USS Nevada in Danger of Burning Oil
During the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941, the American battleship USS Nevada did not escape severe punishment, just as her sister ships had not.
At 8:03 a.m., one minute prior to the USS Arizona being hit, the Nevada was struck by a torpedo that put a huge hole in her port bow. Two minutes later she began to list to port.
The Arizona was spewing burning oil and there was severe danger of the Nevada being trapped. It was decided to get the Nevada underway to clear her of the Arizona's dangerous situation. The attempt was made but it was another fifty minutes before the Nevada could get up enough power to move.
By the time the Nevada was able to move the second wave of Japanese bombers, at about 8:54 a.m., were dropping their deadly loads on Pearl Harbor. These bombers made the damaged Nevada their prime target. Five additional bombs hit her in the Japanese's attempt to sink her in the main channel. If they had sunk her in the channel, between Ford Island and the gate, Pearl Harbor's function as an American military base would have come to a complete halt for some time to come.
Rather than running the risk of the Nevada being sunk in the channel she was ordered to run herself ashore at Hospital Point, which she succeeded in doing.
USS Neosho Shielded by Other Ships
Even though the possibility of sinking the Nevada in the channel was now impossible the Japanese bombers continued to bombard her. This, however, distracted the bombers' attention from the oiler Neosho that was berthed between the California, the Maryland and Oklahoma.
By the time the second wave of Japanese planes began dropping their bombs, fire from the Arizona had nearly engulfed the Tennessee. The Oglala had by then been pulled clear of the Helena and the Vestal was cut free from the Arizona and was attempting to make her way to safety.
USS Pennsylvania Hit Again
Also during this second wave of bombings the Pennsylvania was hit only twice more but the destroyers Cassin and Downes that were in dock with her suffered far worse fates.
Bombing Pearl Harbor: A Day of Infamy continues with Pearl Harbor: The Aftermath: Ship Losses, Repairs, and Replacements
Previous: The USS Arizona: A Memorial for all Times.
