Surviving Battleships and Other Ships at Pearl Harbor: A Detailed Analysis
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a devastating blow to the United States, resulting in the destruction and damage to numerous ships and aircraft. This article provides a comprehensive account of the outcomes of the attack on ships at Pearl Harbor, focusing particularly on the battleships and other vessels that survived and their subsequent fate.
Overview of the Attack
The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the sinking and damage of 108 ships. Among these, four battleships were sunk and four others were heavily damaged. Additionally, one ex-battleship was lost, one harbor tug was destroyed, and multiple cruisers, destroyers, and support ships were damaged. The losses included 2,403 American military and civilian casualties, and 1,178 more were injured. Aircraft were severely impacted, with 188 destroyed and 159 damaged, while 3008 sailors, 109 Marines, 208 soldiers, and 68 civilians died in the aftermath.
Battleships: A Close Look at Their Fate
Out of the eight battleships present, only two were deemed irreparable and written off as casualties. The USS Arizona was unrepairable due to its location in the harbor and the extent of its damage. The USS Oklahoma, though still afloat, was also foundering and eventually sent for scrapping. The remaining six battleships survived various degrees of damage:
USS California and USS West Virginia were very heavily damaged but underwent extensive repairs and upgrades, becoming operational again in two and a half years. USS Maryland, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania were badly damaged; USS Maryland took over a year to repair and get back into service within a year, while USS Tennessee and Pennsylvania took more than a year for refurbishment. USS Nevada was the only battleship to return to service within a year. It was able to leave the harbor on the day after the attack, setting a remarkable record of quick recovery.Other Surviving Ships
Aside from the battleships, other ships in the harbor also survived the attack with varying degrees of damage:
Cruisers and Destroyers: These ships suffered minor to moderate damage, with some undergoing repairs that allowed them to resume operations. Support Ships: These included oilers and various auxiliary vessels that were either unharmed or quickly repaired. USCGC Roger B. Taney: This Coast Guard cutter, formerly known as USCGC Roger B. Taney, was the only other ship at Pearl Harbor that remained afloat post-attack. It claimed to be the first to get its guns into action. Currently, the name Taney is no longer used, and the ship is referred to as ‘Cutter 37’.What Accounts for the Survival of These Ships?
The success of the surviving ships at Pearl Harbor can be attributed to several factors, including the attackers' strategic focus and the resilience of the U.S. naval workforce. The Japanese pilots' obsession with sinking battleships at any cost led them to overlook other targets that could have caused more damage. This strategic oversight allowed other vessels, such as support ships vital to the operations of the aircraft carriers, to escape unscathed. As a result, when the aircraft carriers returned from their missions, they were fully supported and ready to engage in battles such as the Battle of Midway.
Conclusion
The attack on Pearl Harbor remains one of the most significant episodes in American history, not only for the loss of life and destruction but also for the resilience of the surviving ships and the Recovery efforts. The fate of the battleships and other ships at Pearl Harbor highlights the importance of understanding the strategic and tactical decisions made during wartime. The story of these ships serves as a testament to the human spirit and the ability to recover and continue fighting in the face of adversity.
Keywords
Pearl Harbor, Battleships, WWII Ships