Introduction to the USS Oklahoma
The USS Oklahoma was a Nevada-class battleship built by the New York Navy Yard and commissioned on May 2, 1916. During its service, the USS Oklahoma participated in World War I and played a significant role in World War II, particularly during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship’s history is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men who served on board.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, the USS Oklahoma was stationed at Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when the Japanese launched a surprise attack. The ship was moored in a berth outboard of the USS Maryland, and at 7:55 AM, the first Japanese torpedo struck the USS Oklahoma. The ship capsized after being hit by a total of four torpedoes and two bombs. The attack resulted in the loss of 415 lives and 170 wounded. The survivors were forced to abandon ship, and many had to swim to safety through oil-covered waters.
Salvage and Repair Efforts
In 1943, the US Navy began a salvage operation to raise the USS Oklahoma from the harbor floor. The process involved pumping out water from the ship’s compartments, patching holes, and installing cofferdams to stabilize the hull. After 18 months of work, the USS Oklahoma was finally refloated on June 16, 1943. However, due to the extensive damage, the ship was deemed too expensive to repair and was eventually stricken from the Navy list on September 1, 1944.
Memorials and Tributes
Today, the USS Oklahoma is remembered as a symbol of American bravery and sacrifice. A memorial was dedicated on December 7, 2007, at Pearl Harbor, featuring 30 bronze plaques with the names of those who lost their lives during the attack. The memorial serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the men and women who have given their lives in service to their country.
Current Status
The wreckage of the USS Oklahoma was sold for scrap metal in 1946 and was towed to a shipyard in San Francisco. However, the ship’s hull was lost at sea during a storm on May 17, 1947, while being towed to a scrapping facility. Despite the loss of the physical ship, the legacy of the USS Oklahoma lives on through the memorials and tributes that honor its crew and their sacrifices.
💡 Note: The USS Oklahoma's story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving history and honoring the sacrifices of those who have served their country.
Key Statistics
The following table provides key statistics about the USS Oklahoma:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | 583 feet (178 meters) |
| Beam | 95 feet (29 meters) |
| Draft | 28 feet (8.5 meters) |
| Displacement | 27,500 tons |
| Speed | 20 knots (37 km/h) |
Lessons Learned
The attack on the USS Oklahoma and the subsequent salvage efforts provide valuable lessons learned for the US Navy and other military organizations. These include the importance of: * Preparedness and readiness for potential threats * Effective communication and coordination during emergency situations * Quick response and adaptability in the face of unexpected events * Honoring the sacrifices of those who have served their country
In summary, the USS Oklahoma’s story is one of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. The ship’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving history and honoring the sacrifices of those who have served their country. The lessons learned from the attack on the USS Oklahoma continue to shape military strategy and tactics, ensuring that future generations are better prepared to face the challenges of war and conflict.
What was the USS Oklahoma’s role in World War II?
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The USS Oklahoma played a significant role in World War II, particularly during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship was stationed at Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when the Japanese launched a surprise attack on December 7, 1941.
How many lives were lost during the attack on the USS Oklahoma?
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A total of 415 lives were lost during the attack on the USS Oklahoma, and 170 crew members were wounded.
What is the current status of the USS Oklahoma’s wreckage?
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The wreckage of the USS Oklahoma was sold for scrap metal in 1946 and was lost at sea during a storm on May 17, 1947, while being towed to a scrapping facility.
