Uss Oklahoma At Pearl Harbor

The USS Oklahoma was a Nevada-class battleship that played a significant role in the United States Navy during the early 20th century. However, it is most famously known for its tragic fate during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The USS Oklahoma was one of the eight battleships anchored in Battleship Row, alongside the USS Arizona, USS California, USS West Virginia, USS Tennessee, USS Maryland, USS Pennsylvania, and the USS Utah. On that fateful day, the USS Oklahoma suffered a devastating attack, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives and significant damage to the ship.

The USS Oklahoma was launched on March 23, 1914, and commissioned on May 2, 1916. It was designed to be a state-of-the-art battleship, equipped with advanced armament, armor, and propulsion systems. The ship measured 583 feet in length and 95 feet in width, with a displacement of over 27,000 tons. The USS Oklahoma was powered by two triple-expansion steam engines, which provided a top speed of 20 knots. The ship's main armament consisted of ten 14-inch guns, mounted in five twin turrets, as well as twenty-one 5-inch guns and two 21-inch torpedo tubes.

Throughout its service, the USS Oklahoma participated in several notable events, including the United States' occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, in 1914, and the ship's deployment to European waters during World War I. In the interwar period, the USS Oklahoma underwent several modernizations, including the installation of new anti-aircraft guns and improved fire control systems. However, despite these upgrades, the USS Oklahoma was still considered an older battleship by the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Attack on Pearl Harbor

The USS Oklahoma was moored on the outside of the USS Maryland in Battleship Row, which made it more vulnerable to attack. At 7:55 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the first wave of Japanese aircraft, consisting of 183 planes, approached Pearl Harbor. The USS Oklahoma was quickly targeted by Japanese bombers and torpedo planes, which dropped several bombs and launched multiple torpedoes at the ship. Within minutes, the USS Oklahoma was hit by at least four torpedoes, which caused significant damage to its hull and led to rapid flooding of the ship's compartments.

As the USS Oklahoma began to list and take on water, its crew fought to save the ship. However, the damage was too extensive, and the ship eventually capsized at 9:45 a.m., resulting in the deaths of 415 crew members. Many more were injured, and some were trapped inside the ship's hull. The USS Oklahoma's sinking was one of the most tragic events of the Pearl Harbor attack, and it would take several years and a massive salvage effort to eventually recover and repair the ship.

Sinking and Salvage

The salvage of the USS Oklahoma was a complex and challenging operation that required the use of specialized equipment and techniques. The process began in 1942, with the initial goal of recovering the ship's guns, ammunition, and other valuable materials. As the salvage effort progressed, the focus shifted to raising the ship itself, which was eventually accomplished in 1943. The USS Oklahoma was then towed to a dry dock, where it underwent extensive repairs and modernizations.

However, the USS Oklahoma's damage was too severe, and the ship was eventually decommissioned in 1944. The USS Oklahoma was sold for scrap in 1946 and broken up in 1947. Despite its tragic fate, the USS Oklahoma's legacy lives on as a symbol of American sacrifice and resilience during World War II.

Crew and Legacy

The USS Oklahoma's crew was composed of over 1,300 sailors and officers, who came from diverse backgrounds and regions of the United States. Many of these crew members were young men, barely out of their teens, who had enlisted in the Navy seeking adventure and a sense of purpose. The USS Oklahoma's crew was known for its camaraderie and esprit de corps, which was forged through shared experiences and challenges during the ship's pre-war deployments.

The USS Oklahoma's legacy is remembered and honored through various monuments, memorials, and ceremonies. The USS Oklahoma Memorial, located on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, features a series of white marble tablets, each bearing the name of a crew member who died during the attack. The memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the USS Oklahoma's crew and the importance of preserving the history of the ship and its role in American naval history.

USS Oklahoma Memorial

The USS Oklahoma Memorial is a powerful tribute to the ship and its crew, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by American servicemen and women during times of war. The memorial is visited by thousands of people each year, including veterans, families of crew members, and history enthusiasts.

Historical Significance

The USS Oklahoma's history and legacy are significant not only because of its role in the Pearl Harbor attack but also due to its contributions to American naval history. The USS Oklahoma was one of the first American battleships to be built with a focus on speed and maneuverability, and its design influenced the development of subsequent battleship classes.

The USS Oklahoma's story also highlights the importance of preserving historical artifacts and honoring the memories of those who served. The ship's salvage and recovery efforts were a testament to American ingenuity and determination, and the USS Oklahoma's legacy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by American servicemen and women during times of war.

Preservation Efforts

The USS Oklahoma's preservation efforts are ongoing, with various organizations and individuals working to honor the ship's legacy and remember its crew. The USS Oklahoma Memorial is maintained by the National Park Service, and the site is open to visitors year-round. The memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the USS Oklahoma's crew and the importance of preserving American naval history.

USS Oklahoma Image Gallery

What was the USS Oklahoma's role in the Pearl Harbor attack?

+

The USS Oklahoma was one of the eight battleships anchored in Battleship Row during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship was hit by multiple torpedoes and bombs, resulting in significant damage and the loss of hundreds of lives.

How many crew members died during the USS Oklahoma's sinking?

+

A total of 415 crew members died during the USS Oklahoma's sinking, with many more injured or trapped inside the ship's hull.

What is the significance of the USS Oklahoma Memorial?

+

The USS Oklahoma Memorial is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the USS Oklahoma's crew and the importance of preserving American naval history. The memorial features a series of white marble tablets, each bearing the name of a crew member who died during the attack.

In final thoughts, the USS Oklahoma's story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by American servicemen and women during times of war. The ship's legacy serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience of its crew, and its preservation efforts continue to honor the memories of those who served. As we reflect on the USS Oklahoma's history, we are reminded of the importance of preserving American naval history and honoring the sacrifices made by those who have served our nation. We invite you to share your thoughts and comments on the USS Oklahoma's legacy and its significance in American history.