7 Things To Know About Uss Oklahoma At Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941, is a date etched in American history as the day of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Among the ships that suffered the most damage and loss of life was the USS Oklahoma, a Nevada-class battleship that was moored on Battleship Row. As we remember the lives lost and sacrifices made on that fateful day, here are 7 things to know about the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor.

The USS Oklahoma: A Proud History

Commissioned in 1914, the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) was the second of two Nevada-class battleships built by the United States Navy. The ship was named after the 46th state and was designed to be a formidable fighting force, with a main armament of ten 14-inch guns and a top speed of 20 knots. During its service, the USS Oklahoma played a significant role in several key events, including the occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, in 1914 and the escort of a convoy to Vladivostok, Russia, in 1918.

Pearl Harbor: The Day of Infamy

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS Oklahoma was moored on the outside of Ford Island, Battleship Row, when the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship was quickly targeted by Japanese bombers, which dropped armor-piercing bombs and launched torpedoes at the ship. The USS Oklahoma took four torpedo hits, which caused significant damage and flooding, leading to the ship's eventual capsizing.

Heroic Efforts to Save the Ship

Rescue and Salvage Efforts

As the USS Oklahoma took on water, the crew and nearby ships launched a desperate effort to save the ship. However, despite their best efforts, the ship eventually capsized, coming to rest on the harbor floor. The rescue efforts were hampered by the lack of rescue equipment and the fact that the ship was moored in a way that made it difficult to access.

Loss of Life and Legacy

The USS Oklahoma suffered the second-highest number of casualties at Pearl Harbor, with 415 crew members killed and 32 wounded. The loss of life was exacerbated by the fact that many of the crew were trapped inside the ship as it capsized. Today, the USS Oklahoma is remembered as one of the most heroic ships in American naval history, and its legacy is honored by the USS Oklahoma Memorial, which was dedicated in 2007.

Recovery and Salvage of the USS Oklahoma

Recovery Efforts

After the attack, the USS Oklahoma was declared a total loss, and the Navy began the process of recovering the ship's remains. The salvage operation took several years, during which time the ship was righted and eventually sold for scrap in 1946. The recovery efforts were complicated by the fact that the ship was lying on the harbor floor, and the recovery team had to use specialized equipment to lift and remove the wreckage.

Awards and Honors

The USS Oklahoma received several awards and honors for its service, including the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. The ship's crew was also awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for their heroism during the attack.

Remembering the USS Oklahoma

Legacy and Remembrance

Today, the USS Oklahoma is remembered as a symbol of American bravery and sacrifice. The USS Oklahoma Memorial, located on Ford Island, honors the lives lost during the attack and serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and freedom. As we remember the USS Oklahoma and its crew, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve in the armed forces and the importance of honoring their legacy.

Gallery of USS Oklahoma Images

USS Oklahoma Image Gallery

We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the USS Oklahoma's history and significance. If you have any thoughts or comments, please share them below.