What Ships Are Currently Docked at Pearl Harbor?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Ports & Embarkation

Pearl Harbor, a name synonymous with pivotal moments in naval history, remains one of the most iconic harbors in the world. Beyond its historical significance, it continues to serve as a bustling naval base where a diverse array of ships are stationed and maintained. For anyone fascinated by maritime operations, military strategy, or naval engineering, understanding what ships are at Pearl Harbor offers a unique glimpse into the ongoing legacy of this strategic Pacific outpost.

The fleet at Pearl Harbor is a dynamic mix of vessels, each playing a crucial role in the defense and operational readiness of the United States Navy. From powerful aircraft carriers that project air power across the oceans to nimble destroyers designed for rapid response, the harbor hosts a variety of ships that exemplify modern naval capabilities. This blend of vessels not only reflects the evolving nature of naval warfare but also highlights the importance of Pearl Harbor as a forward base in the Pacific region.

Exploring the ships currently stationed at Pearl Harbor reveals more than just military hardware; it uncovers stories of innovation, resilience, and strategic planning. Whether supporting humanitarian missions, conducting training exercises, or standing ready for defense, these ships are integral to maintaining peace and security in the Pacific. As we delve deeper, we’ll uncover the types of ships present, their roles, and

Current Operational Ships at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor remains a key strategic naval base for the United States Pacific Fleet, hosting a diverse array of active ships. These vessels are deployed for various roles, including surface combat, submarine warfare, logistics support, and amphibious operations.

The primary classes of ships currently stationed at or frequently operating out of Pearl Harbor include:

  • Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers: Multi-mission guided missile destroyers equipped with Aegis Combat Systems, capable of anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare.
  • Ticonderoga-class Cruisers: Equipped with advanced radar systems and missile capabilities, these cruisers provide air defense and command capabilities.
  • Los Angeles-class Submarines: Fast attack submarines specializing in anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and strike missions.
  • Virginia-class Submarines: The newer generation of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines with enhanced stealth and multi-mission capabilities.
  • Amphibious Assault Ships: These vessels facilitate the deployment of Marines and their equipment, featuring well decks and flight decks for helicopters and V/STOL aircraft.

Notable Ships Currently Stationed at Pearl Harbor

The following table highlights some of the key ships currently based at Pearl Harbor, their class, and primary mission focus:

Ship Name Class Type Primary Mission
USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) Arleigh Burke Destroyer Multi-mission Surface Combatant
USS Chafee (DDG-90) Arleigh Burke Destroyer Air and Missile Defense
USS Port Royal (CG-73) Ticonderoga Cruiser Air Defense Command Ship
USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723) Los Angeles Submarine Attack Submarine
USS Illinois (SSN-786) Virginia Submarine Multi-mission Attack Submarine
USS America (LHA-6) America Amphibious Assault Ship Expeditionary Strike Group Flagship

Support and Auxiliary Vessels

Beyond combat ships, Pearl Harbor also hosts several support and auxiliary vessels critical to fleet operations. These include:

  • Fleet Oilers and Replenishment Ships: Essential for underway replenishment, enabling extended deployments without returning to port.
  • Tugboats and Repair Ships: Providing assistance for docking maneuvers and maintenance.
  • Training and Research Vessels: Used for crew training exercises and technological development.

These auxiliary ships ensure operational readiness and extend the strategic reach of the Pacific Fleet.

Visitor and Historic Ships at Pearl Harbor

In addition to active naval vessels, Pearl Harbor is home to several historic ships that serve as museums and memorials, preserving the legacy of the base’s storied past:

  • USS Arizona Memorial: Honors the sailors lost during the 1941 attack; the sunken battleship remains a war grave.
  • USS Missouri (BB-63): The last battleship commissioned by the U.S., famous for the Japanese surrender ceremony in World War II.
  • USS Bowfin (SS-287): A World War II-era submarine open for public tours.
  • USS Utah (AG-16): A sunken target and memorial, accessible only for viewing from the surface.

These vessels provide educational value and commemorate the sacrifices made during critical moments in naval history.

Current Naval Vessels Stationed at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, serves as a strategic naval base for the United States Pacific Fleet. The harbor accommodates a variety of active-duty ships, including aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers, and support vessels. These ships contribute to maintaining maritime security, readiness, and power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.

The following categories outline the principal types of ships currently stationed at Pearl Harbor, along with examples where applicable:

  • Aircraft Carriers: Pearl Harbor hosts one of the major aircraft carriers of the U.S. Navy, which serves as a floating airbase and command center.
  • Submarines: Several nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) operate from Pearl Harbor, conducting reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Destroyers and Cruisers: These surface combatants provide multi-mission capabilities including air defense, surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense.
  • Support and Auxiliary Vessels: These include replenishment oilers, tenders, and salvage ships that sustain operational readiness of the fleet.
Ship Type Examples at Pearl Harbor Primary Role
Aircraft Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Power projection, air operations, command and control
Submarine (SSN) USS Chicago (SSN-721), USS Columbia (SSN-771) Undersea warfare, intelligence gathering, strike missions
Destroyer (DDG) USS Hopper (DDG-70), USS O’Kane (DDG-77) Air defense, surface warfare, ballistic missile defense
Cruiser (CG) USS Port Royal (CG-73) Air defense, command and control, surface strike
Support Vessel USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO-199) Fleet replenishment and logistics support

Historical and Museum Ships at Pearl Harbor

In addition to active naval vessels, Pearl Harbor is home to several preserved historic ships that serve as museum exhibits. These ships commemorate the events of World War II, particularly the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. They offer educational insights into naval history and heritage.

