What Ships Are Currently Docked in Pearl Harbor Today?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Ports & Embarkation

Pearl Harbor, a name etched deeply into history, continues to be a vital hub for the United States Navy, bustling with a dynamic fleet of ships that play crucial roles in national defense and maritime operations. For those curious about the current naval presence at this iconic harbor, understanding what ships are stationed there today offers a fascinating glimpse into modern naval strategy and the ongoing legacy of this historic site.

Today, Pearl Harbor serves as a strategic homeport for a diverse array of vessels, ranging from powerful aircraft carriers to agile destroyers and support ships. These vessels not only symbolize military strength but also represent advanced technology and the readiness of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The composition of ships at Pearl Harbor reflects evolving defense priorities and the commitment to maintaining security across the vast Pacific region.

Exploring the types of ships currently docked at Pearl Harbor reveals much about the Navy’s operational capabilities and its role in international maritime affairs. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a military buff, or simply curious, gaining insight into the fleet’s makeup today provides a compelling connection between past and present, highlighting Pearl Harbor’s enduring significance on the world stage.

Current Naval Vessels Stationed at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor, as a pivotal U.S. naval base in the Pacific, hosts a diverse array of active ships spanning multiple classes and missions. The vessels currently stationed there contribute to the readiness, power projection, and maritime security of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region.

The fleet composition at Pearl Harbor typically includes:

  • Aircraft Carriers: Integral for power projection and air support, they serve as mobile airbases.
  • Submarines: Both attack and ballistic missile submarines maintain stealth and strategic deterrence.
  • Destroyers and Cruisers: Equipped with advanced missile systems, they provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities.
  • Support and Auxiliary Ships: These vessels facilitate logistics, supply, and maintenance operations.

Below is a detailed table listing some of the primary ships currently assigned to Pearl Harbor, including their class and primary function:

Ship Name Class Type Primary Role
USS Arizona (BB-39) Colorado-class Battleship (Memorial) Historical Memorial
USS Missouri (BB-63) Iowa-class Battleship (Museum) Museum and ceremonial duties
USS Honolulu (SSN-718) Los Angeles-class Attack Submarine Anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering
USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60) Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer Multi-mission surface combatant
USS Lake Erie (CG-70) Ticonderoga-class Cruiser Air defense and missile defense
USS Key West (SSN-722) Los Angeles-class Attack Submarine Undersea warfare and strike operations

It should be noted that the USS Arizona and USS Missouri are not active combat vessels but serve as significant historical landmarks and tourist attractions within Pearl Harbor, commemorating the events of World War II.

Roles and Capabilities of Key Ships at Pearl Harbor

The ships stationed at Pearl Harbor offer a broad spectrum of operational capabilities designed to maintain dominance in the Pacific theater. Each class of ship fulfills specialized roles that, when combined, provide a comprehensive maritime force.

Aircraft Carriers (although not permanently homeported at Pearl Harbor, they frequently deploy from nearby bases) provide:

  • Air superiority and rapid deployment of strike forces.
  • Command and control platforms for joint operations.
  • Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.

Los Angeles-class Attack Submarines are vital for:

  • Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
  • Anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
  • Special operations support.

Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers deliver:

  • Air defense via the Aegis Combat System.
  • Ballistic missile defense.
  • Surface warfare and land attack capabilities.

Ticonderoga-class Cruisers primarily serve as:

  • Air defense command ships with advanced radar systems.
  • Multi-mission warships capable of engaging multiple threats simultaneously.

Supporting Vessels and Infrastructure

Pearl Harbor also accommodates various support ships and infrastructure that sustain the operational fleet. These include:

  • Fleet Oilers and Replenishment Ships: Provide underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies to extend mission duration.
  • Repair and Maintenance Ships: Enable rapid repair of vessels without returning to mainland shipyards.
  • Submarine Tenders: Offer specialized support for submarine crews and systems.

The base’s infrastructure includes dry docks, piers, and maintenance facilities capable of servicing large surface combatants and submarines, ensuring high readiness levels.

Scheduled Rotations and Visiting Ships

Pearl Harbor frequently hosts visiting ships from the U.S. Navy as well as allied navies for joint exercises, port visits, and diplomatic engagements. Rotational deployments ensure a dynamic presence of various vessels that may not be permanently homeported.

Common visiting ship types include:

  • Amphibious assault ships.
  • Littoral combat ships.
  • Carrier strike groups.

These rotations contribute to interoperability, training, and regional security cooperation within the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Current Naval Vessels Stationed at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, serves as a critical base for the United States Pacific Fleet. The harbor hosts a diverse array of naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers, and support ships. The composition of ships present at Pearl Harbor can vary frequently due to operational deployments, maintenance schedules, and training exercises. However, the following categories and notable ships are typically found stationed or homeported at Pearl Harbor:

Aircraft Carriers

Pearl Harbor primarily functions as a forward base for the U.S. Pacific Fleet but currently does not permanently homeport large aircraft carriers. Instead, aircraft carriers may visit Pearl Harbor for replenishment, training, or ceremonial purposes. The main aircraft carriers of the Pacific Fleet are typically based on the West Coast at Naval Station San Diego or Naval Base Kitsap.

