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What was the role of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Korbin Leber

The USS Arizona was one of the ships that was stationed at Pearl Harbor during the surprise attack on the morning of December 7, 1941. This ship played a very significant role in the attack and was one of the most heavily damaged.

The USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that was launched in 1915 and had been in service for over 25 years. At the time of the attack, it was undergoing a major overhaul, which meant that it was storing large amounts of ammunition and fuel at the time.

When the Japanese planes began their assault on Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona was hit by several bombs and torpedoes. One of the bombs penetrated the deck and exploded below where the ammunition was being stored, causing a massive explosion that tore the ship apart and caused it to sink rapidly.

The explosion on the USS Arizona was one of the most devastating of the attack, leading to the loss of over 1,000 lives. The majority of these were sailors who were trapped inside the ship as it sank. It is believed that only around 300 of the crew survived.

Today, the remains of the USS Arizona lie at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, and a memorial has been erected over the ship to commemorate those who lost their lives in the attack. The USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hawaii and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The USS Arizona is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and heroism of those who served in the United States military during World War II. It also serves as a symbol of the horrors of war and the need for peace and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.

In conclusion, the role of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor was significant in terms of the impact it had on the outcome of the battle. Although it was not an active participant in the fighting, its destruction was a major blow to the US Navy and a tragic loss of life. Today, we remember those who served on the USS Arizona and all who fought and died in World War II, and we strive for a better future where peace prevails over conflict and violence.