The Salvage of Pearl Harbor Pt 3 - The First and the Last

[@Drachinifel]

Pinned post for Q&A :)

[@wilmo456]

I'm transcribing WWI Sailor's Records for the NA and most of the Sailor's postings were on Shore Bases for training: HMS Victory I - III, HMS Excellent, HMS Vivid I - III and so on. Did these stations train the sailors in specific roles and tasks? I remember reading somewhere that HMS Excellent was a gunnery school of sorts.

[@Thirdbase9]

How is armor attached to ships?

[@bigblue6917]

I came across a KZbin video several months ago which was made by one of the officers who worked on righting the Oklahoma. He was serving on the ship when the attack happened and he mentions the fact that on the Saturday the captain had ordered all portholes and bulkhead doors opened ready to work on her on the Monday. So when she was hit the ship had no way of controlling, let alone, stopping the flooding. I found it an excellent video and well worth watching.

[@officeran9581]

What would happen if USS Kentucky in her BBG conversion(the one with the 16 Polaris nuclear ballistic missile) were to suddenly appear in Pearl Harbor after the attack, with no crew abroad. Could the us navy figure how to the operate the missiles; if so how fast would ww2 end, if not what would they use the useless missile battleship now for.

[@AndrewBaker-ym3mk]

Floating Dry-Docks, where and how were they used by European navies?

[@robspecht9550]

Stephen Louis Lemeister, my Grandmothers Brother. Served aboard the USS Arizona, died Dec. 7th, 1941.

[@hazchemel]

Amen.

[@obelic71]

Forever resting in peace on the USS Arizona with his fellow fallen shipmates.

[@clintdavis9511]

My great uncle was shot down in a P51 Mustang. Lt. Robert Dossiet

[@obelic71]

@@clintdavis9511 The airmen who fought in the European theater had the highest chance to get killed of all branches. (aprox. 300.000 airmen in Europe got killed in WW2 ) Those who fell on sea, land and in the air shall never be forgotten

[@samrodian919]

RIP All

[@WhoFlungPoo2024]

Thank you for this OUTSTANDING 3-part story! I was a sailor in the U.S. Navy from 1965 until 1969 and have always been fascinated with the events of December 7, 1941. While stationed at the Norfolk operating base in Virginia, I had access to a wealth of historical information about the actual attack but little to nothing existed on the salvage operation. In fact even in the late 1960's. much of the information that existed was still highly classified. This is borne out by so many of the pictures you're now able to show in your series, where classified markings are plainly visible thereon. Suffice to say, Pearl Harbor was still a huge embarrassment and a black eye to the Navy and even while I was a sailor, virtually nothing was available that showed either actual damage or salvage operations. This is a welcome addition to the historical record and is greatly appreciated.

[@micnorton9487]

.. you got that right, the Pearl harbor attack was what "forced" Wall Street to keep a permanent military industrial complex of the highest capability,, "forced" the transmogrification of the Wall Street based OSS into the washington-based CIA,, "forced" the United States military into a permanent state of emergency,, and turned the ivy league crew in Washington and New York into the most evil empire in history...

[@jmullner76]

This series has shown me more footage from the aftermath of Pearl Harbor than I have ever seen. Thanks for making these and showing what the salvage crews had to go through. They deserve far more credit and acknowledgement than they ever got. I don't think they were ignored, but more taken for granted.

[@tomlienert882]

That’s about par for salvage personnel. In fact, documentaries like this are the most that salvage crews expect, other than decorations for a job well-done. The only salvage crewman that I’m aware of who’s received widespread notoriety is the late Master Chief Diver Carl Bradshear, subject of the biopic “Men of Honor”.

[@cherylannesmith8610]

Well well done. A piece of history largely left uncovered but thankfully by your efforts not forgotten I often wondered what went on on the following days week and months Dear Navy :could you please clean this mess up and be quick about it as we are are now at war . Results - 3 ships back in the fight plus various other successes .

[@DG-jq7il]

Thank you for this series, my grandfather was a diver on the salvage team, and he had lost 4 brothers on December 7th, 2 at Pearl and and 2 in the Philippines.

[@jamessimms415]

😔

[@philipschneider6396]

Our nation is continually in debt to those families whose family members gave their lives for our nation and then serve to recover the bodies of the family members for later burial. I'm astonished how much we give to remain free.

[@markdragan9136]

My grandfather was also a salvage diver who worked in Pearl Harbor right after the attacks!

[@Para_Pilot]

IJN: "Sinks" Her USS Shaw: "I didn't hear no bell."

[@Chrischi3TutorialLPs]

USS Shaw: Im gonna pretend like i didnt see that.

[@sse_weston4138]

Shaw also got a personal taste of "revenge" when she, along with Charles Ausburne, Braine, and Russell, chased down the Matsu class destroyer Hinoke and sank it. Although, recognition as deserved, Hinoke stood and fought when it was realized she couldn't run

[@dcbadger2]

Official Records: USS Shaw: Lost USS Shaw: ...and I took that personally.

[@USSAnimeNCC-]

Shaw "Tis it a flesh wound"

[@cheswick617]

@@dcbadger2 official records, USS Shaw: lost...USS Shaw...hold my Beer!

[@radickd2]

Close to the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, I had the distinct pleasure of being seated next to a Naval Radioman on a flight to Orlando, FL. He had survived the attack below decks on one of the ships in the harbor that did not sink. The ship in front of his and the ship behind his did sink, but praise God his did not. He was close to 100 years old at the time and told me how he continued to do his job below decks while all hell broke loose outside. He had gone on to have a family including many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I must say, it was one of the most memorable business trips of my life. I have also served 21.5 years in the USAF and I am proud of serving our country, but the tales that this gentleman told me left me awe-inspired and grateful for the men and women of that generation. These videos certainly served to raise the awareness of the many acts of bravery and heroism undertaken by mere mortals forced into unbelievable situation and how well they excelled to do the seemingly impossible under very difficult circumstances. Thank you to all the men and women who played a role in these operations! We will never be able to tell how much of a difference you made in our modern world, but no doubt it was significant.

