Pearl Harbour 12th July 2010

USS Arizona Memorial

Anchor from the Arizona

Naval supply vessels in the harbour

Navy launch

USS Missouri in the distance

Exposed from gun turret

What a day, four distinct trips within the Pearl Harbour complex.

First tour was to the visit to the USS Arizona Memorial

Once we had all got through security which was not that difficult if you had listened to the bus driver in the first place, we had a short time to look around before meeting up at Contemplation Circle for the 10am water shuttle. We had time to see the short movie capturing the fateful day December 7th 1941 showing real footage of the aftermath, I find it interesting in being told what the Japanese plans were, and how they expected the USA to be crippled by the attack for some considerable time after. This would allow the Japanese to expand their interests in the Far East, acquire the basic raw materials that they currently did not have and then expect the USA to sue for peace allowing them to continue to hold onto captured territory.What a rude shock Japan got when not only the USA salvaged most of their battleships but launched an audacious raid on cities in Japan. Caused the Japanese to halt their expansion plans and concentrate more on strengthening defense. The Americans were fortunate in that their aircraft carriers were at sea so were not attacked. These ships were their platform to launch bombers for the raid into Japan. Due to distance none were able to return but flew on to both China and Russia. China actually rescued American air crews from behind Japanese lines.

The trip out to the memorial was by navy barge, a quick trip across part of the harbour, which is huge. The memorial building sits across part of the sunken vessel but is not attached to it. Whilst most of the vessels were salvaged the Arizona was too badly damaged due to their ammunition exploding, so they salvaged what they could. I believe that over 1000 people lost their lives on that night just from the Arizona alone. One can see the outline of the ship as most of the remaining superstructure is just below water level.

This is a war grave so do not believe that much equipment was removed from below decks. Had half an hour on the memorial bridge, plenty of time really. All very tastefully done and not over the top, it is a shock to see all the names of the fallen listed out. The navy could not clean out all of the oil so one sees droplets forming on the surface, to me it was like the souls of the fallen are gradually able to escape their murky environment and rise up to heaven.

Back on land we had some time before the next tour so had a look in the shop. Lots to see and buy but all the information was in heavy or large booklets so this was one site that I did not buy the necessary literature that gives detail - will need to google if more information required.

All around the complex was information boards taking the visitor through the fateful day, made very interesting reading. Thankfully it was not too hot, very bright and sunny though.