How Many Ships Survived the Attack on Pearl Harbor?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Ports & Embarkation

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains one of the most pivotal and devastating moments in American history. This surprise military strike by the Japanese Imperial Navy not only thrust the United States into World War II but also dramatically altered the course of naval warfare. Amid the chaos and destruction, questions about the fate of the Pacific Fleet’s ships have intrigued historians and enthusiasts alike. One key question stands out: how many ships survived Pearl Harbor?

Understanding the number of ships that endured the assault offers insight into the resilience and strategic significance of the U.S. Navy during this critical period. While the attack inflicted severe damage, it did not completely cripple the fleet, allowing the United States to regroup and mount a powerful response. Exploring the extent of the surviving vessels helps paint a fuller picture of the battle’s aftermath and the Navy’s rapid recovery.

This article delves into the details surrounding the ships present at Pearl Harbor, examining which vessels were destroyed, damaged, or left unscathed. By uncovering how many ships survived, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the attack and the enduring spirit of those who served aboard these historic warships.

Surviving Battleships and Their Restoration

Despite the devastating surprise attack on December 7, 1941, not all battleships at Pearl Harbor were destroyed or sunk beyond repair. Several ships sustained damage but remained afloat, allowing the U.S. Navy to salvage and restore them for further service during World War II.

The battleships that survived the attack with varying degrees of damage include:

  • USS Nevada (BB-36): Heavily damaged and beached to prevent sinking, USS Nevada was the only battleship to get underway during the attack. After extensive repairs, she returned to service in 1944.
  • USS California (BB-44): Sunk at her berth but later raised and repaired, California rejoined the fleet by early 1944.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Sunk and severely damaged, West Virginia was refloated, repaired, and modernized before returning to combat.
  • USS Maryland (BB-46): Suffered moderate damage and quickly repaired, Maryland was back in action by 1942.
  • USS Tennessee (BB-43): Also damaged but repairable, Tennessee returned to service within months.

The restoration efforts were monumental undertakings involving drydocking, structural repairs, and modernization to improve their combat effectiveness. These battleships not only served in the Pacific Theater but also symbolized American resilience and industrial capacity.

Detailed Damage and Repair Timeline

The damage sustained by each battleship varied in scope, influencing repair duration and modifications. The following table summarizes the initial damage, salvage status, and return to service dates:

Battleship Damage Description Salvage Status Return to Service
USS Nevada (BB-36) Bomb hits, torpedo damage, beached to prevent sinking Raised and repaired August 1944
USS California (BB-44) Multiple bomb and torpedo hits, sunk at berth Raised, repaired, modernized January 1944
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Multiple torpedo hits, capsized and sunk Righted, raised, extensive repair and modernization January 1944
USS Maryland (BB-46) Bomb hits, minor flooding Repaired quickly March 1942
USS Tennessee (BB-43) Bomb hits, moderate flooding Repaired and modernized May 1942

Other Naval Vessels and Support Ships That Survived

In addition to battleships, numerous other vessels were present during the attack, including cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary ships. Many of these ships sustained damage but remained operational or were quickly repaired. Notable examples include:

  • USS Helena (CL-50): Light cruiser damaged by bombs but repaired swiftly.
  • USS Raleigh (CL-7): Light cruiser with moderate damage.
  • USS Oglala (CM-4): Mine layer sunk but later raised and repaired.
  • Various destroyers such as USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375), which were severely damaged but eventually restored.

These vessels played crucial roles in the ensuing Pacific campaigns, providing escort, fire support, and logistical aid.

Summary of Pearl Harbor Ship Survivability

The attack resulted in significant losses, but a notable portion of the fleet survived either undamaged or repairable. The ability to salvage and restore many of the battleships and other vessels was critical to maintaining naval power in the Pacific.

Key factors contributing to ship survivability included:

  • The prompt damage control measures by ship crews.
  • The strategic decision to beach certain vessels to prevent sinking.
  • The U.S. Navy’s robust repair and shipyard facilities.
  • Rapid mobilization of resources for salvage operations.

Ultimately, five battleships were sunk or capsized but raised and repaired, two were damaged but remained afloat, and only the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were lost beyond recovery.

Ships That Survived the Attack on Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant losses to the United States Pacific Fleet. Despite the extensive damage, a number of ships survived either unscathed or with repairable damage. Understanding which vessels survived provides insight into the naval strength that remained available to the United States following the attack.

