The USS Arizona (BB-39), a Pennsylvania-class battleship built for the US Navy in the mid-1910s, was named to honor Arizona, the 48th state to join the Union. During the December 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the Arizona sank, claiming the lives of over 1,000 officers and crew members. As a heartfelt tribute to their sacrifice, surviving crew members were given the opportunity to be interred with their fallen comrades after their own deaths.
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 lies undisturbed at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, serving as a powerful reminder of history. The USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated on May 30, 1962, honors those who lost their lives in the Japanese attack. The memorial stretches across the ship’s hull. Few people know about a deeply moving ritual that once happened there after hours. Many survivors of the attack continued serving their country before eventually transitioning to civilian life.
Upon their passing, they were given the opportunity to reunite with their fallen shipmates from 1941. The process was deeply emotional and uniquely meaningful.
After cremation, the individual’s ashes were sealed in a watertight urn. Once the last visitor had left for the evening, family members and an honor guard gathered at the memorial for a heartfelt ceremony celebrating the person’s life and service. As “Taps” was played, divers took the urn and descended to the wreck of the Arizona, carefully placing it in an open space 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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