombs caused extensive damage to the ship's deck and hull, and she quickly began to list to port.
Design Flaws
The USS Oklahoma was designed and built in the early 20th century, and she had several design flaws that contributed to her sinking. One of the main flaws was her low freeboard, which made her vulnerable to flooding. The Oklahoma's freeboard was only 16 feet above the waterline, which made it difficult to prevent flooding in the event of an attack.
Another design flaw was the Oklahoma's lack of anti-torpedo protection. The ship was not equipped with anti-torpedo bulges, which made her vulnerable to torpedo attacks.
Aftermath of the USS Oklahoma's Sinking
The sinking of the USS Oklahoma had significant consequences for the United States and the world. Here are some of the key aftermaths:
U.S. Entry into World War II
The attack on Pearl Harbor, including the sinking of the USS Oklahoma, led to the United States' entry into World War II. The U.S. declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941, and subsequently declared war on Germany and Italy.
The U.S. entry into World War II had a profound impact on the course of the war, as American military power and industrial production played a significant role in the Allied victory.
Investigation and Salvage
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy launched an investigation into the sinking of the USS Oklahoma. The investigation found that the ship's design flaws and the Japanese attack were the main causes of her sinking.
The U.S. Navy also launched a salvage operation to recover the Oklahoma's wreckage. The operation was successful, and the ship was eventually righted and salvaged in 1943.
Gallery of USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor
USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor Image Gallery
We hope you have enjoyed this article about the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor. The USS Oklahoma's story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who served on board and the importance of remembering and honoring their memory.