U.S. Navy to Decommission Salvage Structures from USS Arizona's Remains

The U.S. Navy is gearing up to dismantle two salvage platforms that were affixed to the USS Arizona after the Pearl Harbor incident. These aging structures, which have become a part of the ship’s narrative, are now in poor condition, with one already showing signs of collapse.

The USS Arizona stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by American military personnel during World War II. On December 7, 1941, this battleship faced a brutal assault from Japanese aircraft; one bomb struck its deck and ignited its forward powder magazines, leading to catastrophic damage and sinking it at its dock.

Today, visitors flock to the USS Arizona Memorial to honor the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives that fateful day. Annually, over two million people visit this site of remembrance—it’s even been graced by every sitting president since it opened.

The salvage platforms visible above water weren’t originally part of the battleship; they were added later for salvaging operations aimed at retrieving essential equipment like Arizona’s main guns for use in World War II efforts. Salvage boats utilized these platforms for diving operations and transporting valuable materials from the wreckage. Notably, three gun barrels from USS Arizona were repurposed on USS nevada, which then used them effectively against Japanese forces during key battles such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

This past October saw one platform partially give way due to age-related deterioration. this incident prompted an evaluation by Navy officials who recognized that these structures could jeopardize both preservation efforts for the sunken ship and environmental safety in surrounding waters. For them, removing these platforms marks a significant milestone in concluding an extensive salvage operation that began back in 1942.

This week’s activities will kick off with U.S.Navy teams deploying containment buoys and anchors around the memorial site—a crucial first step toward taking down those mooring platforms. Throughout this process, local authorities alongside representatives from Pearl Harbor National Memorial are ensuring that every action taken honors both historical meaning and reverence for this sacred site.