[@claudiamarlow5265]

Thankyou for your service I am always inspired by these gentleman. I have served in a combination of marines and airforce and did Desert Storm and Iraqi freedom but it seems so tiny to what they did glad I did what I could atleast

[@nco_gets_it]

We often place a premium on the various adventures of our war fighters, but not so often on the quiet professionalism and courage of our support personnel and efforts. Thanks for telling the story of the recovery.

[@bushranger51]

That is so true, we often place high esteem for the heroes of wars, but always forget the unsung heroes of the rear echelon, those who strive to keep the forward troops and ships fighting and re-supplied. The recovery of Pearl Harbor was really never given much coverage, but this three part series has opened my eyes as to the true nature of the spirit of America, not the political spirit but the spirit of the people, and the will to make things right.

[@jimbochungus]

Spoken like a true POG

[@hatchcrazy]

This whole series is an amazing watch but somehow what really got me was Drach describing at the end how the damage control & repair lessons learned from the salvage meant the difference between sinking and limping home for many later ships. The contrast between the image of a sunburnt crew sailing into Pearl with funny bar stories about patching their ship with palm fronds and that of a handful of grim-faced surviving officers writing hundreds of tragic letters is inexpressible.

[@wordsmithgmxch]

I know I sound like a broken record, Uncle Drach, but once again, many thanks for telling this very important story so well and making it available to such a wide audience!

[@73Trident]

Ditto great job Drach.

[@robertf3479]

I'll happily second that.

[@rcknross]

we can not forget history, otherwise the same monsters will come to power, like the demon conn rats

[@Eixam80]

As a modern day MBA Project Manager I am still amazed how this all was accomplished so “fast” and so far away from Mainland America. This would totally make a great case study to learn from and use even in almost 70 years later. Thank you for also sharing your source material!

[@sundiver137]

In situations like this, when given the "faster, better, cheaper-pick two" scenario cheaper loses.

[@DarkFire515]

To all the un-sung heroes of Pearl Harbour, may their efforts be remembered.

[@USSAnimeNCC-]

Someone should have made a movie out of them but no

[@noahw7013]

@@USSAnimeNCC- Pearl Harbor is a movie just not a very good one

[@bobrew461]

@@USSAnimeNCC- kzbin.info/www/bejne/aILakoGeltF6mbM

[@jimreilly917]

@@noahw7013 See the 70s movie TORA TORA TORA. It was made consulting both PH Survivors and IJN crews. Excellent historical account. Any history movie including the word Disney you should run from like your hair is on 🔥.

[@jreg2007]

I'm afraid all their sacrifice right now counts for nothing the way the Democratic party is behaving.

[@richardbradfield7437]

The men who actually salvaged these ships are every bit the heroes as those who sailed them!

[@Romoto131]

@@richardbradfield7437 does it seem weird to salvage armaments from the Arizona, but leave the dead sailors? Am I the only one who thinks this strange? It’s like 30 ft. of water!

[@Romoto131]

How do you salvage guns while there’s dead sailors right there to be ignored?

[@saltmerchant749]

@@Romoto131 Those on the Arizona who weren't immediately recovered, were on a ship whose magazine exploded and were subsequently immersed in tropical water and fuel oil for weeks. There would not have been much recoverable between those conditions, the catestrophic damage to them from the explosion and advanced decomposition. Declaring the hull of the Arizona as their grave and lasting memorial was the best they could have done for them. The important thing toat that point was to remove anything that could subsequently explode and put more lives or vessels in danger, as well as things that could be removed in one whole piece such as the guns and munitions that hadn't exploded.

[@Romoto131]

@@saltmerchant749 that’s nonsense, the ship is very much intact.

[@danirizary6926]

My wife's grandfather and his best buddy were divers on the salvage/rescue at Pearl harbor (Cooper and Newton), they were the first hardhat divers to put boots on the Arizona (always arguing which of them was THE first). Many things they told of have been officially denied until recent years (Japanese midget subs, etc). Most chilling was them saying how at first they were issued hammers to find those trapped, then later being ordered to leave the hammers ashore, because they could not save the trapped sailors. Your 3 part series really did them justice. You handled this tastefully and honored their memory.

[@johnemerson1363]

That's got to hurt! Tapping the hull, getting an answer and finding that there is NO way to get to them. Gut wrenching!!!

[@micnorton9487]

​​​@@johnemerson1363Yeah and it's still very rarely being admitted to, that the brass had to detail marines, some of them just standing stations on parts of the wrecked ship where the tapping was coming from,, because it was almost impossible to stop the men from forming crews to just go in there and do anything to try and rescue them.... There were repeated requests from many Benzedrine- hopped up Chiefs and their associates, claiming that they could do the job and with divers all ready with racks of tools some of them that they made up themselves... And the brass would say, that's a very interesting recommendation chief, commendable very commendable, I'll take it under advisement, request denied, get back to your ASSIGNED duties...

[@BDLBM]

Honestly, who amongst us doesn't love a story about a brave destroyer that absolutely refuses to sink despite the universe throwing pretty much everything at it?

[@austinstack2944]

.....

[@chief7174]

My romantic thought is , she is supported by the souls lost at Pearl and refused to go quietly in the night. Of course, that is my retired Navy guy mindset. And yes, I know this is 2+ years old.

[@Maddog3060]

USS Shaw would have the Terminator 2 main theme as her song. "I'll be back."

