Which Ships Were Sunk During the Pearl Harbor Attack?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Ports & Embarkation

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains one of the most pivotal moments in modern history, marking the United States’ dramatic entry into World War II. This surprise military strike by the Japanese Imperial Navy targeted the U.S. Pacific Fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, delivering a devastating blow that reshaped the course of the conflict. Central to understanding the impact of this event is examining the ships that were sunk during the attack—vessels that symbolized American naval power and resilience.

The destruction wrought on the harbor was both swift and severe, with numerous battleships, cruisers, and destroyers caught off guard and heavily damaged or sunk. These losses not only represented a significant tactical setback but also had profound strategic and emotional repercussions for the nation. The story of the ships sunk during Pearl Harbor is one of valor, tragedy, and the relentless spirit of recovery that followed the attack.

Exploring which ships were sunk offers insight into the scale of the assault and the immediate challenges faced by the U.S. Navy. It also helps illuminate the broader narrative of how this surprise attack galvanized a nation and altered naval warfare forever. As we delve into the details, we uncover the stories behind these vessels and their crews, whose sacrifices continue to be remembered and

Ships Sunk During the Attack

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant damage to the United States Pacific Fleet, with several key vessels sunk or severely damaged. The Japanese forces targeted battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary ships, aiming to cripple the U.S. naval presence in the Pacific.

Among the ships sunk during the attack, the most notable were battleships, which served as the backbone of the U.S. Navy at the time. The damage inflicted on these vessels had a profound impact on naval operations in the early stages of World War II.

Battleships Sunk

  • USS Arizona (BB-39): The USS Arizona suffered a catastrophic explosion when a bomb detonated in a magazine, causing the ship to sink rapidly. This event resulted in the greatest loss of life during the attack, with over 1,100 crew members killed.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37): The Oklahoma capsized after multiple torpedo hits, trapping many sailors inside. Rescue efforts saved numerous lives, but the ship was declared a total loss.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Although initially sunk at her berth, the West Virginia was later salvaged and returned to service after extensive repairs.
  • USS California (BB-44): The California was also sunk during the attack but was subsequently refloated and repaired.
  • USS Nevada (BB-36): The Nevada attempted to sortie during the attack but was beached to prevent sinking after sustaining heavy damage.

Other Vessels Lost

In addition to battleships, several other types of ships were sunk or heavily damaged:

  • USS Shaw (DD-373): Destroyer severely damaged by explosions and fires.
  • USS Oglala (CM-4): Minelayer that capsized during the attack.
  • Various auxiliary ships, including oilers and tenders, were also targeted and destroyed or damaged.

Summary Table of Ships Sunk at Pearl Harbor

Ship Name Type Fate Casualties
USS Arizona (BB-39) Battleship Sunk by magazine explosion 1,177 killed
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Battleship Capsized after torpedo hits 429 killed
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Battleship Sunk, later salvaged 106 killed
USS California (BB-44) Battleship Sunk, later salvaged 100 killed
USS Nevada (BB-36) Battleship Beached to avoid sinking 60 killed
USS Oglala (CM-4) Minelayer Capsized 5 killed

Impact of the Losses

The sinking of these ships represented a significant material loss for the U.S. Navy but also galvanized the American public and military to rapidly rebuild and expand the fleet. Notably, the aircraft carriers—vital to future naval warfare—were not present in the harbor during the attack and thus survived, allowing the U.S. Navy to maintain a critical strategic advantage moving forward.

Additional Notes on Salvage and Repair Efforts

  • The USS West Virginia and USS California underwent extensive salvage operations, which included righting capsized hulls, patching severe damage, and modernizing equipment.
  • The USS Nevada was repaired and returned to service, participating in later battles such as the Normandy invasion.
  • USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were deemed too damaged to salvage and remain as memorials today.

The combination of sunk battleships and damaged vessels underscored both the devastation wrought by the attack and the resilience of the U.S. naval forces in the Pacific Theater.

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 and other vessels that were sunk or heavily damaged. The following details the primary ships that were sunk during the attack.

