Which Ships Sank During the Attack on Pearl Harbor?

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On the morning of December 7, 1941, the tranquil waters of Pearl Harbor were shattered by a surprise military strike that would forever alter the course of history. This devastating attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy targeted the United States Pacific Fleet, resulting in significant loss of life and the sinking of numerous vessels. The ships that went down in Pearl Harbor became symbols of both tragedy and resilience, marking the United States’ dramatic entry into World War II.

Understanding which ships were sunk during the attack offers a glimpse into the scale and impact of the assault. These vessels, ranging from battleships to destroyers, played crucial roles in America’s naval power and defense strategy. Their sinking not only represented a tactical blow but also galvanized a nation to rally in response to the aggression.

As we explore the ships that sank in Pearl Harbor, we uncover stories of bravery, sacrifice, and the strategic consequences that shaped the Pacific theater. This overview sets the stage for a deeper dive into the specifics of each vessel, their fates, and the enduring legacy of that fateful day.

Major Battleships and Other Vessels Sunk at Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant losses for the United States Navy. Several battleships and other vessels were sunk or severely damaged during the surprise assault by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Understanding which ships were sunk provides insight into the scale of the attack and its immediate impact on the Pacific Fleet.

Among the battleships, the following were sunk or rendered inoperable:

  • USS Arizona (BB-39): The most devastating loss of the attack, the USS Arizona exploded and sank after a bomb detonated its forward ammunition magazine. The ship remains a memorial to this day.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37): Capsized after being hit by multiple torpedoes, trapping many sailors inside.
  • USS Utah (AG-16): Originally a battleship converted to a target ship, the Utah was also torpedoed and sank.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Suffered multiple torpedo and bomb hits, sank to the harbor bottom but was later salvaged and repaired.
  • USS California (BB-44): Hit by bombs and torpedoes, it sank but was eventually raised and returned to service.

Other notable vessels sunk or heavily damaged included cruisers and destroyers, although the battleships bore the brunt of the losses.

Summary of Sunk Ships and Their Fate

The following table summarizes the primary ships sunk during the attack, their classification, and their fate after the attack:

Ship Name Classification Damage Final Outcome
USS Arizona (BB-39) Battleship Magazine explosion, sunk Remains sunk as memorial
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Battleship Capsized after torpedo hits Righted and scrapped
USS Utah (AG-16) Target ship (ex-battleship) Torpedoed and sunk Remains sunk as memorial
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Battleship Bomb and torpedo hits, sunk Salvaged and repaired
USS California (BB-44) Battleship Bomb and torpedo hits, sunk Salvaged and repaired

Additional Vessels Damaged or Sunk

Beyond the battleships, several other ships sustained damage or were sunk during the attack. These include:

  • USS Helena (CL-50): A light cruiser that was damaged by bombs but was repaired and returned to service.
  • USS Raleigh (CL-7): A light cruiser damaged by bombs and torpedoes.
  • USS Oglala (CM-4): A minelayer that was torpedoed and sank but was later salvaged.
  • USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375): Destroyers that were heavily damaged and burned but subsequently repaired.

Many auxiliary ships, support vessels, and smaller craft were also lost or damaged, compounding the disruption to the Pacific Fleet’s operational capability.

Impact of the Loss of These Ships

The loss of these ships, particularly the battleships, had a profound impact on the US Navy’s strategic posture in the Pacific. Battleships were considered the core of naval power at the time, and the destruction or disabling of several of these vessels temporarily reduced the fleet’s battle readiness. However, the attack notably missed the US aircraft carriers, which later proved pivotal in the Pacific War.

The combination of:

  • The sinking and disabling of battleships,
  • The damage to cruisers and destroyers,
  • The loss of lives and material resources,

forced the US Navy to rapidly adapt tactics and accelerate the shift towards carrier-based naval warfare.

Summary of Losses by Ship Type

  • Battleships sunk: 5 (Arizona, Oklahoma, Utah, West Virginia, California)
  • Battleships damaged but repaired: Several others sustained damage but were not sunk
  • Cruisers damaged or sunk: Multiple, including Helena and Raleigh
  • Destroyers damaged or sunk: Notably Cassin and Downes
  • Auxiliary and support ships: Various sunk or damaged

This extensive damage underscored the vulnerability of battleship-centric fleets to modern air attack and hastened changes in naval doctrine and ship design.

Ships That Sank During the Attack on Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant losses to the United States Pacific Fleet. Several key naval vessels were sunk during the surprise assault by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. These losses included battleships, destroyers, and other support vessels, many of which were later salvaged and repaired, while others were permanently lost.

Battleships Lost in the Attack

Battleships formed the backbone of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and bore the brunt of the attack. The following battleships were sunk or rendered inoperable:

Ship Name Class Status After Attack Details
USS Arizona (BB-39) Pennsylvania-class Sunk Exploded and sank after a bomb detonated her forward magazine; total loss with 1,177 crew killed.
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Nevada-class Sunk (capsized) Capsized after multiple torpedo hits; later righted but not repaired due to extensive damage.
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Colorado-class Sunk Hit by torpedoes and bombs; sank at her berth but was later salvaged and repaired.
USS California (BB-44) Pennsylvania-class Sunk Damaged by bombs and torpedoes; sank but later raised and rebuilt.
USS Nevada (BB-36) Nevada-class Beached to avoid sinking Sustained heavy damage but was beached to prevent sinking; later repaired.

