Pearl Harbor/Arizona Memorial

The Arizona Memorial pays tribute to the 1,177 American military personnel who are entombed in the wreckage of the USS Arizona, which was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.

On December 7, 1941, one of the most important military battles in world history took place when a massive force of Japanese bombers, fighter planes, and torpedo planes attacked the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor. Over 2,300 Americans lost their lives in this devastating battle, which prompted the American entrance into World War II. More than eleven hundred of these lives were lost when a Japanese shell scored a direct hit on the USS Arizona, a battleship anchored in Pearl Harbor. The ship sank almost immediately, with the casualties entombed aboard. It was soon decided that the Arizona would be left were she fell and that it would be preserved as a memorial to the men who died when she sank.

The Arizona remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. Parts of its gun turrets still rise above the water line and the top of the ship is only a few feet below the water’s surface. From time to time, small amounts of oil continue to leak from the Arizona’s engines, and the oil slick forms a small rainbow on the water’s surface. All of these things are visible from the memorial built on the top of the Arizona’s final resting place in the middle of Pearl Harbor.

Formal Program
The U.S. National Park Service, in conjunction with the U.S. Navy, runs shuttle boats from the Visitors’ Center out to the Memorial. Prior to going out into the harbor, you first see a 20 minute film telling the story of Pearl Harbor and the Arizona. The program includes actual film footage of the fatal blow that sank the ship. Apparently, a Japanese armor piercing shell passed through several decks before it exploded in the Arizona’s ammunition storage area. This explosion ignited a flash fire that spread throughout the ship, instantly killing hundreds of men. This fire was the cause of death of most of the service men who perished.

The ride out to the Memorial takes only a few minutes. Visitors are allowed to stay at the Memorial for 15 to 20 minutes and must take the next shuttle back to the Visitors’ Center. The Memorial is a beautiful and solemn place that allows you to look down on the wreckage and reflect on the experience. Listed on the walls of the Memorial are the names of all who perished on the Arizona as well as the 58 who died on the Utah. Visitors are permitted to toss flowers and leis onto the wreckage.

Pearl Harbor is still an active Navy base and is the headquarters for the United States Pacific Fleet. When ever a Navy ship passes the Arizona Memorial, the crew members come on deck and observe a moment of silence.

Don’t Miss The Visitors’ Center
The Visitors’ Center is well done. In addition to hosting the 20 minute movie, the Visitors’ Center also has many exhibits and displays on the attack on Pearl Harbor as well as World War II. Included among the exhibits are a massive painting of the Arizona in her glory as well as a model of the Arizona Memorial that helps put it into perspective. While visiting the Arizona, be sure to visit The USS Bowfin, a World War II era submarine docked nearby.

One of the most surprising things you will encounter at Pearl Harbor is a huge number of Japanese tourists and multi-lingual signs and brochures that offer Japanese translations. Needless to say, this practice is rather controversial with some Americans. We suggest that Americans visiting Pearl Harbor resist the temptation to write their Congressmen a strongly worded letter about the courtesy shown to Japanese visitors. Instead, we think you should view this practice as an example of American hospitality and graciousness in victory.

Details
Reservations are not accepted and tickets for the movie and shuttle are distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. The Arizona Memorial is a very popular attraction, so arrive as early as you can for your tickets. It is not unusual for all available tickets to be handed out by 12 noon. Appropriate attire is required (i.e. no bathing suits or bare feet). There is no admission charge. Open daily from 7:30 am to 5 pm (tours run from 8 am to 3 pm, weather permitting ); closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Call (808) 422-0561 for more information.

Getting There
Pearl Harbor is about six miles west of Honolulu. From Honolulu, take highway H1 west past the airport. Get out at the Arizona Memorial exit (exit 15B) and follow the signs to the Visitors’ Center. The memorial is a few miles from the exit, so be sure to follow the signs carefully. City bus #20, which you can pick up in Honolulu, will take you to the visitors’ center in about an hour.

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