Attack of Pearl Harbor

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States Naval base outside Honolulu suffered a great tragedy when the Japanese bombed the base, claiming the lives of more than 1,500 brave crew members.
In response, Congress voted to declare war on Japan, thus thrusting the United States into World War II. Now, more than 81 years later, Pearl Harbor continues to have stories to tell. Read the stories here, and visit the historic site to learn more about the attack, the harbor's legacy, and the efforts to protect and preserve it.

Ships of Pearl Harbor: USS Tern

May 07, 2019 ·  
Launched in March 1919 and commissioned into service on May 17 of the same year, the Lapwing-class minesweeper USS Tern (AM-31) was first assigned to Train Squadron 2 of the Fleet Base Force, at the US Navy installation at Pearl Harbor. After several years operating in Hawaiian waters, the squadron was assigned to San Diego, […]
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The Brothers of USS Oklahoma

April 27, 2019 ·  
During the 1930s and early '40s, with jobs scarce and tensions rising in Europe and the Pacific, many Americans turned to military service. At the time, it wasn't uncommon for family members who had enlisted together to wind up serving in the same unit, and sometimes aboard the same ship. This sometimes led to tragedy, […]
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What Does it Mean When a Ship is Listing?

April 19, 2019 ·  
Understanding the events of December 7, 1941 doesn’t require you to be an expert in naval or technical terminology. The memorials, museums, and other attractions provide a historical overview of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the things you need to know, such as the names and fates of the many ships that were there […]
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The Heroism of YG-17 at Pearl Harbor

April 04, 2019 ·  
Naval ship categories often have names that sound important to wartime efforts. Destroyers, aircraft carriers, battleships, minelayers – they’re all very clearly involved in some form of naval combat. Some, however, aren't so obvious. What, for example, are garbage lighters, and how could they render assistance during a devastating attack such as that which was […]
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USS Oklahoma Survivor Celebrates 101st Birthday

March 27, 2019 ·  
Each passing year brings the loss of more and more survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack, so when one of these heroes celebrates a birthday, it’s cause for celebration. One of these survivors is Colorado resident Bernie Weber, who celebrated his 101st birthday on March 21, 2019. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of Weber’s […]
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Ships of Pearl Harbor: USS Schley

March 07, 2019 ·  
USS Schley (DD-103) was laid down on October 29, 1917. The new Wickes-class destroyer was equipped like other destroyers of the time: with an arsenal that would make her a formidable presence on the high seas. USS Schley was commissioned into service on September 20, 1918. As this was the tail end of World War […]
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Ships of Pearl Harbor: USS Ramsay

February 23, 2019 ·  
USS Ramsay (DD-124) was laid down as a Wickes-class destroyer at Newport News, VA in December of 1917, and launched on June 8, 1918. She was commissioned into service in the US Navy on February 15, 1919, under the command of Cmdr H. H. Norton. Early Service of USS Ramsay Laid down and launched during the […]
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Pearl Harbor Heroes: Herbert C. Jones

February 15, 2019 ·  
As we’ve learned over time, heroes come in all ages, genders, and ethnicities. The attack on Pearl Harbor illustrates this point with the innumerable people who stepped up to help their fellow Americans on December 7, 1941. Among them was 23-year-old Herbert C. Jones, a Los Angeles native who gave his life protecting his fellow […]
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Pearl Harbor Heroes: Herbert C. Jones

February 15, 2019 ·  
As we’ve learned over time, heroes come in all ages, genders, and ethnicities. The attack on Pearl Harbor illustrates this point with the innumerable people who stepped up to help their fellow Americans on December 7, 1941. Among them was 23-year-old Herbert C. Jones, a Los Angeles native who gave his life protecting his fellow […]
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Pearl Harbor Ships Returned to Service

February 02, 2019 ·  
In the wake of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, more than 2,400 American lives were lost and the US Navy suffered a terrible blow to its Pacific Fleet. Nineteen vessels suffered damage, nearly half of which were sunk or partially sunk. While USS Arizona (BB-39), USS Oklahoma (BB-37), and USS Utah (AG-16) […]
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