The USS Arizona (BB-39), a Pennsylvania-class battleship constructed for the US Navy in the mid-1910s, was named in honor of the 48th state, which had recently joined the Union at the time. During the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, over 1,000 officers and crew members perished when the Arizona sank. In a touching tribute to their service, the surviving crew members were offered the chance to be laid to rest alongside their fallen comrades after their own passing.
Arizona was the second and last of the Pennsylvania class of “super-dreadnought” battleships. While commissioned in 1916, she remained stateside during the First World War. Besides a comprehensive modernization from 1929–31, the vessel was regularly used for training exercises during the interwar period, including annual “Fleet Problem” exercises. When an earthquake hit Long Long Beach, California, in 1933, Arizona’s crew provided aid to the survivors.
In 1940, the battleship and the rest of the Pacific Fleet were transferred from California to Pearl Harbor, to serve as deterrents to Japanese imperialism. During the deadly attack on Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941, Arizona was bombed. She exploded and sank, taking the lives of 1,177 officers and crewmen with her.
Unlike many of the other ships that sank or were damaged that day, Arizona couldn’t be fully salvaged. That being said, the Navy did remove parts of the vessel for reuse.
The wreck remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, serving as a solemn reminder of history. The USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated on May 30, 1962, stands as a tribute to all who lost their lives during the Japanese attack. The memorial spans the ship’s hull. Few are aware of a deeply touching ritual that once took place there after hours. Many of the attack survivors went on to serve their country for longer before transitioning to civilian life.
When they passed away, they were offered the chance to rejoin their fallen shipmates from 1941. The process for this was both moving and unexpectedly unique.
Following cremation, their ashes were placed in a water-tight urn. After the last visitor departed for the evening, family members and an honor guard gathered at the memorial for a touching ceremony celebrating the individual’s life and service. As “Taps” played, divers received the urn and descended to the wreck of the Arizona, placing it in an open spot at the #4 gun turret.
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It was a truly touching tribute to those who served in defense of the United States. Sadly, the last Arizona survivor, Lou Conter, passed away on April 1, 2024, at the age of 102.
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