U.S.S. Utah - Material Damage Report

The USS Utah (AG-16), which served as an anti-aircraft gunnery training vessel at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, had sustained damaging hits from torpedoes and a bomb. The Utah quickly took in water, formed a serious list and it became evident that the ship would capsize.

After the attack an attempt at salvage was made, but was unsuccessful and no further attempts were made. The Utah, along with the USS Arizona (BB-39) were the only two ships not to be refloated and salvaged.

A report written by Commander John F. Warris, Executive Officer of the Utah on January 7, 1942 highlights the damage the ship sustained during the attack and the issues it faced with flooding and capsizing.

Two enclosures are included. One from T. H. Thompson, “B” Division Officer regarding the distribution of fuel in the tanks and the other from Lieutenant (Jr. Gr.) P. F. Hauck regarding efforts made to close hatches when the flooding began.

Document: NAID 1105681 (Records of the Bureau of Ships, RG 19) Declassification number NND 960035.

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