This was one of the two main targets for the Japanese attack, the other being Aircraft Carrier Row. Most Naval strategies at the start of the war called fro large engagements between capital ship while carriers were to be used in a supporting role. This however was totally thrown out the window by the December 7th attack.

Battleship Row runs along the eastern side of Ford Island in Pearl Harbor. Starting at the north end of Battleship Row was the USS Nevada. She was able to get underway and beached herself. Next was the USS Arizona. Her forward magazine was hit with a bomb and she was destroyed by the following explosion.

Next in line were USS Tennessee and USS West Virginia. Since West Virginia was nearer to open water she was officially listed as sunk during the attack while Tennessee was only damaged. USS Oklahoma and USS Maryland were the next two in line. Oklahoma took torpedo damage was capsized. Maryland again was spared torpedo attacks and was only damaged.

The last ship in line that day on Battleship Row was USS California. She too was listed as sunk during the attack. USS Pennsylvania was in dry dock instead of her place on Battleship Row.

Only Arizona and Oklahoma were not to return to action. Today Battleship Row is a place of honor. The USS Arizona remains as she came to rest that day. USS Missouri stands watch over the Arizona and her Memorial. The mooring quays are painted white and bear the names of the ships that were present that day.

Carrier Row was an area to the western side of Ford Island. Since Utah was moored there she became a target by default. Pilots had been told to ignore Utah since she was not a combat ship. However during the attack some pilots may have taken the turret less battleship for a carrier and attacked anyway.

Utah remians where she was sunk that faitful day.