The USS Utah Memorial at Pearl Harbor commemorates the 58 officers and crew who lost their lives when the ship was sunk during the attack on December 7, 1941. Unlike other battleships, the Utah was not restored or salvaged. Instead, the wreck still rests where it capsized, making this memorial one of the most poignant reminders of the attack.

History of the USS Utah

The USS Utah (BB-31/AG-16) was originally a Florida-class battleship launched in 1909. By 1941, the ship had been converted into a target and training vessel. On the morning of December 7, Japanese torpedo bombers struck the Utah, causing it to roll over and sink at its mooring on the western side of Ford Island.

Although rescue efforts saved many, 58 men remained trapped inside. The wreck was left in place as a tomb for those who perished.

Design of the Memorial

The USS Utah Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1972. It consists of:

• A white platform and walkway extending toward the ship’s wreckage.
• Plaques and markers honoring the crew, including those still entombed.
• A flagpole rising directly from the remains of the ship.

Standing at the memorial, visitors can still see the rusted hulk of the Utah breaking the water’s surface, a stark reminder of the events of that day.

Visiting the Memorial

The USS Utah Memorial is located on Ford Island, which remains an active military base. For security reasons, civilian visitors cannot access the memorial independently.

• The only way to visit is via the Ford Island Bus Tour, available through Recreation.gov