Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the USS Arizona (BB-39) along with detailed answers:
What is the USS Arizona?
The USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship of the United States Navy, best known for being sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
When was the USS Arizona built and launched?
- Keel Laid Down: March 16, 1914
- Launched: June 19, 1915
- Commissioned: October 17, 1916
When was the USS Arizona decommissioned?
The ship was never officially decommissioned. After being sunk at Pearl Harbor, it was declared “out of commission” on December 29, 1941, and later “stricken” from the Naval Vessel Register on December 1, 1942.
USS Arizona Specs
How big was the USS Arizona?
- Length: 608 feet (185 meters)
- Beam (width): 97 feet (29.6 meters)
- Draft (depth in water): 29 feet 3 inches (8.9 meters)
- Displacement: 31,400 tons standard, 37,654 tons fully loaded
What type of guns did the USS Arizona have?
- Main Battery: 12 × 14-inch (356 mm) guns in four triple turrets
- Secondary Battery: 22 × 5-inch (127 mm) guns
- Anti-Aircraft: 4 × 3-inch (76 mm) guns
- Torpedo Tubes: 2 × 21-inch (533 mm)
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Legacy
What happened to the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor?
During the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the USS Arizona was hit by several bombs, with a catastrophic explosion in its forward magazine. The ship sank in minutes, taking 1,177 crew members with it.
Why wasn’t the USS Arizona raised?
The damage was too severe, and the ship was considered a war grave. Instead of being salvaged, it remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor as a memorial to the fallen crew.
How many men died on the USS Arizona?
A total of 1,177 officers and crew were killed, making it the greatest loss of life on any U.S. Navy vessel during the attack.
Can you still see the USS Arizona today?
Yes, the USS Arizona Memorial was built above the wreckage in 1962. Visitors can see parts of the ship submerged below the water at Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii.
What Happened to The USS Arizona?
See the memorial for yourself by purchasing the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket here.
Obscure Facts of The USS Arizona
What is still leaking from the USS Arizona?
The ship continues to leak oil, sometimes called “the Black Tears of the Arizona.” It is estimated that around 500,000 gallons of oil remain in the wreckage.
Was the USS Arizona ever used in combat before Pearl Harbor?
No, the USS Arizona never saw combat before the attack. It was primarily used for training and diplomatic missions.
Did anyone survive the USS Arizona sinking?
Yes, 335 crew members survived, including those who were on leave at the time.
Can USS Arizona survivors be buried with the ship?
Yes, surviving crew members can have their ashes interred in the wreck, a tradition that has continued since the 1980s.
What happened to the USS Arizona’s bell and guns?
One of the ship’s bells is on display at the University of Arizona. Some of the ship’s gun turrets were later used on other U.S. Navy ships. To get tickets to see the USS Arizona Memorial, consider purchasing the Passport ticket to Pearl Harbor here which will grant you access to all of Pearl Harbor’s historic sites!