At the start of World War II, the USS Arizona (BB-39) was considered the pride of the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1916, the Arizona was one of the most powerful and modern battleships in the U.S. fleet during the 1920s and early 1930s.
Key Features of the USS Arizona:
Firepower and Size: The Arizona was a Colorado-class battleship, equipped with 12-inch guns mounted in four turrets, which were formidable for its time. She displaced about 31,400 tons and had a crew complement of around 1,200 officers and sailors. The ship was one of the largest and most heavily armed in the U.S. Navy.
Modernization Efforts: Although the Arizona was already over 20 years old when the war began, it had been modernized in the 1930s with upgraded fire control systems, improved armor, and newer equipment, keeping it relevant among contemporary battleships.
The USS Arizona's Role at Pearl Harbor:
Symbolic Importance: The Arizona's position as the "pride" of the U.S. Navy was cemented not just by its size and power, but also by its prominent presence in the Pacific. It was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where it was one of the main ships of the Pacific Fleet. Its role in the fleet made it a symbol of American naval might and a key asset in any potential conflict in the Pacific.
Tragic Fate: On December 7, 1941, during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Arizona was hit by a bomb that caused a massive explosion in the forward magazines, sinking the ship in less than nine minutes. 1,177 crew members were killed in the attack, making it the greatest loss of life for any U.S. warship during the attack.
Despite being sunk early in the war, the USS Arizona became a symbol of American resilience and determination during World War II. Its loss was a major blow to the U.S. Navy, but it also galvanized the United States’ resolve to enter the war and retaliate. Today, the wreckage of the Arizona lies in Pearl Harbor and serves as a memorial to the sailors who perished and a reminder of the United States' entry into World War II.