The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a devastating blow to the United States Navy. The surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service resulted in significant losses of ships and lives. Understanding the extent of the damage inflicted on the U.S. Pacific Fleet is crucial to comprehending the impact of this historic event.
During the attack, a total of 21 ships were sunk or damaged. However, the number of ships that were completely sunk is a more specific figure. According to historical records, 7 ships were sunk completely during the attack on Pearl Harbor. This number includes both battleships and other types of vessels.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total ships present | 100 |
| Ships damaged or sunk | 21 |
| Ships completely sunk | 7 |
It's important to note that while seven ships were sunk, the fate of these vessels varied in the aftermath of the attack. Some were salvaged and returned to service, while others remained at the bottom of the harbor, becoming permanent memorials to the lives lost that day.
Ships Sunk at Pearl Harbor
The seven ships that were sunk completely during the Pearl Harbor attack included both battleships and smaller vessels. Each of these ships has its own story of destruction and, in some cases, recovery. Let's examine the details of these sunken vessels:
1. USS Arizona (BB-39): Perhaps the most famous of the Pearl Harbor casualties, the USS Arizona suffered a catastrophic explosion when a bomb detonated in her forward magazine. The battleship sank quickly, taking 1,177 officers and crewmen with her. The Arizona's wreck remains where it sank, serving as a memorial to those who lost their lives.
2. USS Oklahoma (BB-37): This battleship capsized after being struck by multiple torpedoes. The Oklahoma's sinking resulted in the deaths of 429 crew members. Unlike the Arizona, efforts were made to salvage the Oklahoma, but these ultimately proved unsuccessful.
3. USS California (BB-44): While initially considered sunk, the California was later salvaged. The battleship suffered extensive flooding after being hit by two torpedoes and a bomb. It settled into the mud with only its superstructure above water but was eventually refloated and repaired.
4. USS West Virginia (BB-48): Another battleship that was sunk but later salvaged, the West Virginia was hit by at least seven torpedoes and two bombs. Despite severe damage, she was rebuilt and returned to service in 1944.
5. USS Utah (AG-16): Formerly a battleship, the Utah was serving as a target ship at the time of the attack. It was torpedoed and capsized, resulting in the loss of 58 crew members. The Utah remains where it sank, now serving as a memorial.
6. USS Oglala (CM-4): This minelayer was sunk by a torpedo that passed underneath it and exploded against the side of the light cruiser Helena. The blast from this near-miss caused the Oglala to capsize and sink.
7. YO-51: A small fuel barge, the YO-51 was among the lesser-known casualties of the attack. It was sunk but later salvaged and returned to service.
Recovery Efforts and Long-Term Impact
The aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack saw an impressive display of American resilience and engineering prowess. Of the seven ships that were sunk, all but three were eventually salvaged and returned to service. This remarkable feat demonstrates the determination of the U.S. Navy to recover from the devastating blow.
The ships that were permanently lost were:
- USS Arizona
- USS Utah
- USS Oklahoma (initially salvaged but lost while being towed to California after the war)
The recovery efforts were extensive and time-consuming. For instance, the USS California, which had settled into the harbor mud, was refloated and dry-docked at Pearl Harbor for repairs. It went on to serve in various missions throughout World War II before being decommissioned in 1947.
The long-term impact of the sunken ships at Pearl Harbor extends beyond their immediate loss or recovery. The wreck of the USS Arizona, in particular, has become a powerful symbol of the attack and a solemn memorial to those who lost their lives. Oil still seeps from the sunken battleship, often referred to as the "black tears of the Arizona," serving as a poignant reminder of the lives lost that day.
Historical Significance of the Sunken Ships
The sinking of these ships at Pearl Harbor holds immense historical significance. It marked the entry of the United States into World War II and galvanized American public opinion in support of declaring war on Japan. The loss of these vessels, particularly the battleships, was initially seen as a crippling blow to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
However, in a twist of fate, the focus on battleships by the Japanese attackers meant that all three of the Pacific Fleet's aircraft carriers were unharmed, as they were not in port during the attack. This oversight would prove crucial in the coming naval battles of the Pacific War, where aircraft carriers played a pivotal role.
The sunken ships of Pearl Harbor also serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the American servicemen who were caught in the attack. Many sailors and marines fought valiantly to defend their ships and save their comrades, even as bombs and torpedoes rained down upon them.
Legacy and Memorialization
Today, the sunken ships of Pearl Harbor continue to play a significant role in how we remember and honor the events of December 7, 1941. The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken wreck of the battleship, attracts millions of visitors each year. It serves as a place of reflection and remembrance, allowing people from around the world to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the attack.
Similarly, the USS Utah Memorial on Ford Island provides a quieter place of remembrance for the crew of that lesser-known casualty of the attack. These memorials, along with the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, ensure that the sacrifice of those who died on these sunken ships will never be forgotten.
The story of the ships sunk at Pearl Harbor is not just one of loss, but also of resilience and recovery. It stands as a testament to the strength of the American spirit and the nation's ability to overcome even the most devastating of attacks.
FAQs About How Many Boats Sunk in Pearl Harbor
- Were all the ships sunk at Pearl Harbor battleships?
No, while battleships were the primary targets, other types of vessels were also sunk, including a minelayer and a fuel barge. - How many of the sunken ships at Pearl Harbor were salvaged?
Of the 7 ships sunk, 4 were salvaged and returned to service, while 3 were permanently lost. - What was the most famous ship sunk at Pearl Harbor?
The USS Arizona is the most well-known ship sunk during the attack, now serving as a memorial. - Did any submarines sink during the Pearl Harbor attack?
No U.S. submarines were sunk during the attack, though several Japanese midget submarines were lost. - How long did it take to salvage the ships sunk at Pearl Harbor?
Salvage operations continued for several years, with some ships returning to service as late as 1944.