USS Arizona Bwtween the Wars Gallery

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 Arizona Burns  The Arizona burns furiously after the explosion as crew from the USS Tennesse in front of her sprays water off her stern in an effort to keep the Arizona's burning oil from engulfing their ship. The heat from the explosion and force of the blast caused her forward mast and superstructure to collapse in towards the bow as the main deck settled down into the void left by the blast.
 
 Superstructure on fire  The superstructure of the Arizona, bent and broken, burns and smoulders on December 7th. The explosion shattered much of the interior of the great ship, including much of her fuel storage. This allowed oil to flow out and rise to the surface, where it would feed fired on the Arizona for days. Oil from her broken innards still leaks out and to this day leaves a visible sheen and aroma.
 
 Settled to the harbor floor  Still on fire, the Arizona has settled to the harbor floor and begins to sink into the mud. Her crew has been ordered to abandon ship by the ranking surviving officer, Lieutenant Commander Sam Fuqua but her flag still flies at the stern.
 
 As seen from Ford Island  Arizona burning, as seen from Ford Island. Many of the sailors who survived the initial explosion and fire were too badly wounded to make the swim from their ship to the shore. Some crew members used the Captain's gig to shuttle wounded sailors over while others swam and helped who they could.
 
   
-Click Here for the next gallery -- The Wreck of the Arizona.-