[@johnemerson1363]

There was a destroyer in the Atlantic during WWII that kind of had a similar experience to Shaw. A German U boat blew the bow of this tin can off with a torpedo. Strangely enough, water tight integrity aft of the bride remained intact and the ship literally back to a repair facility where a new bow was welded on, everything hooked up and properly repaired she returned to combat. Many years later scuba divers found the original bow on the bottom and the ships number was seen on the bow. It took a while to figure out why the bow was on the bottom but the ship was scrapped many years later.

[@Warlock337]

@@johnemerson1363 I've been trying to find the name of that deep sea detective episode where the divers found it. I think it's a deep sea detective episode at least.

[@scooterdescooter4018]

"Payback"- Slayer.

[@krmould]

Drachinfel, this has been an OUTSTANDING series. This is the sort of high quality historical documentary that used to be produced by public agencies, unfortunately not so much anymore. We are very fortunate to have dedicated KZbinrs like yourself to step into the breech. This is an amazing tale of hard work and heroism that is badly overlooked in many of the documentaries that focus on the more glamorous combat feats of the Pacific campaign. Thank you so much for your work. It has been one of my favourite historical documentaries of the last year.

[@arrrgee]

IJN: Bombs USS SHAW, Now stand aside worthy adversary! USS SHAW: Tis but a scratch! IJN: A Scratch! Your Bows off! USS SHAW: No it isn't!

[@arctictiger8690]

IJN: Well what's that, then? USS Shaw: I've had worse. IJN: You liar!

[@LetsTalkAboutPrepping]

Its but a flesh wound

[@Nerezza1]

😂

[@ewhartiii]

Unlike the Black Knight, the Shaw wouldn't say "Call it a draw", but more likely say "I win!"

[@colbeausabre8842]

"“I am sore wounded but not slain I will lay me down and bleed a while And then rise up to fight again”" - John Dryden

[@cobrajet8866]

Outstanding Series. THANK YOU to all the men and women that righted the ships and brought them back to fight another day. Thanks to all those divers, welders, nurses, cooks, safety watches, fire fighters, doctors, Moms and Dads for allowing me freedom.

[@Big_E_Soul_Fragment]

"having failed to either sink or arouse the wrath of an offended sea god that possessed a sense of aesthetics.." Absolutely beautiful line USS Shaw guide, when?

[@riderstrano783]

Agreed, we need a full 5 minute guide!

[@gigaflynn_]

yup!

[@JJ_PapaOfFiveKids]

Don't forget to talk about how one of the largest explosions of the attack was from the USS Shaw's magazine. US battleships: "Wow. Look how big our explosions are." USS Shaw: "Hold my beer..."

[@scottgiles7546]

@@riderstrano783 "Agreed, we need a full 5 minute guide!" "5 minute"........... Right! So about 22 minutes then?

[@delurkor]

Add my vote to a USS Shaw Five Minute Guide (more or less). Thank you for a very good over view series. As a traction freak, glad to hear you mention the source of the motors for the righting of the Oklahoma.

[@LightshipministriesOrg]

Thank you for making these videos, I was stationed there over 40 years ago, and had drinks with sailors and soldiers who were there that day on the 40th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Afterward, I worked for a Maritime Museum that formally had dedications to the veteran's remembrance, complete with the floating of reeves. Yet I never knew about the years of work done in the aftermath of the attack, nor the gruesome task of recovery! These documentaries have given me new respect for the lives sacrificed and lost, of the wrecks, I once gazed upon! I would never have had an idea about the monumental efforts made for the cause of freedom, and am ashamed of “how little” has been passed down in our history of this legacy and sacrifice. May God bless you, sir; for bringing this to light! RTD, USA Retired.

[@DutchBlackMantha]

15:14 "[...] the screws were taken off the ship". It took me a second to remember the naval definition of a screw, so my first thought was "that sounds unhelpful".

[@billrich9722]

Lol

[@Dr_V]

Propellers were (and still are) prime salvage parts, as the raw material is quite expansive and time consuming to produce. At the time this was especially important as shipbuilding got into overdrive and I doubt there were enough stocks of high quality bronze readily available.

[@MrNicoJac]

@@Dr_V Why did they use bronze for the propellor? I assume that cavitation would've worn down steel too much, or something like that? Still, if you can make hardened steel armor for the hull, that seems like a good material to make a propellor from too (at least for a novice like me).

[@stamasd8500]

@@MrNicoJac One of the reasons is to keep fouling by marine life as low as possible. One of the last places where you want barnacles and other crap growing on the ship is the propeller. The copper in the form of bronze is quite effective at keeping the fouling low to non-existing.

[@77thTrombone]

Noob! (That's ok; we've all been there.)

[@danieltonnessen656]

Thank you salvage crews 🇺🇲👍

[@pegzounet]

8:45 an important engineering lesson. Sheer brutality is a technical solution to be considered just like any other.

[@smiddlehurst1]

Though possibly used with a wee bit more caution and an additional check of your maths for any inconvenient missed decimal points...

[@PNyka628]

I once heard it said as "If your brute force solution doesn't work, apply more", although I guess you have to take care that it doesn't become too destructive

[@charlesadams1721]

@@PNyka628 Although meant as humorous, the old engineers, many of who were excellent engineers, I had a chance to work with some years ago (many of whom served during the war) saying "if it doesn't fit, get a bigger hammer" would often be said with a twinge of sadness or regret. Although I didn't know if any of these men were naval engineers, served in the Pacific, at Pearl Harbor, or with the various salvage units, they probably learned the value and costs of field expedients.

[@jamessimms415]

All done w/pen, pencil, paper, & slide rule. No computer CAD or calculations.

[@briancox2721]

Remember, quantity has a quality all of its own.