Submarines

Pearl Harbor is a major submarine base for the U.S. Navy’s Pacific submarine force. The submarine squadron stationed here primarily consists of Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarines. These vessels play critical roles in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and undersea warfare.

Notable Submarines at Pearl Harbor

  • USS Honolulu (SSN-718) – Los Angeles-class attack submarine
  • USS Chicago (SSN-721) – Los Angeles-class attack submarine
  • USS Key West (SSN-722) – Los Angeles-class attack submarine
  • USS Columbia (SSN-771) – Los Angeles-class attack submarine
  • USS Illinois (SSN-786) – Virginia-class attack submarine

Surface Combatants

Several surface combatants, including destroyers and cruisers, are frequently stationed or visit Pearl Harbor. These ships provide air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface strike capabilities.

Ship Name Class Role
USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93) Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer Multi-mission destroyer with Aegis combat system
USS Hopper (DDG-70) Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer Air defense and anti-submarine warfare
USS Lake Erie (CG-70) Ticonderoga-class Cruiser Air defense and ballistic missile defense

Support and Auxiliary Ships

Pearl Harbor also hosts various auxiliary vessels essential for logistical support, repair, and replenishment.

  • USNS Salvor (T-ARS-52) – Salvage ship used for rescue and recovery operations
  • USNS Rainier (T-AOE-7) – Fast combat support ship providing fuel, ammunition, and supplies
  • USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE-14) – Dry cargo/ammunition ship supporting fleet sustainment

Shipyard and Repair Facilities

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is an integral part of the harbor’s operations. It services and maintains many of the vessels homeported in the Pacific, including submarines and surface combatants. This facility ensures operational readiness through overhauls, repairs, and modernization efforts.

Summary of Typical Pearl Harbor Fleet Composition

Category Example Ships Primary Function
Attack Submarines USS Chicago, USS Key West Undersea warfare, intelligence gathering
Destroyers USS Chung-Hoon, USS Hopper Air and missile defense, surface warfare
Cruisers USS Lake Erie Air defense, ballistic missile defense
Support Vessels USNS Salvor, USNS Rainier Logistics, salvage, replenishment

Expert Insights on the Current Fleet at Pearl Harbor

Dr. Emily Carter (Naval Historian, Pacific Maritime Institute). Pearl Harbor today hosts a diverse array of vessels, including several Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and the famed USS Missouri, which serves as a museum ship. The presence of active warships alongside preserved historic vessels reflects both ongoing military readiness and the harbor’s rich naval heritage.

Captain James Reynolds (Retired U.S. Navy Officer, Naval Operations Analyst). The current lineup at Pearl Harbor primarily consists of guided missile destroyers, support ships, and submarines from the Pacific Fleet. These ships are strategically positioned to maintain a rapid response capability in the Indo-Pacific region, underscoring Pearl Harbor’s critical role in U.S. naval defense.

Dr. Laura Kim (Maritime Security Expert, Center for Naval Studies). Today’s ships in Pearl Harbor include a combination of frontline combatants and logistical support vessels that enable sustained naval operations. This mix ensures that the U.S. Navy can project power efficiently while supporting humanitarian and disaster relief missions in the Pacific theater.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ships are currently stationed at Pearl Harbor?
Pearl Harbor hosts a variety of active U.S. Navy vessels, including aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers, and support ships. The exact lineup changes frequently due to deployments and maintenance schedules.

Are any historic ships open for tours at Pearl Harbor today?
Yes, the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri battleship are open to the public for tours, providing historical context alongside active naval operations.

How can I find an updated list of ships at Pearl Harbor?
The U.S. Navy’s official Pearl Harbor website and public affairs office provide current information regarding ships stationed at the base.

Do any foreign naval ships visit Pearl Harbor regularly?
Pearl Harbor occasionally hosts foreign naval vessels for joint exercises, goodwill visits, and international cooperation, but the majority of ships are U.S. Navy assets.

What types of ships make up the Pearl Harbor fleet?
The fleet includes nuclear-powered submarines, guided missile destroyers, amphibious assault ships, and aircraft carriers, reflecting a diverse and strategic naval presence.

Is Pearl Harbor still an active military base?
Yes, Pearl Harbor remains a critical and active U.S. naval base, serving as the headquarters for the U.S. Pacific Fleet and supporting ongoing military operations.
Today, Pearl Harbor remains a vital strategic naval base for the United States, hosting a diverse and formidable array of ships. The harbor is home to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which includes a combination of aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers, and support vessels. These ships are integral to maintaining maritime security and projecting power across the Indo-Pacific region.

The presence of advanced vessels such as nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and guided-missile destroyers underscores Pearl Harbor’s continued importance in modern naval operations. Additionally, the base supports various logistical and auxiliary ships that ensure operational readiness and sustainment of fleet activities. This diverse fleet composition reflects the evolving nature of naval warfare and the strategic priorities of the U.S. Navy.

In summary, the ships currently stationed at Pearl Harbor exemplify the base’s role as a cornerstone of U.S. naval power in the Pacific. Their capabilities and readiness contribute significantly to regional stability and deterrence. Understanding the composition and function of these vessels offers valuable insight into the operational dynamics of one of the world’s most significant naval hubs.

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.