“Forgotten Ship of Pearl Harbor” they call her. This is the USS Utah Memorial. The USS Utah rests beneath the water. The USS Utah Memorial stands as a tribute to the 58 officers and men who perished.
The battleship USS Utah was the first ship named after the state of Utah. Her keel was laid in March 1909. She launched in December of that year. Commissioned in August 1911, she boasted ten 12-inch guns in five twin turrets.
Utah and Florida were the first ships to arrive during the United States occupation of Veracruz in 1914 during the Mexican Revolution. These battleships landed a party. They began the city’s occupation. After America entered World War I, the Utah protected convoys from German surface raiders. This took place in Bantry Bay, Ireland. Throughout the 1920s, the ship conducted training cruises and fleet maneuvers. She carried dignitaries on tours of South America twice.
In 1931, Utah was demilitarized and became a target ship. She was redesignated AG-16. This followed the London Naval Treaty. She gained anti-aircraft guns. These trained gunners for the fleet. In late 1941, the ship was in Pearl Harbor. On December 7th, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The USS Utah was hit by two torpedoes early in the attack. Serious flooding occurred. Utah quickly rolled over and sank. Most of her crew escaped.
The wreck remains in the harbor. In 1972, a memorial was erected near the ship. Many heroes were made that day. Peter Tomich served as chief watertender on the Utah. He stayed in the boiler room as the ship flooded. Tomich ensured everyone made it out. Sadly, he became trapped. He received the Medal of Honor for his selfless actions.
Just ten years before the attack, the USS Utah was demilitarized. It was turned into a target ship. Once listed as BB-31, she became AG-16. The ship gained anti-aircraft guns. These were for training. Her primary and secondary weapons were removed. By April 1932, the modifications were complete. She returned to service.
Serving aboard the Utah was Chief Yeoman Albert Wagner. Prior to the attack, he had lost a baby girl. Nancy died before she had a chance to live. To honor her, Wagner intended to scatter her ashes at sea. The attack took that opportunity away. Wagner survived. He never returned for his daughter. Instead, he allowed the urn to remain in his locker.
In early December 1941, Utah was moored off Ford Island. Shortly before 08:00 on December 7th, crewmen saw the first Japanese planes approaching. The Japanese attack began. Bombs fell near a seaplane ramp on Ford Island. Sixteen Nakajima B5N torpedo bombers flew over Pearl City. They approached the west side of Ford Island. The torpedo bombers sought American aircraft carriers. These usually anchored where Utah was moored. The flight leaders identified Utah. They rejected her as a target. Six of the B5Ns attacked Utah. Two torpedoes struck the ship.
Serious flooding overwhelmed Utah. She began to list to port. At 08:12, Utah rolled over. Crew members swam to shore. Commander Solomon Isquith heard knocking. Men were trapped in the capsized ship. Volunteers cut free four men. In total, 58 officers and men were killed.
The Navy declared Utah to be in ordinary on December 29th. An attempt was made to right the Utah. The recovery effort was abandoned. There was no further attempt to refloat her. Unlike the battleships sunk at Battleship Row, she had no military value. She was formally placed out of commission on September 5th, 1944.
Around 1950, memorials were placed at the wreck. These honored the men killed in the attack. In 1972, a larger memorial was erected near the wreck. It’s now part of Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The memorial has a walkway. It extends to a platform. A brass plaque and a flagpole are there. The memorial is on the northwest side of Ford Island. A color guard stands watch. As of 2008, seven former crewmen had their ashes interred in the wreck.
Relics are preserved in the Utah State Capitol building. The ship’s bell is on display inside the Naval Science Building at the University of Utah. The USS Utah remains a war grave. It serves as a poignant reminder. It honors sacrifice and duty. Remember the name USS Utah.