what ships were sunk in the pearl harbor attack

Natasha willow

2 min read

·

17-01-2025

21

0

Share

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains a pivotal moment in history. The surprise assault by the Imperial Japanese Navy resulted in significant losses for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Understanding which ships were sunk is crucial to grasping the scale of the devastation and its impact on the course of World War II. This article details the ships sunk during the attack, highlighting their significance and the aftermath.

Battleships Lost at Pearl Harbor

The attack on the battleships anchored at Battleship Row was arguably the most devastating aspect of the Pearl Harbor attack. Four battleships were sunk, and several others were heavily damaged.

• USS Arizona: This iconic ship suffered the most catastrophic loss of life. A bomb detonated in her forward ammunition magazine, causing a massive explosion that essentially destroyed the vessel. The Arizona remains submerged at Pearl Harbor, a poignant memorial to the fallen. More than 1,100 crewmen died aboard her.

• USS Oklahoma: Struck by multiple torpedoes, the Oklahoma capsized quickly. Over 400 crew members perished. Her wreckage was eventually raised and scrapped.

• USS Utah: A veteran of World War I, the Utah, a target ship at the time, was also sunk by torpedoes. She too, rests at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. 58 crewmen lost their lives.

• USS West Virginia: Severely damaged by bombs and torpedoes, the West Virginia quickly sank. She was later raised, repaired, and rejoined the fleet. 106 crewmen died.

Other Ships Sunk or Heavily Damaged

Beyond the battleships, other vessels suffered significant damage or were sunk during the attack.

• USS California: While not technically sunk, the California was so heavily damaged that she settled to the bottom of the harbor. She was eventually salvaged and repaired.

• USS Nevada: This battleship suffered significant damage but managed to get underway and run aground to prevent further damage.

• USS Curtiss: This seaplane tender was sunk during the attack.

• USS Shaw: The destroyer Shaw was severely damaged by a bomb that ignited her forward magazines.

• USS Helm: Although damaged, this destroyer eventually made it back to service.

The attack also destroyed numerous aircraft, damaged dry docks, and caused significant damage to infrastructure at the naval base. The total losses extended far beyond the ships directly sunk.

The Aftermath and Lasting Impact

The sinking of these ships sent shockwaves through the United States. The attack galvanized public opinion, leading to the formal declaration of war against Japan and the full entry of the U.S. into World War II. The Pearl Harbor attack underscored the need for improved naval defenses, intelligence gathering, and readiness. The events and the memorials serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by the U.S. military and civilians during the war.

The ships sunk at Pearl Harbor remain powerful symbols of this pivotal moment in American history, and their stories continue to resonate with generations to come. The memory of those lost aboard these vessels serves as a somber yet critical reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of vigilance.