Intro
Discover the 8 ships sunk during the infamous Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Learn about the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and other US Navy vessels that suffered devastating losses. Explore the history, aftermath, and significance of the attack, and pay tribute to the lives lost in this pivotal moment in World War II history.
The surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, remains one of the most infamous attacks in history. The assault led to the United States' formal entry into World War II and had a profound impact on the global conflict. One of the most devastating aspects of the attack was the sinking of numerous American ships, many of which were moored in the harbor or underway in the vicinity.
Among the ships sunk during the attack were several that would later be raised and returned to service, while others were either repaired and put back into commission or salvaged for parts. Here, we'll delve into the stories of 8 ships sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack.
USS Arizona (BB-39)
One of the most iconic ships sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack was the USS Arizona, a Pennsylvania-class battleship. The Arizona was commissioned in 1915 and had seen service in World War I and during the interwar period. On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Arizona was moored at Ford Island, alongside several other battleships.
Sinking of the USS Arizona
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 ship sank quickly, with only 334 crew members surviving. The Arizona's wreckage remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, serving as a memorial to the lives lost.
USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
Another battleship sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack was the USS Oklahoma, a Nevada-class battleship commissioned in 1914. The Oklahoma had seen extensive service in World War I and the interwar period.
Sinking of the USS Oklahoma
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Oklahoma was moored at Ford Island, adjacent to the USS Maryland. At 8:05 a.m., the Oklahoma was struck by four torpedoes, causing significant damage to the ship's port side. The Oklahoma quickly capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of 415 crew members.
USS California (BB-44)
The USS California, a Tennessee-class battleship commissioned in 1921, was also sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Sinking of the USS California
At 8:55 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the California was struck by two torpedoes and one bomb, causing significant damage to the ship's hull. The California slowly sank over the next several hours, resulting in the loss of 100 crew members.
USS West Virginia (BB-48)
The USS West Virginia, a Colorado-class battleship commissioned in 1923, was also sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Sinking of the USS West Virginia
At 8:00 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the West Virginia was struck by seven torpedoes, causing significant damage to the ship's hull. The West Virginia slowly sank over the next several hours, resulting in the loss of 106 crew members.
USS Utah (AG-16)
The USS Utah, a Florida-class battleship commissioned in 1911, was also sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Sinking of the USS Utah
At 8:00 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the Utah was struck by two torpedoes, causing significant damage to the ship's hull. The Utah slowly sank over the next several hours, resulting in the loss of 58 crew members.
USS Oglala (CM-4)
The USS Oglala, a minelayer commissioned in 1917, was also sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Sinking of the USS Oglala
At 8:00 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the Oglala was struck by a torpedo, causing significant damage to the ship's hull. The Oglala slowly sank over the next several hours, resulting in the loss of one crew member.
USS Cassin (DD-372)
The USS Cassin, a Mahan-class destroyer commissioned in 1935, was also sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Sinking of the USS Cassin
At 8:00 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the Cassin was struck by a bomb, causing significant damage to the ship's hull. The Cassin slowly sank over the next several hours, resulting in the loss of one crew member.
USS Downes (DD-375)
The USS Downes, a Mahan-class destroyer commissioned in 1936, was also sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Sinking of the USS Downes
At 8:00 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the Downes was struck by a bomb, causing significant damage to the ship's hull. The Downes slowly sank over the next several hours, resulting in the loss of 50 crew members.
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Pearl Harbor Sunk Ships Gallery
FAQs
How many ships were sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack?
+A total of 19 ships were sunk or damaged during the Pearl Harbor attack, including 8 battleships, 3 cruisers, 3 destroyers, and 5 smaller ships.
What was the most significant ship sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack?
+The USS Arizona was the most significant ship sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack, resulting in the loss of 1,177 crew members.
Were any ships raised and returned to service after the Pearl Harbor attack?
+Yes, several ships were raised and returned to service after the Pearl Harbor attack, including the USS West Virginia, USS California, and USS Nevada.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the 8 ships sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack. The bravery and sacrifice of the crew members who lost their lives during this pivotal event in history will never be forgotten.