Wanted to take a moment from the hand wringing over CUM's decision to break TEXAS fans hearts and remember the attack on Pearl Harbor, on this day 79 years ago. Also, while the movie Pearl Harbor sucked, the scenes from the attack were outstanding and captured well the events of that morning.
Also, while we all know about the USS Arizona, I only learned the story of the USS Nevada while steaming out of Pearl Harbor as we deployed to WESTPAC. A great story.
Also, while we all know about the USS Arizona, I only learned the story of the USS Nevada while steaming out of Pearl Harbor as we deployed to WESTPAC. A great story.
On the morning of Dec 7th, the USS Nevada was moored to the northern most spot along battleship row, next to the USS Arizona. The officer of the Deck ordered her 2nd boiler to be lit off, with the intention of shutting down the 1st once the 2nd was up to steam. These two facts are mentioned because they would save the Nevada and she would be the only battleship to get underway that day despite being struck by a Japanese torpedo.
See the map below, the USS Nevada tried to run as she returned fire from her anti aircraft guns. She was credited with downing 6 of the 9 Japanese planes shot down that morning. The Nevada began making headway and was gaining speed as she raced for the narrow canal which starts at Hospital Point. About that time, the 2nd wave of attacking planes reached Pearl Harbor and made sinking the Nevada a priority. They hoped to catch the Nevada as she reach the very narrow channel at Hospital Point at the bottom of the map.
Realizing this, the Senior officer ordered she be run aground as to not block the channel. It would take 9 months for the Nevada to be refitted but she would serve highly distinguished service in World War II. She would participate in retaking the Aluetian Islands in 1943 then would steam to Europe in support of the D-Day invasions. She would then return to the Pacific where she was part of both the Iwo Jima and Okinawa invasions.
When US ships leave Pearl Harbor, they render honors to both the USS Arizona and the USS Nevada.
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