What Ships are Still Sunk in Pearl Harbor?

In the dark days of December 7, 1941, the Japanese fleet struck Pearl Harbor, plunging the United States into World War II. Among the many ships that were either sunk or heavily damaged, some remained on the ocean floor, serving as silent reminders of a tragic event. Let's explore the fate of these ships.

USS Arizona and USS Utah

Two of the most renowned ships that remain on the ocean floor in Pearl Harbor are the USS Arizona (BB-39) and the USS Utah (BB-31). The USS Arizona, a battleship that was hit by a powerful bomb during the attack, was doomed to sink into the harbor. Over 1,000 sailors lost their lives in a blaze of flames that consumed the entire ship. A memorial now stands over the wreckage, ensuring that the memory of the USS Arizona and its crew is preserved.

On the other hand, the USS Utah, initially a battleship, was used as a training and target tug before the attack. A public outcry led to efforts to recover the ship, but these efforts were largely unsuccessful. Despite attempts to right the ship like the USS Oklahoma, the effort failed, and a memorial commemorating the brave men who lost their lives was only erected in 1972.

USS Oklahoma

The USS Oklahoma (BB-37) had a more tragic and complicated fate. This battleship foundered and sank while being towed to the mainland for scrapping. Unlike the USS Arizona, the USS Utah, and the USS Utah, the USS Oklahoma was salvaged but deemed too obsolete and damaged to be repaired. In 1947, it was being towed to California when it took on water and sank, taking two tugs with it in heavy weather.

Surviving Ships

While the USS Arizona, USS Utah, and USS Oklahoma were destroyed or sunk, two World War II battleships remain on the surface in Pearl Harbor: the USS Missouri (BB-63) and the USS Arizona (BB-39). The USS Arizona, now a memorial, lies where it sank. The USS Missouri, strategically located at the end of the Battleship Row, is a preserved and potentially operational warship.

Other Sunk Ships

Two midget submarines, part of the Kido Butai fleet, also sank during the attack. While the main hulls of these submarines have since been removed, some pieces may still be underwater. One of these submarines, partially preserved, is now on display in a Japanese museum.

Conclusion

The ships of Pearl Harbor remain a testament to the tragedy of that day. Understanding the fate of these ships helps us remember the sacrifice of those who lost their lives and the enduring commemoration of their memory. The remains of the USS Arizona, USS Utah, and USS Oklahoma lie at the bottom of the harbor, serving as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the courage of those who perished for their country.