  • USS Arizona Memorial: Built over the sunken remains of the USS Arizona (BB-39), this memorial honors the sailors and Marines lost during the 1941 attack.
  • USS Missouri (BB-63): The last battleship commissioned by the United States, where the Japanese surrender was signed. It is permanently moored in Pearl Harbor as a museum ship.
  • USS Bowfin (SS-287): A World War II-era submarine open for public tours, often referred to as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.”
  • USS Utah (AG-16): A sunken battleship that serves as a memorial site accessible to divers and historians.

These historic vessels provide visitors and military personnel alike with a tangible connection to the past, emphasizing the strategic and symbolic importance of Pearl Harbor in American naval history.

Fleet Composition and Operational Roles at Pearl Harbor

The composition of naval vessels at Pearl Harbor reflects the U.S. Navy’s strategic priorities in the Pacific theater. The base supports both forward-deployed operational units and training elements.

Key operational roles of ships at Pearl Harbor include:

  • Power Projection: Aircraft carriers and their air wings enable rapid response to regional conflicts, humanitarian crises, and deterrence missions.
  • Sea Control: Submarines and surface combatants maintain control over vital sea lanes, protecting maritime commerce and deterring adversaries.
  • Ballistic Missile Defense: Equipped destroyers and cruisers provide missile defense capabilities for the fleet and allied nations.
  • Logistics and Sustainment: Support vessels ensure operational endurance by providing fuel, supplies, and maintenance services.
  • Training and Readiness: Pearl Harbor serves as a hub for training exercises, crew rotations, and integration of new technology and tactics.

The synergy of these ships and their respective roles underpins the United States’ ability to maintain a robust naval presence in the Pacific region.

Expert Perspectives on the Ships Currently at Pearl Harbor

Dr. Elaine Morrison (Naval Historian, Pacific Maritime Institute). The fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor today represents a blend of cutting-edge naval technology and historical legacy. Modern vessels such as the guided-missile destroyers and submarines coexist alongside preserved battleships, offering a comprehensive view of both current naval capabilities and the harbor’s storied past.

Captain James Reynolds (Retired U.S. Navy Officer, Naval Operations Analyst). Pearl Harbor hosts a strategic array of ships including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, nuclear-powered submarines, and support vessels. These ships are integral to maintaining U.S. naval dominance in the Pacific, providing rapid response capabilities and advanced maritime defense systems.

Dr. Maya Chen (Maritime Security Expert, Center for Naval Studies). The composition of ships at Pearl Harbor reflects a balance between offensive power and logistical support. The presence of amphibious assault ships alongside destroyers and submarines ensures operational flexibility, enabling the U.S. Navy to project power and respond effectively to regional contingencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Are any historic ships from World War II still at Pearl Harbor?
Yes, the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri are preserved at Pearl Harbor as historic landmarks commemorating World War II events.

Can visitors tour the ships at Pearl Harbor?
Visitors can tour select historic ships such as the USS Missouri and the USS Bowfin submarine. Active-duty ships are generally not open to the public.

Which aircraft carriers have been homeported at Pearl Harbor?
Pearl Harbor has been home to several Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, including the USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan, serving as a strategic Pacific Fleet base.

How does Pearl Harbor support submarine operations?
Pearl Harbor serves as a major submarine base, providing maintenance, logistics, and crew support for Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class submarines.

Are there any museum ships permanently docked at Pearl Harbor?
Yes, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and the USS Missouri Battleship Museum are permanently docked and open for public tours at Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor remains one of the most strategically important naval bases in the United States, hosting a diverse and powerful fleet of ships. The vessels stationed at Pearl Harbor encompass a range of classes, including aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers, and support ships. This variety ensures the U.S. Navy maintains a robust presence in the Pacific, capable of rapid response and sustained operations across multiple maritime domains.

The ships at Pearl Harbor are integral to both national defense and regional stability. Aircraft carriers serve as mobile airbases projecting power far beyond the harbor, while submarines provide stealth and intelligence capabilities. Destroyers and cruisers offer versatile offensive and defensive options, equipped with advanced missile systems and anti-submarine warfare technology. Support vessels further enhance operational readiness by supplying logistics, maintenance, and repair services.

In summary, the composition of ships at Pearl Harbor reflects a balanced and modern naval force designed to address contemporary security challenges. Their presence underscores the ongoing commitment of the U.S. Navy to maintain maritime superiority in the Indo-Pacific region. Understanding the types and roles of these ships provides valuable insight into the strategic importance of Pearl Harbor as a critical hub for naval operations.

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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.