[@travelinben1966]

I saw a long video of the salvage efforts after Pearl Harbor.I was amazed,and in awe, of the herculean efforts that went into raising,and getting many back in service.God bless the engineers,sailors,and all who were involved in the recovery efforts.Rest the souls of all our service men and women from the greatest generation.Thank you.♥️🇺🇲🙏

[@amerigo88]

USS Oklahoma being righted reminds me of the recovery specialists in my maintenance platoon who would similarly bring armored fighting vehicles upright with their M-88A1. However, the scale is incredible compared to righting a 70 ton M-1 tank.

[@jduff59]

The photo of the Iowa class next to the Oklahoma is amazing. I had never realised just how much bigger the new Battlewagons were - I've seen the New Jersey up close and it's a beautiful ship. As a kid, I used to make the models and draw them in my school notebook....next time I get back to Philly, I'll take that tour of her (the New Jersey) as she's sitting in the Delaware River as a museum.

[@onlythewise1]

cool my dad was first 88 on the Iowa bb61, i was thinking of making a show of his fight ,since he fought almost in pearl Habor fight three hours late to it, maybe i can send pictures of his stuff to you

[@hanzzel6086]

Time stamp?

[@tbamagic]

Excellent series! My Dad- Charles K. Anderson- was a USN medical corpsman stationed at the Dispensary (Building 72, I believe...which is still there, preserved) on Ford Island in 12/7/41 directly next to the USS California. He witnessed and, of course, participated in the entire event first hand. He also received personal hand-signed commendation letters from Nimitz and Forrestal for a rescue of crewman from a PBY seaplane which crashed near Ford island after the attack. I have those letters in original copy. Dad later sailed on the tanker Neosho (which was docked on Battleship Row that day) , a 175' PC boat, and a rocket-launching assault craft in the South Pacific war. He survived and rarely spoke about the war.

[@rickstandal626]

My Uncle (Ted Olson) spent the entire war as a Navy diver working on body retrieval and salvage at Pearl Harbor. Along with several dozen others they spent months under water.

[@guyshaw5533]

I was thinking as i watched, being one of the divers was surely the toughest and most dangerous job in the whole place, BIG respect to your uncle!

[@chrisvickers7928]

For all of those divers and other workers who died in the recovery efforts, you were heroes who deserved more credit than you received.

[@stevelongazel6236]

I have never commented on any video and I have watched a many but this was an excellent series very informative and enlightening too the resilience of all Americans when they’re put to the test and their backs are against the wall. This is a true testament of the American fighting spirit!!!

[@MyBlueZed]

In his novel The Winds of War, Herman Wouk had several paragraphs about the salvage operation in the days after the attack. This series has provided a wonderful perspective of what actually was required and the enormous effort. Thank you for posting. 👍🏻❤️🇦🇺

[@jasonmickey1613]

Great series! My grandfather was a gunnery officer on the USS West Virginia. He was initially involved in the salvage operation, but was transferred to the Vincennes. Survived that sinking and went to Espiritu Santo for some time before being reassigned to the West Virginia. So kind of a full circle. Found this series very interesting - as are all of the videos you do. Thanks Drach.

[@raydunakin]

Excellent series, very interesting and well done! It's amazing how much damage some of these ships had and yet were still salvageable and returned to operation.

[@CavZippo]

Only because they were in a shallow harbor. If they'd been sunk in 200'? Write offs.

[@haraldpettersen3649]

raydunakin - Equipment and boats were built to last

[@Warhorse500]

Outstanding video! I would note for the record that OKLAHOMA never made it back to service. Per the Wikipedia entry (I know, not the best source but it's what I've got), she languished at Pearl for few years, ultimately being sold for scrap in 1946. Whilst being towed back across the Pacific in 1947. she broke her tow in a heavy storm and sank. I don't know if anybody has ever gone to look for the wreck; it wouldn't look like much these days. I was in Pearl Harbor myself from 2005-07; worked for one of the "alphabet agencies" there at the Navy base. I went to see the memorials for both ARIZONA and UTAH. I cannot help but think of the terrible cost in human lives from that day. ARIZONA herself seems to be "weeping" for her lost sailors; the fuel bunkers even now, 79 years later, are still leaking fuel. National Park Service and Navy divers have kept the wreck under continual watch over the decades. The general consensus is that while it would be a well-intentioned move to try and drain her bunkers somehow, the effort and the methodology required to accomplish such a feat could destabilize the wreck. As ARIZONA sits now, what is left of her is barely held up by inertia; predictions are that the hull has been steadily "pancaking" down onto itself over the years, due to a combination of the battle damage and heavy corrosion. UTAH was actually a mistake on the IJN's part. She was misidentified as a battleship by the Japanese, and in fairness to them, she actually HAD been. But in the years leading up to Dec. 7th, she had been converted into an aerial gunnery training ship (hence the change in classification from BB to AG). Nevertheless, she was hit as hard as the vessels on Battleship Row. Like ARIZONA, there's not much left; ashes to ashes, rust to rust. There's a modest memorial built on its own pier on the opposite side of Ford Island from ARIZONA. Worth the trip, should any of you decide to make it.

[@johncunningham6928]

In 'Day of Infamy' Walter Lord suggests that the 'six-by-twelve-inch timbers' covering the Utah's deck may have fooled the Japanese attack force into thinking that she was a carrier...

[@marckyle5895]

@@johncunningham6928 That the Utah and Raleigh were berthed where the Carriers normally berthed was probably more of a factor. The pilots were briefed to torpedo a ship at a particular berth, otherwise you would have had 40 Kates all dodging each other down Southeast Loch whilst trying to claim 'torping a battleship' bragging rights.

[@pscwplb]

I just want to say that the color footage of the recovery efforts has been a real treat.

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

It blows my mind when I think about what it took by all involved to do what they did. Absolutely incredible. Thanks again for doing this. I've learned more about the post attack recovery efforts than I ever imagined.

[@rogerwilco2]

This series is probably your best work yet. And that's saying somewhat, given the quality of your other work. Very well done, both in narration and in the visual material you found and present.

