USS Oklahoma Memorial

USS Oklahoma Memorial. The USS Oklahoma Memorial is a solemn tribute located on Ford Island within the Pearl Harbor naval complex, honoring the 429 sailors and Marines who perished when the battleship USS Oklahoma (BB-37) was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Dedicated on the 66th anniversary of the attack, the memorial consists of a series of white granite standards and black granite panels inscribed with the names of the fallen, arranged to represent the ship's silhouette and the collective spirit of its crew. It serves as a permanent place of remembrance adjacent to other historic sites like the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

History and background

The impetus for creating a dedicated memorial stemmed from the profound loss associated with USS Oklahoma (BB-37), which sustained multiple torpedo hits from Japanese aircraft during the attack on Pearl Harbor and quickly capsized. For decades, the crew's sacrifice was commemorated at the USS Arizona Memorial and the Punchbowl Cemetery, but survivors and families advocated for a distinct site. The effort gained significant momentum through the work of the USS Oklahoma Memorial Committee, which included Oklahoma state officials, Navy veterans, and historians. Key support came from Congress, which authorized the memorial's construction on Ford Island, and the project was managed in coordination with the National Park Service and the Department of Defense.

Design and features

Designed by architect Donald Beck, the memorial's layout is a powerful abstract representation of the ship and its crew. A total of 429 white granite standards, each representing an individual lost sailor or Marine, are arranged in rows tracing the outline of USS Oklahoma (BB-37)'s deck. These are accompanied by three black granite panels listing the names of all 429 men, organized by rank and home state. The standards are aligned to direct visitors' gaze toward the USS Arizona Memorial, creating a visual connection between the two sites. The materials, including stainless steel cables, were chosen for durability in the Hawaiian climate, and the overall design emphasizes both individual sacrifice and collective unity, with an open, contemplative space for reflection.

Dedication and ceremonies

The memorial was formally dedicated on December 7, 2007, in a ceremony attended by hundreds, including surviving crew members from USS Oklahoma (BB-37), family members of the deceased, and dignitaries such as Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter and Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry. The event featured a Navy color guard, a missing man formation flyover, and the playing of Taps. Annual remembrance ceremonies are held on the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, often involving the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, and local JROTC units. These gatherings reinforce the memorial's role as an active site of commemoration within the larger Pearl Harbor historic landscape.

Significance and legacy

The memorial holds profound national significance as a specific tribute to the second-greatest loss of life on a ship during the attack on Pearl Harbor, after the USS Arizona. It ensures that the crew of USS Oklahoma (BB-37), many of whom were initially listed as missing or unidentified, are individually honored. The memorial's establishment also coincided with renewed efforts by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to identify unknown remains from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, leading to the ongoing identification of USS Oklahoma (BB-37) crewmen. It stands as a testament to American resilience, the enduring bonds of shipmates, and the importance of preserving the memory of those who served in the Pacific War.

Location and access

The memorial is situated on the northwest side of Ford Island, overlooking the waters where USS Oklahoma (BB-37) was moored on December 7, 1941. Its location is within the active Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, adjacent to the USS Missouri museum ship and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Public access is managed through the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, with visitors required to obtain passes and use official shuttle buses from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center on the main island. The site is integrated into historical tours that include the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and the Battlefield Oahu experience, providing a comprehensive understanding of the events of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Category:Monuments and memorials in Hawaii Category:World War II memorials in the United States Category:United States Navy memorials and cemeteries Category:2007 establishments in Hawaii