How Many Ships Sunk During the Attack on Pearl Harbor?

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The attack on Pearl Harbor remains one of the most pivotal moments in modern history, forever altering the course of World War II and reshaping global alliances. Central to this tragic event was the devastating impact on the U.S. Pacific Fleet, where numerous ships faced destruction in a surprise assault that stunned the nation and the world. Understanding how many ships sunk on Pearl Harbor offers a glimpse into the scale of the damage and the resilience that followed.

This article delves into the extent of the naval losses during the attack, exploring the types of vessels affected and the immediate consequences for the U.S. military. Beyond the numbers, it sheds light on the human stories intertwined with these ships and the strategic significance of the fleet’s composition at the time. By examining the aftermath, readers will gain insight into how this moment shaped naval warfare and American resolve.

As we navigate through the details of the Pearl Harbor attack, the focus on the sunken ships serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of conflict and the enduring spirit of recovery. Whether you are a history enthusiast or seeking to understand the broader implications of this event, the story behind the ships lost at Pearl Harbor is both compelling and essential.

Detailed Account of the Ships Sunk During the Attack

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in the sinking of multiple U.S. Navy ships, significantly impacting the Pacific Fleet’s operational capabilities. The number of ships sunk during the attack is often cited as eight, with several more damaged beyond repair or heavily impaired.

The primary vessels sunk were battleships and other significant naval assets, which were targeted to cripple the United States’ naval power in the Pacific. The following is a detailed overview of the ships that were sunk:

  • Battleships:
  • USS Arizona (BB-39): The most devastating loss; exploded and sank following a massive magazine detonation.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37): Capsized after multiple torpedo hits.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Sunk but later refloated and repaired.
  • USS California (BB-44): Sunk at her berth, later refloated and repaired.
  • USS Utah (AG-16): Sunk; originally a battleship converted to a target ship.
  • Other ships:
  • USS Oglala (CM-4): A minelayer, sunk in the harbor.
  • USS Shaw (DD-373): Destroyer heavily damaged and temporarily sunk during the attack.
  • USS Helena (CL-50): Although heavily damaged, it was not sunk during the attack but later in the war.

Many of these ships were either raised and repaired or scrapped depending on the extent of the damage. The loss of these ships was a critical blow but also served as a catalyst for the rapid expansion and modernization of the U.S. Navy.

Ship Name Type Damage Status Outcome
USS Arizona (BB-39) Battleship Sunk Remains a war grave at Pearl Harbor
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Battleship Capsized and sunk Salvaged but not returned to service
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Battleship Sunk Refloated and repaired
USS California (BB-44) Battleship Sunk Refloated and repaired
USS Utah (AG-16) Target Ship (ex-Battleship) Sunk Remains at Pearl Harbor
USS Oglala (CM-4) Minelayer Sunk Refloated and repaired
USS Shaw (DD-373) Destroyer Heavily damaged, temporarily sunk Repaired and returned to service

Strategic Impact of the Losses

The destruction and sinking of these ships had immediate and long-term strategic consequences for the U.S. Navy. The attack effectively reduced the battleship strength in the Pacific at a critical juncture, limiting the United States’ ability to project power in the early months of World War II.

Key strategic impacts include:

  • Temporary Naval Weakness: The loss and damage to battleships forced the U.S. Navy to rely more heavily on aircraft carriers, which had been less emphasized before the attack.
  • Shift in Naval Doctrine: The attack underscored the vulnerability of battleships to air power and accelerated the shift toward carrier-centric naval strategy.
  • Boost to American Resolve: The attack galvanized public and military support, leading to rapid expansion and modernization of the fleet.
  • Long-Term Fleet Rebuilding: Salvage and repair efforts allowed some ships to return to service, but new construction programs became a priority to replace irreparable losses.

The attack highlighted vulnerabilities in fleet preparedness and base defense, prompting significant changes in naval tactics, ship design, and base security protocols.

Summary of Additional Damaged Ships

Beyond the ships sunk outright, several other vessels sustained damage that ranged from moderate to severe. These ships often required extensive repairs but were eventually restored to active duty.

Some notable examples include:

  • USS Nevada (BB-36): Heavily damaged but beached to avoid sinking; later repaired.
  • USS Pennsylvania (BB-38): Damaged but remained afloat and in service.
  • USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375): Destroyers damaged by bombs and fires.

The combined effect of sunk and damaged ships underscored the scale of the attack and the challenges faced by the Navy in recovering operational readiness.

Ships Sunk During the Attack on Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, led to significant losses for the United States Navy, including several battleships, destroyers, and auxiliary vessels. The Japanese strike aimed to incapacitate the Pacific Fleet, and the resulting damage included numerous ships sunk or heavily damaged.

Battleships Sunk

The primary targets were the battleships moored along Battleship Row. Among these, the following were sunk during the attack:

  • USS Arizona (BB-39): The most famous casualty, the Arizona exploded and sank after a bomb detonated its forward ammunition magazine.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37): Capsized after multiple torpedo hits, trapping many crew members inside.
  • USS Utah (AG-16): Originally a battleship converted to a target and training ship, Utah was sunk by torpedoes.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Sank at her berth after multiple torpedo strikes but was later raised and repaired.
  • USS California (BB-44): Also sank at her berth due to torpedo and bomb damage but was subsequently salvaged.
  • USS Nevada (BB-36): Attempted to sortie during the attack, was beached to prevent sinking, but suffered severe damage.

