Learning Pearl Harbor

World War II Terms to Know: Kamikaze

April 27, 2025 ·

During the Pacific theater of World War II, Japan employed a grim yet iconic strategy: The kamikaze. These were suicide air attacks carried out by military pilots who crashed their aircraft into enemy ships — a tactic rooted in cultural ideals of honor sacrifice and, eventually, military desperation. Most of the War in the Pacific […]

Lesser-Known Facts About USS Arizona

May 14, 2021 · Chris

Today, the rusting hulk of the battleship USS Arizona (BB-39) sits at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona Memorial, honoring the 1,177 men who perished when the ship exploded and sank during the attack of December 7, 1941, stands directly above. Those who visit the memorial may think they’ve heard everything there is […]

A Guide to Understanding US Navy Ship Designations

March 04, 2020 · Chris

For a civilian, understanding the terminology used by the United States Navy can seem complicated. When it comes to something as simple as the naming of ships, there’s a lot to consider For instance, we know USS Arizona by the name she was given when she was commissioned into service. When you start to research […]

How Accurate Is the New Midway Movie?

November 26, 2019 · Chris

When you immerse yourself in history, it becomes clear how important it is for the theatrical movies that claim to depict real events to be as accurate as possible. While Hollywood often takes shortcuts to fit within a two-hour run-time, it shouldn’t omit or change key moments if the film is intended to come across […]

Pearl Harbor Testimonies: Survivors Tell Their Stories

October 19, 2019 ·

Before embarking on a Pearl Harbor tour, it's a great idea to get some background about the December 7, 1941 attack. First-hand accounts are the best way to get a feel for the events of that fateful day and the war that followed, but the number of Pearl Harbor survivors is dwindling all the time. […]

The US Navy Pearl Harbor Shuttle Boats

June 29, 2019 ·

Standing on the shoreline at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, you see that you’re separated from the USS Arizona Memorial by a stretch of water. Though you know that the memorial is included in your Pearl Harbor tour, you might be wondering how you’re going to get to it. Then you see the white Pearl […]

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 […]

Terms To Know: Shakedown and Overhaul

January 24, 2019 ·

Reading through military history is likely to bring up a few unfamiliar words and phrases. For instance, what does it mean when a vessel undergoes a “shakedown cruise” or an “overhaul”? Understanding terms like these helps to expand your knowledge about naval operations, which will come in handy as you read up on some of […]

Why Don't We Call It the "Battle of Pearl Harbor"?

January 15, 2019 ·

Reading the history books about World War II and the War in the Pacific, you’ll find chapters on the Battle of Iwo Jima, the Battle of Okinawa, the Battle of Guadalcanal. What you won’t find, however, is a “Battle of Pearl Harbor.” It’s true that the events of December 7, 1941 launched the war that […]

Read Before You Go: All the Gallant Men

January 10, 2019 ·

Every Pearl Harbor survivor has a fascinating story to tell. On the morning of December 7, 1941, an aerial striking force of the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack that left more than 2,400 Americans dead. Those who survived experienced what must have been the most grueling day of their lives. Men like Donald […]

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World War II Terms to Know: Kamikaze

Lesser-Known Facts About USS Arizona

A Guide to Understanding US Navy Ship Designations

How Accurate Is the New Midway Movie?

Pearl Harbor Testimonies: Survivors Tell Their Stories

The US Navy Pearl Harbor Shuttle Boats

What Does it Mean When a Ship is Listing?

Terms To Know: Shakedown and Overhaul

Why Don't We Call It the "Battle of Pearl Harbor"?

Read Before You Go: All the Gallant Men

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