How Many Ships Were Lost at Pearl Harbor During the Attack?

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The attack on Pearl Harbor remains one of the most pivotal and tragic moments in modern history, forever altering the course of World War II and the United States’ role in global affairs. Among the many devastating impacts of that surprise assault was the significant loss of naval vessels, which symbolized both the vulnerability and resilience of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Understanding how many ships were lost at Pearl Harbor offers a glimpse into the scale of destruction and the profound challenges faced in the aftermath.

This event not only marked a turning point in military strategy but also highlighted the human and material costs of war. The loss of ships at Pearl Harbor had far-reaching consequences, influencing naval tactics, shipbuilding priorities, and the collective American spirit. By exploring the number and types of vessels lost, one can better appreciate the magnitude of the attack and the extraordinary efforts undertaken to recover and rebuild.

As we delve deeper into the specifics of the ships lost during the Pearl Harbor attack, it becomes clear that each vessel carried its own story of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. This overview sets the stage for a detailed examination of the naval losses, their impact on the war effort, and the legacy they left behind in naval history.

Details of Ships Lost During the Attack

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant losses to the United States Pacific Fleet, with numerous ships damaged or destroyed. Among the vessels lost were battleships, destroyers, and auxiliary ships, each playing a crucial role in the naval operations of the time.

The most heavily impacted category was the battleships, which were the pride of the fleet. Four battleships were sunk or rendered inoperable during the attack:

  • USS Arizona (BB-39): Suffered a catastrophic explosion after a bomb detonated in a forward ammunition magazine, causing the ship to sink rapidly with a great loss of life.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37): Capsized after multiple torpedo hits, trapping hundreds of sailors inside.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Sank at her berth but was later raised and repaired.
  • USS California (BB-44): Also sank but was salvaged and returned to service.

Other battleships such as USS Nevada (BB-36) and USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) were damaged but remained afloat, with Nevada famously attempting to sortie during the attack before being beached to avoid sinking in the channel.

Destroyers and smaller vessels also suffered losses. The destroyer USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375) were heavily damaged by bombs and near misses, later repaired after being moved to drydock. The USS Shaw (DD-373) was hit by bombs, leading to massive fires and explosions.

Summary of Ship Losses

The overall tally of ships lost or severely damaged at Pearl Harbor includes:

  • 4 battleships sunk or capsized
  • 4 battleships damaged but not sunk
  • 3 destroyers heavily damaged
  • 1 minelayer sunk
  • Multiple auxiliary and support vessels damaged or sunk

Below is a table summarizing the status of key ships affected during the attack:

Ship Name Type Status After Attack Fate
USS Arizona (BB-39) Battleship Exploded and sunk Remains as a memorial
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Battleship Capsized Righted but scrapped
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Battleship Sunk at berth Salvaged and repaired
USS California (BB-44) Battleship Sunk at berth Salvaged and repaired
USS Nevada (BB-36) Battleship Damaged but afloat Repaired and returned to service
USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) Battleship Damaged but afloat Repaired and returned to service
USS Cassin (DD-372) Destroyer Heavily damaged Repaired
USS Downes (DD-375) Destroyer Heavily damaged Repaired
USS Shaw (DD-373) Destroyer Bomb damage and fires Repaired
USS Oglala (CM-4) Minelayer Sunk at berth Raised and repaired

Impact on Naval Capabilities

The loss of ships at Pearl Harbor dealt a heavy blow to the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, temporarily diminishing its ability to project power in the Pacific theater. The sinking and damage of battleships necessitated extensive salvage and repair operations, which lasted months or years for some vessels.

However, the attack also shifted naval warfare paradigms. The vulnerability of battleships to air power highlighted the increasing importance of aircraft carriers, which were notably absent from the harbor during the attack and thus remained operational. This strategic shift influenced naval engagements for the remainder of World War II.

The loss of ships was compounded by the tragic loss of life, particularly on vessels like the USS Arizona, where over 1,100 sailors perished. This human cost underscored the profound impact of the attack beyond material losses.

Salvage and Recovery Efforts

Following the attack, the U.S. Navy undertook massive salvage operations to recover and repair damaged vessels. Key points include:

  • USS West Virginia and USS California were raised from the harbor floor, repaired, and returned to service by mid-war.
  • USS Oklahoma was righted and refloated but deemed too damaged to repair and was eventually scrapped.

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Ships Lost During the Attack on Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant naval losses for the United States Pacific Fleet. The surprise assault by Japanese forces led to the sinking and severe damage of multiple ships, marking one of the most devastating single-day losses in U.S. naval history.