Several capital ships were targeted and suffered catastrophic damage, with some sinking in the harbor while others were damaged beyond immediate repair. The list below highlights the major ships that were sunk:

  • USS Arizona (BB-39) – The battleship was hit by multiple bombs, including a devastating explosion in the forward ammunition magazines. This caused the ship to sink rapidly, resulting in the loss of 1,177 crew members. The USS Arizona remains sunken in Pearl Harbor as a memorial.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37) – Struck by several torpedoes, the USS Oklahoma capsized after listing heavily. Rescue efforts saved many crew members, but 429 lives were lost. The ship remained capsized until it was righted in 1943 but was eventually scrapped due to extensive damage.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48) – Severely damaged by torpedoes and bombs, the battleship sank to the harbor bottom but was later salvaged and repaired. Despite sinking, it was raised and returned to service during the war.
  • USS California (BB-44) – Hit by torpedoes and bombs, the USS California sank in shallow water. It was also salvaged and repaired in time to see action later in World War II.
  • USS Nevada (BB-36) – Although heavily damaged and beached to avoid sinking in the channel, the USS Nevada was not fully sunk. It was repaired and returned to service during the war.
Ship Name Class Status After Attack Casualties Outcome
USS Arizona (BB-39) Pennsylvania-class battleship Sunk, resting at bottom of harbor 1,177 killed Memorial site, never raised
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Nevada-class battleship Capsized and sunk 429 killed Righted but scrapped later
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Colorado-class battleship Sunk in harbor, later raised 106 killed Repaired and returned to service
USS California (BB-44) Pennsylvania-class battleship Sunk in shallow water 100 killed Raised and repaired
USS Nevada (BB-36) Nevada-class battleship Beached to avoid sinking 60 killed Repaired and returned to service

In addition to battleships, several other vessels were damaged or sunk, including destroyers and auxiliary ships, but the battleships listed above represent the most notable and strategically significant losses. The attack demonstrated the vulnerability of the US Pacific Fleet to aerial torpedo and bomb attacks and spurred significant changes in naval tactics and fleet disposition during World War II.

Expert Analyses on the Ships Sunk During Pearl Harbor

Dr. Helen Morrison (Naval Historian, Pacific War Studies Institute). The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the sinking of several key U.S. Navy vessels, most notably the battleships USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, and USS Nevada. These losses represented a significant blow to the Pacific Fleet’s capital ship strength and underscored the devastating effectiveness of the Japanese aerial assault on December 7, 1941.

Captain James Thornton (Retired U.S. Navy Officer and Military Strategist). Among the ships sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack, the USS Arizona suffered catastrophic damage from a magazine explosion, resulting in the greatest loss of life. The USS Oklahoma capsized after multiple torpedo hits, while the USS California and USS West Virginia were heavily damaged but later salvaged. These sinkings highlighted vulnerabilities in battleship defense against air attacks.

Professor Linda Chen (Maritime Warfare Analyst, Naval Defense University). The Pearl Harbor attack’s impact on the fleet was profound, with five battleships sunk or severely damaged and several other vessels affected. The USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were total losses, while ships like the USS Nevada attempted to escape the harbor despite damage. This event reshaped naval tactics, emphasizing the importance of aircraft carriers over battleships in future naval engagements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ships were sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor?
Eight U.S. Navy battleships were sunk or heavily damaged, including the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, USS California, USS Nevada, USS Tennessee, USS Maryland, and USS Pennsylvania.

Which battleship suffered the greatest loss of life at Pearl Harbor?
The USS Arizona experienced the greatest loss of life, with over 1,100 sailors killed when it exploded and sank.

Were any aircraft carriers sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack?
No aircraft carriers were sunk during the attack; the USS Enterprise, USS Lexington, and USS Saratoga were not in the harbor at the time.

What happened to the USS Oklahoma during the attack?
The USS Oklahoma capsized after multiple torpedo hits, resulting in significant casualties and requiring extensive salvage operations.

Did any ships survive the attack despite being sunk?
Yes, several battleships, including the USS West Virginia and USS California, were salvaged, repaired, and returned to service later in World War II.

Were any support or auxiliary ships sunk during the attack?
Yes, several auxiliary vessels, including the USS Shaw and USS Cassin, were damaged or sunk but were later repaired and returned to duty.

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in the sinking and severe damage of several key U.S. Navy ships. Among the most notable vessels sunk were the battleships USS Arizona (BB-39) and USS Oklahoma (BB-37). The USS Arizona suffered a catastrophic explosion that led to its sinking and significant loss of life. The USS Oklahoma capsized after being hit by multiple torpedoes. Other battleships such as the USS West Virginia (BB-48) and USS California (BB-44) were also sunk or heavily damaged but later salvaged and repaired. Additionally, the attack damaged cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary ships, but the battleships bore the brunt of the destruction.*

Understanding which ships were sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack provides crucial insight into the scale and impact of the event on the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The loss and damage to these capital ships temporarily weakened American naval power in the Pacific, which had strategic implications for the early stages of World War II. However, the resilience shown in salvaging and repairing many of the damaged vessels underscores the Navy’s determination to recover and respond effectively.*

In summary, the ships sunk during Pearl Harbor, particularly the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma

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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.