[@jimtalbott9535]

I've always found the "durability" of pre-solid-state electronics. My high-school electronics teacher was an ex-Navy (Korean war) technician, and a Radio technician after his Service - he told me once of his first job-assignments at a Radio station- he was taken down to a basement room which housed the steam boiler and two large racks of transmission gear - one primary, and one duplicate backup. They were both heavily covered with dust and gunk, and his job was to clean them. He disconnected them from power, grabbed the steam water nozzle, and blasted them down - several others around thought he was nuts, and assured him he'd be fired. He let them dry, and they worked just fine afterward. Nothing but glass, metal, and rubber, really.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

A magnificent job Drach on this series and if I ever get the chance I will buy you enough beer to refloat a Battleship for telling this tale.

[@danielmarek4609]

I was in grade school in the 60's when I started to learn more about WW2. I've been interested in WW2 history all my life. I knew that the recovery work in Pearl Harbor was intense after the attack, but this series of videos has been very informative. Thanks for all the work that went into producing it.

[@Fabbesson]

USS Shaw: "Not to worry, we're still sailing half a ship"

[@Captain_Seafort]

Typical destroyer - treating the bow as somewhere between "nice to have" and "optional extra"

[@kentvesser9484]

Ship's mascot should have been a black knight missing his arms and legs with the motto "It's just a flesh wound."

[@gluesniffingdude]

Another happy mooring.

[@wierdalien1]

@@gluesniffingdude hello there.

[@gluesniffingdude]

@@wierdalien1 Admiral Nimitz. You are a bold one.

[@kpdubbs7117]

Thanks, Drach. This was just a superb series. I have seen countless series, specials, videos, etc on "history" but never have I seen anyone cover this kind of topic. Like you said towards the end - I wonder just how many lives were saved with the new damage prevention/damage control knowledge that was gained from this operation. The guy who throws himself on the grenade gets the Medal of Honor, but these people, whether they knew it or not while they were hauling out rotted corpses and breathing toxic fumes, were easily saving thousands of their fellows by war's end.

[@ELCADAROSA]

From a retired US Navy sailor ... outstanding series, Drachinifel! Thank you for your time and efforts on all these videos.

[@jamesb4789]

An excellent series by Drach once again. Thank you. One of he great ironies of Pearl Harbor was the Oklahoma was scheduled to sail for the west coast for decommissioning on January 6th, 1942. Crew and some of the materials on board were already being transferred.

[@gilleastland3806]

Love to know your source for the decommissioning comment. It makes no sense. If the Navy was going to decommission any battleships, they would have started with the Arkansas (BB33) which was the oldest battleship in the fleet. New York (BB 34) and Texas (BB35) were on the East Coast and I know the Texas was specially in Maine, escorting convoys going to England. The Washington Naval Conference (1922) saved all those ships from being scrapped in the 20's. on Dec.6 1941,given the war in Europe and what was generally agreed that Japan was up to no good, there is no way we were going scrape any current Battleship. I appreciate your comments if you ever get to see this post. We of course agree on your comments by Drach.

[@DMStraylight]

As much as everyone talks about the Arizona memorial, I've always preferred the Utah's. It's on the quiet side of Ford, away from all the bustle of the main modern dockyards and the crowds of Arizona and Missouri, a simple pier over the water, looking out at Utah's hulk and Pearl City beyond it. It's small; there's no tourist center, no big parking lot, not even a bathroom... just a quiet shore on a quiet part of the island, an invitation to somber contemplation of the bones of the ship and her crew. I don't think a lot of people even know it exists, but it's one of my favorite places on Oahu.

[@zanaduz2018]

It doesn't hurt that Utah is also in an otherwise-still-DoD-owned portion of the harbor; access to Utah is mostly down to those who either work on-base or servicemembers.

[@MunDane68]

I mentioned to one of the guides when my family went to the Arizona Memorial that I had family members that died on the Utah AND worked on the salvage. They asked the names, and I guess verified it because we went in a van over to see it before we left.

[@Smitttyyy]

That was very poetic. Thank you for this comment

[@albertoswald8461]

The only reason that I got to the Utah memorial in 1996 was that I still had my inactive reserve Navy ID card. Still have the pictures!!

[@mikew3443]

They now have a bus tour to the Utah, Oklahoma Memorial,and some barracks. One bus (30 people) three times a week. Usually booked within 5 min. of opening two weeks in advance. It is an escorted tour because you are on a military base. Shame they can't do more. I missed getting reservations BUT NOTE: You can now walk to the Oklahoma Memorial from the Battleship Missouri, which they don't mention in the information about Pearl Harbor. So I did get to see the stunning "Lining The Rails" Oklahoma Memorial honoring the 429 lives lost.

[@GhostRyderID]

Thank you very much for putting this series together Drach. In 40 Years of researching World War II and watching documentaries and reading books, I've never seen so much as a fraction of this information and material covered before. The level of engineering and effort that went into all of the recovery efforts at Pearl Harbor is astonishing and deserves many a documentary of its own, yet is always quickly glossed over in all other books and documentaries. Very nice job putting this together! The Ingenuity and sacrifice of these efforts deserves to be remembered!

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

You dont do very good research then🤷

[@GhostRyderID]

@@erichvonmanstein6876A. 99% of books and documentaries cover the battle well but have little to no information about the recovery efforts afterward. B. Move along troll.

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

@@GhostRyderID 99% of the books YOU read or researched. Dont be mad because you didnt search hard/good enough.............."troll"

[@Peter_Morris]

Thanks so much for doing these videos. Like a lot of American school children, I read that some of the ships were salvaged and returned to service. But that brief statement really doesn’t convey the enormity of the effort and the intensity of the work. I really appreciate what you’ve brought to light here. It’s been extremely interesting. I do wonder what the Japanese reaction was to seeing ships they thought they’d destroyed. It must’ve been disheartening.

