Uss Oklahoma Pearl Harbor Attack

The USS Oklahoma was a Nevada-class battleship that played a significant role in the United States Navy during the early years of World War II. However, its life was cut short when it was severely damaged during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The attack on the USS Oklahoma resulted in the loss of over 400 lives and left the ship heavily damaged, eventually leading to its decommissioning.

The USS Oklahoma was launched on March 23, 1914, and commissioned on May 2, 1916. It was one of the first battleships in the US Navy to be equipped with oil-fired boilers, which provided a significant increase in speed and range compared to earlier coal-fired ships. The USS Oklahoma served in both World Wars, participating in several key battles and earning several awards and decorations for its service.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS Oklahoma was moored in a berth on the southeastern side of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, along with several other US Navy ships. At 7:55 AM, Japanese aircraft appeared in the sky, and the attack on Pearl Harbor began. The USS Oklahoma was among the first ships to be hit, with a torpedo striking its port side near the forward turret. The ship quickly began to list to port as water poured in through the breach.

Over the next hour, the USS Oklahoma was hit by multiple torpedoes and bombs, causing significant damage and flooding. The ship's crew fought to save the vessel, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. At 9:00 AM, the USS Oklahoma rolled over and sank to the harbor floor, taking over 400 crew members with it. The sinking of the USS Oklahoma was one of the most devastating losses of the Pearl Harbor attack, and it would take several years and a massive salvage effort to recover the ship and restore it to service.

Background of the USS Oklahoma

The USS Oklahoma was a product of the US Navy's post-World War I expansion program, which aimed to increase the size and capabilities of the fleet. The ship was designed to be a fast and heavily armed battleship, with a top speed of over 20 knots and a main armament of 10 14-inch guns. The USS Oklahoma was also equipped with a range of secondary armaments, including anti-aircraft guns and torpedo tubes.

During the interwar period, the USS Oklahoma participated in several fleet exercises and training cruises, helping to develop the tactics and strategies that would be used during World War II. The ship also underwent several modernization programs, including the installation of new radar and fire control systems.

Design and Construction

The USS Oklahoma was designed by the US Navy's Bureau of Construction and Repair, with the goal of creating a fast and heavily armed battleship that could operate effectively in a variety of environments. The ship's hull was constructed using a combination of riveted and welded steel, with a length of over 580 feet and a beam of over 95 feet.

The USS Oklahoma was powered by a pair of geared steam turbines, which drove two propeller shafts and produced a total of 24,800 horsepower. The ship's main armament consisted of 10 14-inch guns, which were mounted in two twin turrets and two triple turrets. The USS Oklahoma also carried a range of secondary armaments, including 12 5-inch guns and 32 0.50-caliber machine guns.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack was intended to prevent the US Pacific Fleet from interfering with Japanese expansionist policies in Asia, and it was carefully planned and executed to achieve maximum surprise and damage.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, a fleet of Japanese aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and torpedo planes, approached Pearl Harbor from the north. The aircraft were detected by US radar, but the warning was not acted upon in time, and the attack caught the US military by surprise.

The first wave of Japanese aircraft struck Pearl Harbor at 7:55 AM, targeting the US Navy's battleships and aircraft carriers. The USS Oklahoma was among the first ships to be hit, with a torpedo striking its port side near the forward turret. Over the next hour, the USS Oklahoma was hit by multiple torpedoes and bombs, causing significant damage and flooding.

Aftermath of the Attack

The aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor was one of shock and devastation. The US military had suffered significant losses, including over 2,400 killed and 1,200 wounded. The USS Oklahoma was one of the most heavily damaged ships, with over 400 crew members killed and many more injured.

In the days and weeks that followed, the US military worked to assess the damage and begin the process of recovery and repair. The USS Oklahoma was eventually salvaged and restored to service, but it would take several years and a massive effort to repair the damage.

The attack on Pearl Harbor also had significant strategic implications, drawing the United States into World War II and setting the stage for a long and bloody conflict. The US military would go on to play a major role in the war, contributing significantly to the Allied victory.

Sinking and Salvage of the USS Oklahoma

The sinking of the USS Oklahoma was a devastating blow to the US Navy, and it would take several years and a massive salvage effort to recover the ship and restore it to service. The salvage operation was one of the most complex and challenging in history, requiring the use of specialized equipment and techniques.

The first step in the salvage operation was to stabilize the ship and prevent it from sinking further. This was achieved by pumping air into the ship's compartments and using cables and winches to hold it in place.

Once the ship was stabilized, the salvage team began the process of refloating it. This involved pumping out the water that had flooded the ship's compartments and using a combination of buoyancy and towing to lift the ship off the harbor floor.

The refloating of the USS Oklahoma was a major achievement, but it was only the first step in the salvage operation. The ship still required significant repairs, including the replacement of damaged hull plating and the rebuilding of its superstructure.

Restoration and Decommissioning

The restoration of the USS Oklahoma was a long and complex process, requiring the use of specialized equipment and techniques. The ship's hull was repaired, and its superstructure was rebuilt, but it was eventually determined that the ship was too badly damaged to be returned to service.

The USS Oklahoma was officially decommissioned on September 1, 1944, and it was eventually sold for scrap in 1946. The ship's sinking and salvage were a major blow to the US Navy, but they also provided valuable lessons in ship design and salvage operations.

The legacy of the USS Oklahoma lives on, however, and the ship remains an important part of US naval history. The USS Oklahoma Memorial, located in Pearl Harbor, honors the crew members who lost their lives during the attack, and it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the US military during World War II.

Gallery of USS Oklahoma

USS Oklahoma Image Gallery

What was the USS Oklahoma?

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The USS Oklahoma was a Nevada-class battleship that served in the United States Navy during World War II.

What happened to the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor?

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The USS Oklahoma was severely damaged during the attack on Pearl Harbor, with over 400 crew members killed and many more injured. The ship sank to the harbor floor, but was later salvaged and restored to service.

What was the significance of the USS Oklahoma?

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The USS Oklahoma played a significant role in the US Navy during World War II, participating in several key battles and earning several awards and decorations for its service. The ship's sinking and salvage also provided valuable lessons in ship design and salvage operations.

What is the legacy of the USS Oklahoma?

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The legacy of the USS Oklahoma lives on, with the ship remaining an important part of US naval history. The USS Oklahoma Memorial, located in Pearl Harbor, honors the crew members who lost their lives during the attack, and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the US military during World War II.

What can we learn from the story of the USS Oklahoma?

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The story of the USS Oklahoma provides valuable lessons in bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. The ship's crew members demonstrated extraordinary courage and dedication in the face of overwhelming danger, and their legacy continues to inspire and motivate people today.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the USS Oklahoma and its significance in US naval history. We invite you to share your thoughts and comments on this topic, and to explore further the many resources and memorials dedicated to the USS Oklahoma and its crew. By remembering and honoring the sacrifices of the past, we can work towards a more peaceful and secure future for all.