The Taelemans´ Blog

USS Arizona was a battleship of the United States Navy. Arizona is best known for her cataclysmic and dramatic sinking, with the loss of 1,177 lives, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, the event that brought about US involvement in World War II. The wreck was not salvaged, and continues to lie at the floor of the harbor. It is the site of the USS Arizona Memorial National Park which commemorates the 1,177 lives lost on that day.

USS Arizona Memorial Entrance

USS Arizona Memorial

USS Arizona Memorial Wreck

Update by Ine:
USS Arizona: The ship that weeps for her dead.
The black seepage in the water (on the last picture, left) is described as “Black Tears” of the Arizona. Up until today there’s still oil that seeps out of the wreck.

I was lucky enough to talk to one of the survivors: Robert G. Kinzler.
He is spending his time as a volunteer (actually, one of the longest serving) in the museum of the memorial. He informs tourists about his experiences and provides them with his personal interpretation of the events surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack.

On the 7th of December 1941 he was a Morse code radio operator assigned to Headquarters Company, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Regiment at Schofield Barracks.

Not only was it very touching to hear his stories, I also have to admit, this is something that really stuck to me throughout the time we’ve spend in Hawaii. There’s still lots of military areas so even though Pearl City/ Pearl Harbor is a specific area on the island, you’re constantly driving by those restricted / prohibited areas. I even saw a submarine heading out to open seas… Kinda neat to see one that’s still active:).

I also wanted to add a picture that I took. I was really fascinated by this control tower (on Ford Island). At the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the tower structure had been completed along with a portion of the platform on the top. They’re planning to clean up the tower which would allow public access. Would love to visit that one!

Ford Island Control Tower

I hope everyone has an enjoyable week! We’re heading out to Stanley Park on Friday evening with some friends, for a ride on the Ghost Train. I’m really looking forward to that and hopefully we can start painting again this weekend (pick up where we left off before Summer started).