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

An excellent testament to the thousands of salvage workers who tirelessly toiled to get these ships, and many others, back in action...well done, gentlemen!!!

[@philard]

If you could do an episode on USS Shaw's many brushes with death that would be great.

[@michaels.5878]

Should have been a museum ship.

[@LeonheartDelta]

@@michaels.5878 Along with the Nevada.

[@oldthrasbarg641]

A great series. I had the pleasure of being in Pearl Harbour years ago and have seen the Arizona memorial. It is truly an amazing place. One I will never forget. We will remember.

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

Start with remembering how to spell Pearl HARBOR* correctly first. Its a place where deceased servicmen are in their final resting place. Would you want people mispronouncing or misspelling the place your mother is in her eternal sleep? .....i didnt think so.

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

And yeah i knowsome spell it this way and some that way but like i said its a.sacred place, out of respect spell it like its supposed to be

[@oldthrasbarg641]

Oh gee mister Harbour is how we spell in in the UK. But thanks for being a passive aggressive tit and trying to shame me for making a comment. Go away and when you get there, go away some more.

[@MichaelGarcia-ic6tz]

Absolutely outstanding! There has been little if any attention paid to these brave men and their remarkable efforts! Thanks, Drach!

[@squangan]

I wish my father was still here to have watched this series with me, he would have been as fascinated by the videos as I am. In 1992 I met members of the Pearl Harbour survivors group who were doing a road trip to Alaska commemorating the 50th anniversary of the construction of the Alcan highway. Meeting and talking to those gentlemen in person will always be one of the greatest honours of my life.

[@dirtcop11]

The fact that a number of these ships were sunk in the harbor rather than out to sea helped them return to service and exact revenge at Surigao Strait.

[@DK-gy7ll]

It's kinda like when your car fails to start in your garage. A helluva lot easier to diagnose and fix than on some remote stretch of I-65 at night in the pouring rain.

[@danasmith3288]

Having a Dad who served in the USN in the South Pacific during WWII, I have grown up reading many books on all the differing parameters of the War in the Pacific. I cannot help but be amazed at the quantity and quality of content in this series. Drach, you have done a great service to those who died that fateful day, and the days that followed. Thank you.

[@pauloakwood9208]

Respect and honor to all those who worked to salvage and relaunch the fleet. And gratitude to you Drachinifel for telling their story.

[@ditzydoo4378]

I am deeply grateful for you Drachinifel for your considerable efforts in putting together this video series, and bring to the fore the efforts of the support personnel that often goes unheralded and herculean efforts of all during the persons involved with the Pearl Harbor salvage. Once more, thank you.

[@VassilliHD]

Thank you Drach. This has been one of my favorite series that you have put out. I'm looking forward to more of your work!

[@johnshepherd8687]

"The Navy diver is not a fighting man, he is a salvage expert. If it is lost underwater, he finds it. If it's sunk, he brings it up. If it's in the way, he moves it. If he is lucky, he will die young 200' beneath the waves, for that is the closest he'll ever get to being a hero."

[@PanzerWeeb3305]

Great movie, great cast.

[@billbrolin1246]

Men of Honor, great movie, and a fitting tribute to true men of honor.

[@peris_arts_film9699]

As painful as this event was for the US Navy it was perhaps their greatest teacher. RIP to our lost sailors resting in Pearl

[@Perktube1]

You've raised my awareness of something I didn't know about ww2. Surely you and Mark Felton deserve to have some wings in libraries named after you.

[@felixcat9318]

I couldn't agree more! These two are outstanding and merit greater recognition for their superb output.

[@micnorton9487]

Perk,, give it time,, qualified internet content creators are going to be the new celebrities with professionals like Drachinifel and history buffs getting the glory, and only fans creators getting the money lol... Simon and his many channels are good but their quality is suffering lately due to sheer volume,, a lot of stuff is just hitting his uploads without really checking the history or the details...

[@pocanthutrex3356]

The Greatest Generation had a job and just went ahead and did it. And without computers...astounding. An excellent series that highlights a largely overlooked operation. Very entertaining. Keep 'em coming. Thanks.

[@ThePrader]

Thank you for this series on the "salvage" of the remains of the US fleet at Pearl Harbor. What these officers, sailors, and civilians did after December 7, 1941, was remarkable. It took a great deal of guts, sheer courage beyond belief, and brute strength to accomplish what you have just explained. Their story, their history, deserves to be remembered. Again, thank you.

[@salfox1820]

this series is one of my favorites Drachinifel. Nice work.

[@stanstenson8168]

I was thinking the same thing. This could be his best work to date.

[@Military-Museum-LP]

I had the honor of meeting a Arizona survivor hoping to hear some history of the December 7th but he would only stare into the empty horizon When I asked him. He would only talk about shore visits. Much later in my life I was lucky to visit the Arizona Memorial and as I was reading the list of sailors that have later returned to their ship after their passing in read the name of the gentleman I met that he was now with his shipmates. I was so emotional I had so set down for I don’t remember how long. I couldn’t stop crying and started a chain reaction. I could feel the sorrow and pain of those men and families. I’ve never had this happen before or after. The day is coming these men who gave their lives will be forgotten just as civil war soldiers and WW1. I can only hope I’m wrong!

[@johnemerson1363]

In 1960 I had a history teacher in high school. Miss Hoffman was a lady about 40 years old and she became my mentor for a time. I asked her why she never married because she was a beautiful lady. She told me she was engaged to an Ensign aboard the USS Arizona and he is still aboard. The Memorial was under construction at the time and she promised to visit one day. I don't know if she ever did. I hope she did because her only love's name is on that wall.

[@micnorton9487]

​@@johnemerson1363Damn... She probably made a promise to the guy, and, well, you know.... She must have never told a lie in her life, commendable, sad as hell but very commendable...

