Echoes of Valor: Restoring the Mooring Quays of Pearl Harbor

Completed mooring quay.

NPS

In the heart of Pearl Harbor, where history and sacrifice intertwine, stands a silent sentinel: Mooring Quay F-6-S. This unassuming concrete structure, once a bustling dock for mighty battleships, now serves as a poignant memorial to the valor and resilience of those who endured the December 7, 1941, attack.

Mooring quay F6 prior to HPTC intervention.

NPS

This is not the first time these mooring quays have been given new life. In 2023, a dedicated Maintenance Action Team (MAT) from the National Park Service (NPS) Historic Preservation Training Center completed a remarkable restoration project on quay F-6-N, where the USS Tennessee and USS West Virginia were moored on that fateful day.

Now, it's F-6-S's turn. Time and the unforgiving marine environment have taken their toll on this historic quay. But thanks to the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), the skilled craftspeople of the MAT are once again breathing new life into this vital piece of history.

HPTC MAT crew member painting the F6 designation onto the quay.

NPS

These experts in historic restoration and preservation work are meticulously repairing concrete cracks and spalls, treating corroded metal elements, and repainting surfaces. Just as they did with F-6-N, they are carefully preserving any remaining battle damage, ensuring that the quay remains a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the past.

Crew members from HPTC’s Pacific West Region conducting work on the quay.

NPS

HPTC MAT crew member completing spall repair on the southern exterior face, facing the USS Missouri. Deteriorated concrete was removed, and a Hawaiian Cement mixture was applied to the area after cleaning.

NPS

The restoration of F-6-S, like that of F-6-N before it, is not just about preserving a physical structure; it's about honoring the legacy of those who served and ensuring that future generations can connect with this pivotal moment in American history. The project also highlights the importance of the GAOA in safeguarding our national treasures.

As you visit Pearl Harbor National Monument and pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, take a moment to appreciate the restored mooring quays of Battleship Row. Let their weathered concrete and newly painted surfaces whisper stories of valor and resilience, reminding you of the sacrifices made and the importance of remembering our past.

The echoes of history resonate at Pearl Harbor, and thanks to the GAOA and the dedicated MAT, those echoes will continue to inspire and educate for generations to come. To get a better understanding of the meticulous work involved in preserving these historic structures, watch the video showcasing the restoration of Mooring Quay F-6-N.