The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941, is one of the most infamous events in modern history. The surprise assault on the United States naval base in Hawaii resulted in the loss of numerous ships, aircraft, and lives. However, some ships managed to survive the historic attack, and their stories are a testament to the resilience and bravery of the crew members who served on them. In this article, we will delve into the details of the ships that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, exploring their experiences, the damage they sustained, and their subsequent roles in World War II.
Introduction to the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a meticulously planned operation by the Japanese, aimed at crippling the United States Pacific Fleet and preventing it from interfering with Japanese expansion in Southeast Asia. The assault began at 7:55 AM Hawaiian Time, with the first wave of Japanese aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and torpedo planes, descending upon the naval base. The second wave followed at 8:50 AM, resulting in a total of 2,403 American lives lost, 1,178 wounded, and significant damage to the naval base and its ships. Despite the devastating losses, several ships managed to survive the attack, including the USS Maryland, USS Tennessee, and USS Enterprise.
Ships That Survived the Attack
A total of 19 ships were sunk or damaged during the attack on Pearl Harbor, but some managed to survive with varying degrees of damage. The USS Maryland, a Colorado-class battleship, was one of the ships that survived the attack. Although it was moored in a position that made it vulnerable to attack, the USS Maryland suffered only minor damage from two bomb hits. The USS Tennessee, another Colorado-class battleship, also survived the attack, despite being moored in a position that made it susceptible to damage from the USS West Virginia, which had been torpedoed and was sinking nearby.
| Ship Name | Class | Damage Sustained |
|---|---|---|
| USS Maryland | Colorado-class battleship | Minor damage from two bomb hits |
| USS Tennessee | Colorado-class battleship | Minor damage from debris and fires |
| USS Enterprise | Yorktown-class aircraft carrier | No damage, as it was not present in the harbor during the attack |
Experiences of the Surviving Ships
The experiences of the surviving ships varied greatly, depending on their location within the harbor and the extent of the damage they sustained. The USS Maryland and USS Tennessee were both moored in positions that made them vulnerable to attack, but they managed to survive with minor damage. The USS Enterprise, on the other hand, was not present in the harbor during the attack, as it was returning from a mission to Wake Island. Despite not being directly involved in the attack, the USS Enterprise played a crucial role in the subsequent war in the Pacific, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway.
Repair and Refurbishment
Following the attack, the surviving ships underwent repair and refurbishment to restore them to operational condition. The USS Maryland and USS Tennessee were both repaired at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, with the USS Maryland requiring more extensive repairs due to the damage it sustained. The USS Enterprise also underwent repairs and modifications, including the installation of additional anti-aircraft guns and radar equipment, to enhance its combat effectiveness.
- USS Maryland: Repaired at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, with repairs completed in February 1942
- USS Tennessee: Repaired at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, with repairs completed in February 1942
- USS Enterprise: Repaired and modified at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, with repairs completed in March 1942
Legacy of the Surviving Ships
The surviving ships of the attack on Pearl Harbor played a significant role in the subsequent war in the Pacific, participating in numerous battles and campaigns. The USS Maryland and USS Tennessee both saw action in several key battles, including the Battle of Tarawa and the Battle of Iwo Jima. The USS Enterprise also participated in several major battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The bravery and sacrifice of the crew members who served on these ships are a testament to the enduring legacy of the United States Navy and its role in defending the nation and its interests.
Historical Significance
The attack on Pearl Harbor and the survival of the ships that were present in the harbor on that day are significant events in modern history. The attack marked the entry of the United States into World War II and had a profound impact on the course of the war in the Pacific. The survival of the ships that were present in the harbor on that day is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the crew members who served on them, as well as the effectiveness of the United States Navy’s repair and refurbishment efforts.
- The attack on Pearl Harbor marked the entry of the United States into World War II
- The survival of the ships present in the harbor on that day is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the crew members who served on them
- The repair and refurbishment of the surviving ships were crucial to the United States' ability to respond to the Japanese threat in the Pacific
What was the significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor?
+The attack on Pearl Harbor marked the entry of the United States into World War II and had a profound impact on the course of the war in the Pacific. The attack resulted in significant losses for the United States, including the loss of numerous ships, aircraft, and lives. However, the survival of the ships that were present in the harbor on that day and the subsequent repair and refurbishment efforts allowed the United States to maintain a strong naval presence in the region and ultimately contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.
Which ships survived the attack on Pearl Harbor?
+Several ships survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, including the USS Maryland, USS Tennessee, and USS Enterprise. These ships were either moored in positions that made them less vulnerable to attack or were not present in the harbor during the attack. Despite sustaining varying degrees of damage, these ships were able to survive the attack and subsequently played significant roles in the war in the Pacific.
What was the role of the surviving ships in the subsequent war in the Pacific?
+The surviving ships of the attack on Pearl Harbor played significant roles in the subsequent war in the Pacific. The USS Maryland and USS Tennessee both saw action in several key battles, including the Battle of Tarawa and the Battle of Iwo Jima. The USS Enterprise also participated in several major battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The bravery and sacrifice of the crew members who served on these ships are a testament to the enduring legacy of the United States Navy and its role in defending the nation and its interests.
