The USS Oklahoma: From Pearl Harbor to an Unintentionally Dramatic Exit
The USS Oklahoma, oh boy, did this battleship have a story. Let's just say it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows (or should we say, fireworks and freedom?). Buckle up, history buffs and lovers of a good (but not too good) underdog story, because we're diving into the murky depths of the Oklahoma's fate.
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| What Ultimately Happened To The Uss Oklahoma Battleship |
A Not-So-Grand Entrance at Pearl Harbor
The Oklahoma was a proud member of the US Navy fleet, chilling in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. You know, just another manic Monday... until it wasn't. The Japanese decided to liven things up with a surprise attack, and let's just say the Oklahoma wasn't exactly dressed for the occasion. Bam! Torpedoes hit like a jealous ex, and the Oklahoma took one heck of a lean. Sadly, for the brave crew onboard, that lean turned into a full-on capsize. Not. Cool. Japan.
From Sunken Slob to Salvage Superstar (for a While)
The Oklahoma wasn't ready to be a permanent resident of the seabed just yet. The US Navy, bless their determined hearts, decided to play a game of battleship Jenga. Yes, you read that right, Jenga. Over a whopping two years, they patched her up, pumped her out, and basically turned her into a slightly rusty, upside-down bathtub. It wasn't pretty, but hey, they got her upright!
From Rustbucket to... Well, Another Rustbucket
Unfortunately, the Oklahoma's glory days were over. The damage was just too much to put her back in fighting shape. So, after stripping her of anything useful (like a car getting parted out), they decided to sell her for scrap metal. Because who needs a whole battleship when you can have a perfectly good pile of rivets?
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The Grand (Unintentional) Finale
Here's where things get interesting (or maybe just ironic). The Oklahoma was being towed to its final destination when, surprise, surprise, it started taking on water! Apparently, the ocean wasn't quite ready to let go. In a dramatic twist that even Hollywood wouldn't dare write, the Oklahoma sank again, this time for good, somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
So, the USS Oklahoma didn't exactly go out in a blaze of glory, but its story is a reminder of the bravery of its crew and the complexities of war. Plus, it gives us a good chuckle about the whole "sunken battleship Jenga" situation.
USS Oklahoma: Frequently Asked Questions
How to visit the USS Oklahoma?
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While you can't exactly scuba dive down to the wreckage (not recommended!), you can visit the USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor to pay your respects to the fallen crew.
How many crew members died on the USS Oklahoma?
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Tragically, 429 brave sailors lost their lives when the USS Oklahoma capsized.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
How many torpedoes hit the USS Oklahoma?
Estimates vary, but it's believed that the Oklahoma was struck by at least eight torpedoes during the attack.
How long did it take to salvage the USS Oklahoma?
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
The salvage operation took a grueling two years to complete.
How was the USS Oklahoma finally raised upright?
A complex system of cofferdams (fancy underwater boxes) and pumps were used to slowly refloat the capsized battleship.
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