The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a devastating event for the United States Navy. However, not all ships were destroyed or severely damaged. Several ships managed to survive the attack relatively untouched. Here are some of the key vessels that remained operational:
- USS Enterprise (CV-6): The aircraft carrier was not in Pearl Harbor during the attack. It was returning from a mission to deliver aircraft to Wake Island.
- USS Lexington (CV-2): Another aircraft carrier that was not present at Pearl Harbor during the attack. It was at sea delivering aircraft to Midway Island.
- USS Saratoga (CV-3): This aircraft carrier was undergoing repairs in San Diego and was not in Pearl Harbor during the attack.
- USS Colorado (BB-45): The battleship was on the West Coast for overhaul and was not present during the attack.
- USS Maryland (BB-46): Although it was moored in Pearl Harbor, the USS Maryland was protected by the USS Oklahoma, which took the brunt of the attack. It suffered minor damage but remained operational.
- USS Pennsylvania (BB-38): The battleship was in dry dock during the attack and suffered only minor damage.
- USS Tennessee (BB-43): This battleship was also moored in Pearl Harbor but was shielded by the USS West Virginia. It sustained some damage but remained afloat and operational.
These ships played crucial roles in the subsequent Pacific War, contributing to the eventual Allied victory. Their survival was a testament to the resilience and strategic positioning of the U.S. Navy during one of its most challenging periods.