[@micnorton9487]

Yeah he may not remember,, planes started buzzing around, bombs started falling, went to his station, got blown off the ship and probably doesn't remember anything after that... Thank God,, I don't know if I'd want to remember swimming through burning oil and seeing the dead remains of my shipmates floating in the water around me either,, or the screams of the Burn victims in the triage units and the hospitals... At least he's here...OR maybe he had Liberty that weekend, and was watching the attack from somewhere near diamond Head or something, and just has this horrible survivor guilt that he should have been on his ship, and probably 80%+ of his shipmates are gone... POINT is I don't think I'd EVER ask a vet, army Navy airforce or marines, what was it like?,, unless they started talking about it first...

[@johnemerson1363]

@@micnorton9487 When she told me that story, we were alone in the classroom. To this day, I don't think she made it up. I have met a few others that never remarried when their husbands were killed in action. They just didn't want to.

[@micnorton9487]

@@johnemerson1363 ..I didn't think she made it up,, I was serious,, she probably promised her boyfriend that there would never be anyone else but him, and she kept her promise... And I was serious,, she probably was an extraordinarily honest person, I never met her but that's just how it sounds to me... This anecdote actually makes me feel better about the whole goddamn human race to begin with,, PEOPLE EXIST who actually live up to the ideal...

[@joshthomas-moore2656]

USS Shaw "Is that all you got, this was but a scratch?"

[@theleva7]

"A scratch? You've got a third of a ship blown off!"

[@joshthomas-moore2656]

@@theleva7 "But a fleash wound."

[@scottgiles7546]

Wouldn't this exchange be better for the "HMS Black Knight"? (A Python Class ship)

[@colormedubious4747]

@@theleva7 "No I don't!"

[@joshthomas-moore2656]

@@scottgiles7546 Well when we get to it we'll use it again. Also Python is for all.

[@dougnolen806]

Really great series. I've suggested my unofficial mother in law watch these. Her first husband was an Arizona survivor and she grew up on Oahu. 90+ years old and still posesses a clear memory of those days. I can't wait for more memories and stories from her.

[@wingshad0w00982]

Having read descent into darkness myself, there was a period I couldn’t look at the spine of the book, and turned it around for a bit. Fascinating read though. If terrifying, depressing and also amazing.

[@olsurferguy1]

I too, read it a number of years ago. I don’t know how they faced the danger and horrors day in and day out.

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

Your channel has much more interesting and lesser known naval war facts than other channels. Thank you. Your viewers and commenters are also much more knowledgable than others.

[@leobaker8762]

Thanks! Early in 1942 my dad arrived at pearl from Bremerton as part of the ship fitter shop. These video's gave me a look at. What he witnessed and was part of

[@sparklight5317]

Fascinating and intriguing series. Thank you for doing this. My Great Grandfather was CO of the USS Vega on 7 Dec 41 in Honolulu harbor and I've had opportunity to read copies of Ships reports that day. Reading "guns in action" was a chilling moving experience. I spent 1989-2009 myself in Uncle Sam's canoe club. This history MUST be remembered.

[@johnaustin704]

Thank you, Drach, on behalf of those who salvaged so many ships and enabled their fellows to carry the war to the Empire of Japan. Raise a glass to them, their efforts, and their memories indeed!

[@lynnwood7205]

Thank you. My great uncle was a steamfitter at the Bremerton yard and talked of working on the salvaged battleships and of the sight of those great ships through the fog and mist. He was in his seventies and I only six in 1957. I wish I could recall more of what he spoke. Thank you.

[@Olliemets]

Thanks Drach. An especially satisfying Rum Ration Wednesday. I saw an old (even then) book as a kid in the 70s with some photos of the salvage. The Oklahoma "uprighting" fascinated me. Difficult to get detailed info on these salvage/engineering miracles. I hadn't expected part 3 quite so quickly. Thanks !!!!!

[@handy335]

This is absolutely amazing! I've studied WW2 extensively but never knew just how they did the salvage recovery of the battleships! Thank you!

[@michaelshaw4199]

I am history buff and I live in Oklahoma, the series taught me about the salvage of all the ships at Pearl that faithful day. I had not known about all the work that went into the salvage of the Oklahoma. Thank you.

[@flatcapfiddle]

Ive watched this series on the Pearl Harbour Salvage all the way through for the 3rd time. Its one of the parts of WW2 im more interested in. Definitely needs more public recognition.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

From my days in heavy engineering on some large repair projects, I have an inkling of the tremendous amount of work and engineering nouse needed to salvage those ships. What they did in the time available was just stunning. They should have been officially recognised.

[@mvfc7637]

What amazes me are those large towers welded onto the side of the Battleship’s so as they can be used for leverage, I would never have even considered such a thing, those Engineers were extremely intelligent.

[@brarx0166]

The USS Minneapolis was one of the ships that patched itself with trees after having its bow blown off in the Battle of Tassafaronga. The ship sailed back to Pearl Harbor and was repaired then sent back into action.

[@Tom_The_Cat]

Something similar happened to New Orleans during the same battle, where she ran into a torpedo Minneapolis was avoiding. She sailed stern first from Tulagi to Australia, to replace a broken screw and fit on a false bow. Then she sailed to Puget Sound, backwards the whole way, to return in August 1943

[@unknown-ql1fk]

Who are the 2 people to thumbs down this? This channel should be manditory viewing for every student of history

[@christopherconard2831]

It should be seen as a point of pride. It means you've gotten big enough to attract professional trolls.

[@TheAsh274]

The two remaining Imperial Japanese sailors that have been hiding out on obscure islands since 1945, not aware that the war's been over for 75 years

[@athopi]

More likely, low level ccp wumao tasked with denigrating anything that shows the US or its people in a good light.

