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| The USS Pennsylvania at sea in 1934 Image Retrieved From: www.history.navy.mil |
Today we remember the 2,403 American lives lost on this infamous day 81 years ago. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941 started like any other day, but by its end, the United States and the world were changed forever. One of the witnesses to that horrific event was the USS Pennsylvania.
Though the ship was ready for service during WWI, the Pennsy would not see any action during the conflict. Unlike the majority of the fleet, the Pennsy was designed to burn oil, one of only two ships using this fuel. A shortage of oil tankers that could be used to transport the fuel to England were lacking, sidelining the battleship for the duration of the war. Following the end of hostilities, USS Pennsylvania became a flagship of a battlefleet that sailed the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean.
Unlike all the other battleships at Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7th, 1941, Pennsylvania was not moored on Battleship Row within the harbor, being laid up in dry dock undergoing repairs. One battleships moored in the harbor was the USS Arizona, a sister-ship in the Pennsylvania-class battleships.
When the Japanese attack began around 8:00 a.m., the Pennsylvania's crew immediately took to their guns to defend their ship and fellow comrades. During the attack, a bomb hit the ship, killing the entire crew manning one of the gun emplacements. In all, 15 crew were killed and 14 declared missing. USS Arizona, took several direct hits from Japanese bombs and torpedoes. In a tremendous explosion, the ship sank to the bottom of the shallow harbor. Over 1,100 crewmen were killed, resulting in the greatest loss of life on any of the ships that day.
Compared to other vessels, USS Pennsylvania suffered relatively minor damage during the attack and was back on patrol by April 1942. Her armament now consisted of her main 14 inch guns along with sixteen 5 inch guns, and 100 anti-aircraft guns. Once again a force to be reckoned with, she served with distinction throughout the Pacific Theater. From the Aleutian Islands to Okinawa, Pennsy’s guns avenged the losses sustained at Pearl Harbor.
In July 1946, Pennsy, along with other damaged, captured, or obsolete ships, was used as a target in two atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. Though "old and obsolete," Pennsy survived the tests intact, however was now heavily irradiated. Since it was still afloat, Pennsylvania was used for radiation research until February 19, 1948 when it was towed out to sea and scuttled, bringing to an end 32 years of distinguished service.
While the ship now rests on the bottom of the sea, there are several parts of it that remain on land. Two of USS Pennsylvania's main guns had been removed during a refit in 1945. After being repaired, they were placed in storage in Virginia and forgotten about for over 50 years. After rediscovery, they were transported to the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, Centre County for display in 2009. Also at the museum is one of two bells that were on the ship. The second bell was donated by the Navy to Penn State University in 1956, where it continues to be displayed.
Unlike all the other battleships at Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7th, 1941, Pennsylvania was not moored on Battleship Row within the harbor, being laid up in dry dock undergoing repairs. One battleships moored in the harbor was the USS Arizona, a sister-ship in the Pennsylvania-class battleships.
When the Japanese attack began around 8:00 a.m., the Pennsylvania's crew immediately took to their guns to defend their ship and fellow comrades. During the attack, a bomb hit the ship, killing the entire crew manning one of the gun emplacements. In all, 15 crew were killed and 14 declared missing. USS Arizona, took several direct hits from Japanese bombs and torpedoes. In a tremendous explosion, the ship sank to the bottom of the shallow harbor. Over 1,100 crewmen were killed, resulting in the greatest loss of life on any of the ships that day.
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| The Pennsy (background) after the Pearl Harbor attack. Image Retrieved From: www.history.navy.mil |
Compared to other vessels, USS Pennsylvania suffered relatively minor damage during the attack and was back on patrol by April 1942. Her armament now consisted of her main 14 inch guns along with sixteen 5 inch guns, and 100 anti-aircraft guns. Once again a force to be reckoned with, she served with distinction throughout the Pacific Theater. From the Aleutian Islands to Okinawa, Pennsy’s guns avenged the losses sustained at Pearl Harbor.
On August 12, 1945, Pennsylvania was hit by a torpedo that killed 20 crewmen and almost sank the ship. This bestowed the distinction of being the last ship of significance to be damaged by enemy action during the war. News of Japan's surrender would come just two days later. After a precarious journey back to the United States for repairs, the ship was deemed obsolete and only repairs needed to keep her afloat were initiated. USS Pennsylvania was then prepared for her final mission.
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| USS Pennsylvania bombarding Japanese position at Guam in 1944 Image Retrieved From: www.history.navy.mil |
In July 1946, Pennsy, along with other damaged, captured, or obsolete ships, was used as a target in two atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. Though "old and obsolete," Pennsy survived the tests intact, however was now heavily irradiated. Since it was still afloat, Pennsylvania was used for radiation research until February 19, 1948 when it was towed out to sea and scuttled, bringing to an end 32 years of distinguished service.
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| One of the last photos of the USS Pennsylvania as she is scuttled Image Retrieved From: visitpearlharbor.org |
While the ship now rests on the bottom of the sea, there are several parts of it that remain on land. Two of USS Pennsylvania's main guns had been removed during a refit in 1945. After being repaired, they were placed in storage in Virginia and forgotten about for over 50 years. After rediscovery, they were transported to the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, Centre County for display in 2009. Also at the museum is one of two bells that were on the ship. The second bell was donated by the Navy to Penn State University in 1956, where it continues to be displayed.
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| Pennsy's 14 inch guns on display at the Pennsylvania Military Museum Photo Retrieved From: https://www.pamilmuseum.org/uss-pennsylvania |
Information Retrieved From:
USS Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Military Museum. Retrieved December 6, 2020. https://www.pamilmuseum.org/uss-pennsylvania
Naval History and Heritage Command. USS Pennsylvania BB-38. Retrieved from December 6, 2020 https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/us-navy-ships/battleships/pennsylvania-bb-38.html
Thanks for all these great posts!
ReplyDeleteThe Pennsylvania's magnificent silver service from the officers' mess is preserved in the State Museum in Harrisburg, and is sometimes on display,
ReplyDeletePennsylvania's second bell is also on display at the Pennsylvania Military Museum
ReplyDelete