Making History Come Alive continues with the great warship's series: USS Arizona and USS Missouri
The USS Arizona holds a special place in American history as a tragic reminder of the attack on Pearl Harbor that propelled the United States into World War II. The battleship was one of the most powerful in the U.S. Navy fleet, and its sinking on December 7, 1941, with the loss of over 1,100 lives, remains a poignant symbol of the sacrifices made by American service members in defense of their country.
Commissioned in 1916, the USS Arizona was the second and final ship of the Pennsylvania class of super-dreadnought battleships. At the time of its construction, it was one of the most advanced warships in the world, boasting an impressive array of armaments and a top speed of 21 knots. The ship was named after the state of Arizona to honor its entry into the Union in 1912.
On the fateful morning of December 7, 1941, the USS Arizona was moored at Battleship Row in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, along with several other U.S. Navy ships. At 7:55 a.m., Japanese aircraft launched a surprise attack on the naval base, targeting the battleships, aircraft, and other military installations. The USS Arizona was hit by several bombs and torpedoes, which ignited its forward ammunition magazine, causing a catastrophic explosion that ripped the ship apart and sent it to the bottom of the harbor in a matter of minutes.
The attack on Pearl Harbor and the sinking of the USS Arizona shocked the American public and galvanized the nation's resolve to enter the war against the Axis powers. The loss of life on the USS Arizona was especially tragic, with over 1,100 sailors and Marines killed, making it the single deadliest incident in the history of the U.S. Navy. The wreck of the ship remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor as a memorial to those who perished on that day.
In the years following the attack, efforts were made to salvage and recover the remains of the sailors who went down with the USS Arizona. The ship's hull was left where it lay, and a memorial was built over the wreck site to honor the memory of those who lost their lives. The USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated in 1962, stands as a solemn tribute to the fallen and a reminder of the sacrifices made in defense of freedom and democracy.
Today, the USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most visited attractions in Hawaii, drawing millions of visitors each year to pay their respects and learn about the events of that fateful day.
The USS Missouri, also known as "Mighty Mo," is one of the most famous battleships in American naval history. Commissioned in 1944, the USS Missouri played a significant role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, earning a reputation as a symbol of American military power and prestige.
The USS Missouri was built by the New York Naval Shipyard and launched on January 29, 1944. It was the last battleship built by the United States and was named after the state of Missouri, in honor of President Harry S. Truman, who was from Missouri. The ship was one of the Iowa-class battleships, known for their speed, firepower, and advanced technology.
During World War II, the USS Missouri played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, participating in some of the most significant naval battles of the war. The ship provided fire support for amphibious landings, bombarded Japanese-held islands, and engaged enemy ships and aircraft in combat. One of the most famous moments in the ship's history came on September 2, 1945, when the Japanese officially surrendered on the deck of the USS Missouri, marking the end of World War II.
After the war, the USS Missouri underwent several modernizations and upgrades to keep pace with advances in naval technology. The ship was reactivated for the Korean War in the early 1950s, where it once again played a key role in naval operations in the Pacific. During the conflict, the USS Missouri provided fire support for ground troops and conducted naval bombardments of enemy positions along the Korean coast.
In the decades that followed, the USS Missouri continued to serve in various capacities, including as a training ship and a flagship for the United States Navy's Pacific Fleet. The ship was decommissioned in 1955 but was later recommissioned in 1984 in response to growing tensions in the Middle East. During the Gulf War in 1991, the USS Missouri fired its guns in combat for the last time, launching Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets and providing naval gunfire support for coalition forces.
The USS Missouri was decommissioned for the final time in 1992 and is now a museum ship moored at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about its history, technology, and role in American naval operations. The USS Missouri remains a popular tourist attraction and a living testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the sailors who served aboard her.
Thanks for reading Making History Come Alive! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.