ships sunk during pearl harbor

2 min read 25-08-2024

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a pivotal moment in World War II that resulted in significant losses for the United States Navy. The surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy led to the sinking and damaging of numerous ships anchored at the naval base in Hawaii.

Overview of the Attack

Prelude to the Attack

Before delving into the specifics of the ships sunk, it’s essential to understand the context of the attack. The United States had been in a tense standoff with Japan due to its aggressive expansion in the Pacific. To counteract any potential military action, the U.S. had stationed a significant fleet at Pearl Harbor, hoping to deter Japanese aggression.

The Attack

On that fateful morning, Japan launched a coordinated attack involving 353 aircraft, targeting ships and military installations in Pearl Harbor. The assault lasted for about two hours but left a lasting impact on the U.S. naval fleet.

Ships Lost in the Attack

Battleships

1. USS Arizona (BB-39)

The most famous ship lost during the attack, the USS Arizona was hit by multiple bombs, including a devastating 1,760-pound bomb that ignited its forward ammunition magazine. The explosion resulted in the ship sinking quickly and resulted in the loss of 1,177 crew members.

2. USS Oklahoma (BB-37)

The USS Oklahoma was struck by torpedoes and capsized, trapping hundreds of sailors inside. A total of 429 crew members lost their lives in this tragic event.

3. USS West Virginia (BB-48)

Although severely damaged by torpedoes and bombs, the USS West Virginia did not sink outright. However, it suffered significant casualties, with 106 crew members killed.

4. USS California (BB-44)

Similar to the West Virginia, the USS California was also heavily damaged, leading to the deaths of 100 of its crew members. It sank but was later raised and returned to service.

Other Ships

5. USS Nevada (BB-36)

The USS Nevada was the only battleship to get underway during the attack, but it sustained multiple hits and eventually beached itself to avoid sinking.

6. USS Maryland (BB-46)

This battleship sustained damage but managed to remain afloat.

Additional Vessels

In addition to battleships, several other vessels were either sunk or damaged:

Cruisers: The USS Honolulu (CL-48) and USS Raleigh (CL-7) sustained damage but did not sink.
Destroyers: The USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375) were both destroyed at their moorings in the attack.

Aftermath

The attack on Pearl Harbor had devastating effects not just on the ships lost, but also on the U.S. Navy's operational capabilities. The United States was propelled into World War II, with a resolve to rebuild its naval fleet and ensure that such an attack would never happen again.

Recovery Efforts

In the years following the attack, extensive recovery efforts were undertaken to raise and repair the damaged ships. Many vessels, like the USS West Virginia and USS California, were eventually restored and returned to active service.

Conclusion

The sinking of ships during the Pearl Harbor attack was a tragic event in U.S. naval history. The loss of lives and ships marked a turning point that united the nation in its resolve to defeat the Axis powers. Today, the site serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives and a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness.