Why the USS Arizona Remains at Pearl Harbor as a Monument
The USS Arizona (BB-39), one of the most iconic warships of World War II, sank during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and remains there today as a somber and enduring monument. This article explores the reasons behind why the ship was never salvaged, and its significance as a war memorial.
The USS Arizona: Sunk Beyond Repair
When the USS Arizona was attacked on December 7, 1941, its powder magazine explosion destroyed the ship completely. The damage was so severe that it was deemed impossible to refloat or repair the vessel. Unlike other ships that underwent extensive repairs and reconstructions, the hull of the USS Arizona remained mostly intact except for the forward section, which was broken beyond salvage.
The strategic location of Pearl Harbor as a major US Navy base and its continued use as a home port for the Pacific Fleet further complicated the efforts to salvage the ship. Due to the immense structural damage and the ship's significant weight, lifting and relocating the wreck to Washington DC was not feasible.
A Unique Memorial
The remaining wreck of the USS Arizona, now declared a war grave, plays a significant role in commemorating the 1,177 sailors and marines who lost their lives on the ship. The site is managed by the United States Navy and serves as a solemn memorial for the brave men who perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Comparison with Other Ships
While the remnants of the USS Arizona serve as a memorial, other ships involved in the attack on Pearl Harbor were either salvaged or relocated. For instance, the former USS Utah (BB-36) was disarmed and used for shore defense purposes before being sunk and left where it had sunk. This situation is different from the USS Arizona, which was never raised due to the extent of its damage.
The differing treatment of ships like Utah and Arizona can be attributed to various factors. For Utah, the location of the ship on the seabed was more strategic as a training and support facility for naval exercises. However, the USS Arizona posed more of a challenge due to its condition. The ship's keel was shattered during the attack, and the structural integrity required for refloating and relocating the ship was deemed impossible.
Technical Challenges of Salvage
Efforts to salvage the USS Arizona were not only hampered by the severe structural damage but also by the need for a memorial to honor the fallen sailors and marines. According to a former National Park Service diver, even in the 1940s, the undertaking would have been akin to 'trying to lift a sandcastle with a forklift.' The immense weight of the ship and its fragmented state made any form of salvage operation extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Hence, the wreck of the USS Arizona, lying at Pearl Harbor, stands as a poignant reminder of the devastating attack that thrust the United States into World War II. It is a symbol of the sacrifice and heroism exhibited by those who served and lost their lives that fateful day.