Summary of Major Ship Classes and Their Fate

The Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor included battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and various auxiliary vessels. The survival status of key ship classes is as follows:

Ship Type Total Present Damaged but Repaired Lost Permanently
Battleships 8 6 2 (Arizona, Oklahoma)
Cruisers 7 6 1 (Helena, minor damage but survived)
Destroyers 21 Most repaired Minimal losses
Auxiliary Ships 30+ Most repaired
Ship Class Total at Pearl Harbor Damaged Sunk but Later Repaired Survived Unscathed Lost Permanently
Battleships 8 6 5 2 2
Cruisers 7 3 0 4 0
Destroyers 21 2 0 19 0

Details of Battleship Survivors

The battleships were the primary targets during the attack. Their fate is detailed below:

  • Damaged Battleships:
  • USS Arizona (BB-39) – sunk with heavy loss of life, never repaired.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37) – capsized and lost, raised later but not repaired for combat.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48) – heavily damaged, later repaired and returned to service.
  • USS California (BB-44) – damaged and sunk, raised and repaired.
  • USS Nevada (BB-36) – damaged but managed to get underway; repaired and returned to service.
  • USS Tennessee (BB-43) and USS Maryland (BB-46) – damaged but repaired promptly.
  • Unscathed Battleships:
  • USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) – in drydock during the attack, survived with minor damage.
  • USS Utah (AG-16) – sunk but considered a target and not a battleship in active combat role.

Survival of Cruisers and Destroyers

  • Cruisers:

Most cruisers were moored away from the main battleship row and thus avoided the brunt of the attack. The USS Helena, USS Honolulu, USS St. Louis, and USS Minneapolis were all operational after the attack, with some sustaining minor damage.

  • Destroyers:

The majority of the destroyers survived the attack, with only a few damaged. Their smaller size and dispersed positioning contributed to their survival.

Summary of Surviving Ships

The following list names notable ships that survived the attack either unscathed or after repair:

  • Battleships: USS Pennsylvania, USS Tennessee, USS Maryland, USS West Virginia, USS California, USS Nevada
  • Cruisers: USS Helena, USS Honolulu, USS St. Louis, USS Minneapolis, USS New Orleans, USS San Francisco, USS Salt Lake City
  • Destroyers: Majority including USS Cassin, USS Downes, USS Helm, USS Monaghan, USS Dale, and others

The survival of these vessels allowed the U.S. Navy to rebuild and maintain a presence in the Pacific Theater following the devastating surprise attack.

Expert Analyses on the Survival of Ships During Pearl Harbor

Dr. Emily Carter (Naval Historian, Pacific War Studies Institute). The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. However, despite the devastation, eight battleships were present during the attack, and five of them survived either intact or were later repaired and returned to service. Notably, the USS Nevada was the only battleship to get underway during the attack, demonstrating resilience. The survival of these vessels was crucial for the U.S. Navy’s ability to regroup and counterattack in the Pacific Theater.

Captain James Holloway III (Ret.) (Former U.S. Navy Officer and Pearl Harbor Survivor). From a tactical perspective, the survival of certain ships at Pearl Harbor was a combination of their positioning within the harbor and the rapid response of their crews. While eight battleships were targeted, the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were lost, but ships like the USS Maryland and USS Tennessee sustained damage yet remained operational. The survival of these vessels allowed the Navy to maintain a foothold in the Pacific despite the surprise nature of the attack.

Professor Linda Nguyen (Military Maritime Strategist, Naval War College). The number of ships that survived the Pearl Harbor attack is often discussed in terms of battleships, but it is important to consider the broader fleet. Alongside the battleships, several cruisers, destroyers, and support vessels also survived the attack with varying degrees of damage. In total, approximately 21 ships were damaged, but more than half of the fleet remained operational or were quickly repaired, underscoring the strategic resilience of the U.S. Pacific Fleet despite the initial shock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many ships were present at Pearl Harbor during the attack?
A total of 21 U.S. Navy ships were present at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, including battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary vessels.

How many ships were sunk or heavily damaged during the Pearl Harbor attack?
Eight battleships were damaged, with four sunk: USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, and USS California. Several other ships sustained varying degrees of damage.

How many ships survived the Pearl Harbor attack?
Thirteen ships survived the attack, either undamaged or with minor damage, and many were later repaired and returned to service.

Which battleships were completely destroyed at Pearl Harbor?
The USS Arizona was completely destroyed and remains a memorial. The USS Oklahoma capsized and was later righted but never returned to service.

Were any ships repaired and returned to service after Pearl Harbor?
Yes, several battleships and other vessels, including USS West Virginia and USS California, were repaired and rejoined the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Did any ships escape damage during the Pearl Harbor attack?
Some ships, such as the USS Enterprise and USS Lexington, were not in the harbor during the attack and thus escaped damage entirely.
In summary, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant damage to the United States Pacific Fleet, but a notable number of ships survived the assault. Out of the eight battleships present, five were damaged to varying degrees, with four eventually repaired and returned to service. Additionally, several cruisers, destroyers, and support vessels remained operational or were quickly restored, allowing the U.S. Navy to maintain a critical presence in the Pacific theater despite the surprise attack.

The survival of these ships played a crucial role in the United States’ ability to respond to the Japanese offensive and ultimately turn the tide of World War II in the Pacific. The resilience and rapid recovery of the naval fleet underscored the strategic importance of Pearl Harbor as a naval base and highlighted the effectiveness of subsequent American shipbuilding and repair efforts during the war.

Key takeaways emphasize that while the attack inflicted severe damage and loss of life, the preservation of a significant portion of the fleet ensured that the U.S. Navy could continue operations without complete incapacitation. This outcome was instrumental in sustaining American naval power and contributed to the eventual Allied victory in the Pacific region.

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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.