[@richardcutts196]

Perhaps the now 22 down votes were people who wanted more on Arizona. I was very happy with the series, and that is the only thing I would want. Of course there are some people who will never be happy no matter what you do.

[@GARDENER42]

It's up to 19 now. Perhaps they ran out of windows in need of licking. ;-)

[@rickbecker3239]

On a psychological note, your well done documentary describes an almost unbelievable level of resilience demonstrated by Navy sailors who not only survived the attack horrors but then immediately went on to man other ships or support the salvage efforts. A lesson for all of us. Thanks very much.

[@scottdavis3553]

Great work on the salvage and recovery at Pearl. This request is personal in nature and if you are able to highlight this ship and its classmates contribution to both theaters in WWII, it would mean a great deal to myself and my mother. My grandfather was a gunner on the Attack Cargo Ship USS Stokes AKA -68 which was part of multiple campaigns including D-Day. My grandfather spent the war on two ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters and earned five battle stars in the process. These ships seem forgotten to most and the importance of the multi-task ability they had let them be critical but silent players in events that shaped our world in less glamorous or obvious ways than the hulking battleships or the often seen Higgins boats. I am in my early 50's and want to be able to show my mother that the world knows what her now deceased Father, his ship, shipmates and other ships of their kind did to stop darkness from falling over the free world. Thanks and keep up the good work. Scott

[@u2mister17]

Thanks for this series. My Father was the original crew on the Minneapolis CA 36 1934. Was discharged in 1940 re-entered Navy 1942 served until VJ day. He was on Guam when it ended. I wish I had asked more questions but as with others he didn't talk about the war much. My Father did relate some crazy, scary and heroic stories to me. He passed when I was 18, 1973.

[@sobersubmrnr]

Outstanding series, Drach. I think these are the best ones you've done so far. As a young sailor, I was stationed in Pearl back in 1984-85. Reading the memorial wall at the Arizona was sobering. Observing colors being held at the Utah Memorial (next to the wreck) just as much so.

[@screaminglc9833]

This Pearl Harbor series has been fantastic - thank you Drachinifel

[@timmungovan6977]

Those involved in the planning and hands on activity required in this salvage / recovery operation cannot be overstated as nothing short of INCREDIBLE. Absolutely a mind and body numbing experience which upon initial assessment, would have to all but a few. should have been considered IMPOSSIBLE. However through guts and creative imagination, turned practical, these incredible brave and in-genius fellows Achieved the Impossible. Hats Off and Hip - Hip. Thanks for one of the most inspiring, thought provoking related problem solving documentary I have ever experienced proving to any one witnessing these affairs.., that truly !! NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE..!!!

[@surferdude4487]

Although I've heard the story about the attack on Pearl Harbour over and over again, I have never heard the story about the salvage operation afterward. Truly an epic tale in its own right. Thank-you for creating this series.

[@Paladin1873]

Truly a group of unsung heroes, these salvage men.

[@gerryj8839]

Incredible series! I lived on Pearl Harbor from 79-82 and we only got the information about the attack as a child. This is the 1st time I've seen anything on the recovery!! Fantastically done, thank you so much for your efforts!

[@astrobiologist7]

You don't even think about how important these unsung war heroes were. Truly amazing individuals that must be acknowledged as this video series has done.

[@rcs3030]

BEST DAMN NARRATOR THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD. SUCH WELL RESEARCHED HISTORY. I COULD LISTEN TO YOUR STORY ALL THE DAY LONG .

[@paulvoelker8684]

Thank you for referencing yet another book on the salvage operations that I did not yet have in my library collection, the "Pearl Harbor Fleet Salvage Appraisal" book! I have always been interested in ship salvage operations in general and Pearl Harbor in particular. I also told myself yesterday that I wasn't going to buy any more stuff on Amazon this year but now that has gone by the wayside!

[@greg_mmm]

Having been to Pearl Harbor before, and talked to many survivors from the ship named for my home state, I can't say enough how much I appreciate this mini series alone but especially your send off at the end of this video. I was there, marching in the 75th anniversary parade, and while that may have been a unique experience, it gave me something to hold onto that watching these videos really rekindled in me.

[@j3ff3ry18]

Thank you for this 3 part series. Thoroughly enjoyable & informative, it helps shed light on some of the critical players in the war that got very little acknowledgment for their heroics ( the salvage & recovery men) , may they restinpeace.🇺🇲

[@muzzaresarf5038]

Thank you for this wonderful series, if not already done, this footage should be mandatory viewing by all students, so that these very brave servicemen and history are never forgotten🧐🇦🇺

[@idahorodgersusmc]

I feel like this series could just keep going on and on. A hat tip to you Sir Drach, for all your hard work and knowledge in putting this together..well done Sir, well done indeed👍

[@flywheel986]

And...Raise a glass to you good sir, for a thoroughly engrossing series on a very little known subject. I could not stop after part one, and completed watching the entire series in one very entertaining and educational evening. Your productions are always first class, however this series is my favorite so far. Thank you for the knowledge!

[@shipbase]

The master has out did himself again with this trilogy! Probably the best video you'll ever see on the salvage operation at Pearl. As a additional note, I believe they attempted to tow the Oakaloma back to the states for scrapping, but disappeared one night from the tow and sank. Again well done!

[@crichtonbruce4329]

Dear Sir: I want to heartily thank and congratulate you for this series. Your remarkable talents as a researcher and presenter are obvious to any who follow your site, but giving dramatic life to such an important, yet relatively unknown part of history deserves every kudo I can think of.

[@kaylind5227]

Thanks for this series. As usual, I learned something I didn't know. I had heard of the incredible engineering feat or righting the Oklahoma, but had no idea about the salvage attempt on the Utah. All these years I thought it had just been left in place after the attack. Thank you again for honoring the hard work of these salvage crews.