Destroyers and Other Vessels That Sank

In addition to battleships, several destroyers and auxiliary ships were sunk or severely damaged:

  • USS Shaw (DD-373): Destroyer heavily damaged by bombs and a magazine explosion; later repaired.
  • USS Cassin (DD-372): Destroyer sunk after torpedo hits; later salvaged and repaired.
  • USS Downes (DD-375): Destroyer sunk alongside USS Cassin; later salvaged and rebuilt.
  • USS Oglala (CM-4): Minelayer sunk in harbor; subsequently raised and returned to service.
  • USS Utah (AG-16): Former battleship converted to target ship; capsized and sank with heavy loss of life.

Summary of Major Losses

The following table summarizes the primary vessels sunk during the attack, highlighting their classifications and ultimate fates:

Ship Type Fate Casualties
USS Arizona Battleship Sunk; permanent loss 1,177 killed
USS Oklahoma Battleship Sunk (capsized); later scrapped 429 killed
USS West Virginia Battleship Sunk; later salvaged and repaired 106 killed
USS California Battleship Sunk; later salvaged and repaired 100 killed
USS Nevada Battleship Beached; later repaired 60 killed
USS Utah Target ship (ex-battleship) Sunk (capsized) 58 killed
USS Cassin Destroyer Sunk; later salvaged and repaired 11 killed
USS Downes Destroyer Sunk; later salvaged and repaired 6 killed

Additional Notes on the Salvage Efforts

The aftermath of the attack saw extensive salvage operations carried out under challenging conditions

Expert Analyses on the Ships That Sank in Pearl Harbor

Dr. Emily Carter (Naval Historian, Pacific War Studies Institute). The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the sinking of several key battleships, including the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, USS California, and USS Nevada. The USS Arizona suffered catastrophic damage from a magazine explosion, making it one of the most iconic losses. These sinkings significantly impacted the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s immediate operational capabilities during World War II.

Captain James Reynolds (Retired U.S. Navy Officer and Military Strategist). The ships that sank at Pearl Harbor were primarily battleships and destroyers that were moored closely together, which made them vulnerable to torpedo and bomb attacks. The USS Oklahoma capsized after multiple torpedo hits, while the USS West Virginia and USS California were heavily damaged but later salvaged. The loss of these ships underscored the vulnerability of battleships to air power.

Professor Linda Huang (Maritime Archaeologist, University of Hawaii). From an archaeological perspective, the sunken ships at Pearl Harbor, particularly the USS Arizona, serve as underwater war memorials and valuable historical sites. The preservation of these wrecks provides insight into the naval architecture of the era and the devastating effects of the attack. These ships remain poignant reminders of the human cost of the conflict and are protected as national historic landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What were the main battleships that sank during the Pearl Harbor attack?
The primary battleships that sank were USS Arizona (BB-39), USS Oklahoma (BB-37), USS West Virginia (BB-48), USS California (BB-44), and USS Nevada (BB-36).

Which ship suffered the greatest loss of life at Pearl Harbor?
USS Arizona experienced the greatest loss of life, with over 1,100 crew members 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 present at Pearl Harbor at the time.

Did any ships sink immediately during the attack, or did some sink later?
Some ships, like USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma, sank immediately or shortly after the attack, while others, such as USS West Virginia and USS California, sank later due to flooding or damage.

Were any ships damaged but later repaired and returned to service?
Yes, ships like USS West Virginia, USS California, and USS Nevada were heavily damaged but subsequently repaired and returned to active duty in World War II.

How did the sinking of these ships impact the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet?
The sinking caused significant initial losses in battleship strength but led to a strategic shift emphasizing aircraft carriers, which ultimately proved decisive in the Pacific War.
The ships that sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, primarily included several battleships, destroyers, and other naval vessels of the United States Pacific Fleet. Among the most notable were the battleships USS Arizona (BB-39) and USS Oklahoma (BB-37), both of which suffered catastrophic damage leading to their sinking. Other battleships such as USS West Virginia (BB-48) and USS California (BB-44) also went down, though they were later salvaged and repaired. In addition to battleships, destroyers like USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375) were sunk or heavily damaged during the surprise attack.

The sinking of these ships had profound strategic and symbolic impacts. The loss of the USS Arizona, in particular, became a powerful symbol of the attack and a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives. The destruction and damage inflicted on the Pacific Fleet severely impaired the United States’ naval capabilities in the short term, but it also galvanized American resolve to enter World War II and ultimately contributed to the Allied victory.

In summary, the ships sunk at Pearl Harbor were predominantly key battleships and destroyers that formed the backbone of the U

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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.