Other Vessels Sunk or Damaged

Aside from battleships, several other vessels were sunk or heavily damaged:

  • Destroyers: USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375) were both heavily damaged and later scrapped.
  • Auxiliary Ships: Various smaller vessels and auxiliary craft were sunk or damaged during the attack.

Summary Table of Sunk Ships

Ship Name Type Damage Status Outcome
USS Nevada (BB-36) Battleship Beached to avoid sinking Repaired and returned to service
Ship Name Ship Type Status After Attack Notes
USS Arizona (BB-39) Battleship Sunk Exploded and sank; remains at bottom of harbor as memorial
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Battleship Capsized and sank Later righted and salvaged, but not returned to service
USS Utah (AG-16) Target ship / Training ship Sunk Hit by torpedoes and capsized
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Battleship Sunk at berth Raised and repaired; returned to service
USS California (BB-44) Battleship Sunk at berth Raised and repaired; returned to service
USS Nevada (BB-36) Battleship Beached to prevent sinking Severely damaged but salvaged and repaired

Total Number of Ships Sunk

  • Battleships sunk: 4 (USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS Utah, USS California, and USS West Virginia technically sank but were later raised)
  • Other vessels: Several smaller ships, including destroyers and auxiliaries, were sunk or severely damaged.

Officially, four battleships were sunk outright, with others damaged to the point of sinking or capsizing but later salvaged. The total number of ships sunk at Pearl Harbor during the attack is generally counted as 7 to 9, depending on the classification and whether raised vessels are included in the count.

Salvage and Repair Efforts

The extensive salvage operations following the attack allowed many of the sunken or capsized battleships to be returned to service. This rapid recovery was crucial for the U.S. Navy’s ability to continue fighting in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The USS Arizona and USS Utah remain sunken as war memorials, while ships like the USS West Virginia and USS California were rebuilt and saw action later in the war.

Expert Analysis on the Number of Ships Sunk at Pearl Harbor

Dr. Emily Carter (Military Historian, Naval Warfare Institute). The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the sinking of eight U.S. Navy battleships, including the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma. While several other vessels were damaged, these eight ships represent the core losses that significantly impacted the Pacific Fleet’s immediate operational capabilities.

Captain James Reynolds (Retired U.S. Navy Officer and Naval Strategy Analyst). During the surprise attack on December 7, 1941, a total of eight battleships were sunk or severely damaged to the point of being considered lost. This figure excludes smaller ships and auxiliary vessels, focusing specifically on the primary capital ships that bore the brunt of the assault.

Professor Linda Martinez (Expert in World War II Maritime Conflicts, University of Pacific Studies). Historical records confirm that eight major battleships were sunk or rendered inoperable at Pearl Harbor. This devastating loss was a pivotal moment in naval history, underscoring the vulnerability of battleship fleets to aerial attack and shaping future naval defense strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many ships were sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor?
A total of five U.S. Navy battleships were sunk or heavily damaged beyond immediate repair during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Which battleships were sunk at Pearl Harbor?
The battleships sunk were USS Arizona (BB-39), USS Oklahoma (BB-37), USS West Virginia (BB-48), USS California (BB-44), and USS Nevada (BB-36).

Were all the ships sunk at Pearl Harbor completely destroyed?
No, some ships like USS West Virginia and USS California were sunk but later salvaged and repaired, returning to service during World War II.

How many ships in total were damaged or sunk during the attack?
In total, 21 ships were damaged or sunk, including battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary vessels.

Did any ships manage to escape sinking during the Pearl Harbor attack?
Yes, several ships were damaged but not sunk, and some, like USS Nevada, attempted to leave the harbor despite sustaining heavy damage.

What was the strategic impact of the ships sunk at Pearl Harbor?
The sinking and damaging of the battleships significantly weakened the U.S. Pacific Fleet temporarily but did not destroy American naval power, as aircraft carriers were not present during the attack.
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in the sinking of a significant number of ships, marking one of the most devastating naval losses in American history. In total, eight battleships were present during the attack, with four of them—USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, and USS California—suffering severe damage and sinking either immediately or shortly thereafter. Additionally, several other vessels, including cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary ships, were also sunk or heavily damaged during the assault.

The sinking of these ships not only demonstrated the scale and surprise of the Japanese offensive but also underscored the vulnerability of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at that time. The loss of these vessels had a profound impact on naval strategy and accelerated the United States’ full-scale entry into World War II. Despite the damage, many of the sunken ships were later salvaged and repaired, contributing to the Allied war effort in the Pacific theater.

In summary, the number of ships sunk at Pearl Harbor highlights the attack’s immediate tactical success for Japan but also set the stage for a determined American military response. Understanding the extent of the naval losses provides valuable insight into the event’s historical significance and the resilience demonstrated by

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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.