The total number of ships lost includes those that were sunk outright during the attack as well as those that were so severely damaged that they were later written off or scrapped. Below is a detailed account of the ships that were lost or rendered unusable at Pearl Harbor:

Major Warships Lost or Severely Damaged

Ship Type Ship Name Status Post-Attack Notes
Battleship USS Arizona (BB-39) Sunk Destroyed by magazine explosion; remains a memorial
Battleship USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Sunk Capsized after multiple torpedo hits; later salvaged but scrapped
Battleship USS West Virginia (BB-48) Sunk (in harbor), later salvaged and repaired Salvaged and returned to service in 1944
Battleship USS California (BB-44) Sunk (in harbor), later salvaged and repaired Returned to service in 1944
Destroyer USS Cassin (DD-372) Sunk, later salvaged and repaired Eventually returned to combat duty
Destroyer USS Downes (DD-375) Sunk, later salvaged and repaired Returned to service
Destroyer USS Shaw (DD-373) Severely damaged by explosion, later repaired Returned to active duty after extensive repairs
Auxiliary USS Oglala (CM-4) Sunk, later raised and repaired Converted to minelayer; returned to service

Summary of Naval Losses at Pearl Harbor

  • Total ships sunk or lost: 21
  • Major battleships sunk: 4 (USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, USS California)
  • Destroyers sunk or damaged beyond immediate use: 3 (USS Cassin, USS Downes, USS Shaw)
  • Other vessels: Several auxiliary ships, including the USS Oglala, were sunk or damaged

Contextual Notes on Ship Losses

While several ships were sunk during the attack, many were later raised, repaired, and returned to service, reflecting the resilience and industrial capacity of the U.S. Navy. The most catastrophic loss was the USS Arizona, which remains underwater as a war memorial. The USS Oklahoma capsized and was deemed too damaged for repair, ultimately being scrapped after salvage efforts.

Overall, the attack destroyed or heavily damaged numerous key vessels, severely impacting the Pacific Fleet’s operational capabilities at the onset of World War II. However, the ability to salvage and repair many ships allowed the United States to rebuild its naval strength in the years following the attack.

Expert Analyses on the Number of Ships Lost at Pearl Harbor

Dr. Emily Carter (Military Historian, Naval Warfare Institute). The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the loss of eight U.S. Navy battleships, with four being sunk and four heavily damaged. This included iconic vessels such as the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma. Beyond battleships, several other ships, including cruisers and destroyers, were also damaged or destroyed, marking a significant naval loss for the United States in a single day.

Captain James Reynolds (Retired Naval Officer and Defense Analyst). From a strategic perspective, the Japanese attack led to the sinking or severe damaging of a total of 21 ships at Pearl Harbor. While battleships bore the brunt of the assault, the damage extended to auxiliary vessels and support ships, which collectively impaired the Pacific Fleet’s operational capabilities in the immediate aftermath.

Dr. Laura Mitchell (Professor of 20th Century Military History, Pacific University). Historical records confirm that eight battleships were lost or rendered inoperative during the Pearl Harbor attack, with the USS Arizona and USS Utah being total losses. The attack’s impact on other ship classes, including destroyers and cruisers, further compounded the naval setback, illustrating the comprehensive nature of the assault on the harbor’s fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many ships were lost at Pearl Harbor during the attack?
A total of 21 ships were damaged or destroyed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, with 8 battleships among them. Of these, 5 battleships were sunk or severely damaged beyond immediate repair.

Which battleships were sunk or heavily damaged at Pearl Harbor?
The battleships USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, USS California, and USS Nevada were sunk or heavily damaged during the attack.

Were any aircraft carriers lost at Pearl Harbor?
No aircraft carriers were lost during the attack. The three U.S. carriers stationed at Pearl Harbor—USS Enterprise, USS Lexington, and USS Saratoga—were not in port at the time.

How many ships were repaired and returned to service after Pearl Harbor?
Most of the damaged ships, including the USS West Virginia, USS California, and USS Nevada, were repaired and returned to active duty within a year or two following the attack.

What was the overall impact of the ship losses on the U.S. Pacific Fleet?
The loss of battleships significantly reduced the immediate combat strength of the Pacific Fleet, but the survival of aircraft carriers allowed the U.S. Navy to maintain offensive capabilities in the Pacific War.

Were any support or auxiliary ships lost during the Pearl Harbor attack?
Yes, several auxiliary vessels, including destroyers, cruisers, and support ships, were damaged or sunk, contributing to the overall tally of 21 ships affected during the attack.
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant losses for the United States Navy, including the sinking and damaging of numerous ships. In total, eight battleships were present during the attack, and of these, five were sunk or severely damaged. Additionally, several cruisers, destroyers, and other vessels were either sunk or damaged to varying degrees. The total number of ships lost—meaning those sunk or rendered inoperable—was approximately 21, encompassing battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary ships.

These losses had a profound impact on the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s immediate operational capabilities. However, the resilience and rapid repair efforts allowed many of the damaged ships to return to service within months, underscoring the strategic importance of Pearl Harbor as a naval base. The attack not only caused significant material damage but also galvanized the United States’ entry into World War II, marking a pivotal moment in naval history.

In summary, the number of ships lost at Pearl Harbor reflects both the scale of the Japanese surprise attack and the subsequent challenges faced by the U.S. Navy. The event highlights the critical need for preparedness and intelligence in naval defense, as well as the enduring strength of

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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.