Chapter III: Archeological Record
(continued)

USS ARIZONA

Site Description and Analysis (continued)

Through the midship forward of the stack, the bottoms of the remaining bulkheads clearly define structural features of the forecastle deck. The boat deck and surrounding superstructure were removed by Navy salvors. Portable artifacts, such as what appear to be medicine cabinets, brackets, electrical fittings and gaskets, are present in this area.

Twisted sheet metal is plentiful in the stack area. Examination and measurement of the deck there revealed no evidence of an explosion, which would have pushed the deck upward. Although it has been frequently reported that a bomb went down the ARIZONA's stack, there is little evidence of an explosion in this area. If a bomb did go into the stack, it apparently did not explode. Most attack-related damage is in the bow area, which supports the contention that the ship was sunk by a bomb or torpedo that sympathetically detonated the forward magazine.

Figure 3.13. Air cylinder protrudes from debris on deck of USS ARIZONA. US Navy EOD divers called in to rupture the bottle in case it was still under pressure. (NPS photo by Larry Murphy)

Figure 3.14. Intact teak decking is exposed on USS ARIZONA. (NPS photo by Larry Murphy)

It is the opinion of the researchers that the cause of sinking was a large aerial bomb forward of the No. 1 turret, but this is open to question due to conflicting evidence from an eyewitness. An observer on the stern of the VESTAL, which was moored next to the ARIZONA the morning of the attack, states with great confidence that a torpedo passed underneath the VESTAL's stern and hit the ARIZONA seconds later. Site examination of the ARIZONA port bow reveals no indication of torpedo damage, but it is possible that an entry hole exists farther down in the area buried by silt. There is, however, no sign of buckling of the metal at the silt line or other indications of torpedo damage. To conclusively prove that a torpedo was not involved would require excavation below the silt line. Given the logistics, safety and possible environmental implications of such an operation, it was not possible to definitively resolve the controversy during this survey.

The remains of bulkheads and other features unmistakably define the galley area (Figure 3.15). Doorways, oven bases and what appear to be table legs are visible. The floor was covered with 2-inch hexagonal tile, much of which remains beneath the thin layer of silt. Many artifacts can be found, including coffee cups, plates and silverware (Figure 3.16). The stumps of the main mast tripod legs are discernible, as are the bases of boat cranes.

Figure 3.15. Entryway to galley and mess area, with bulkheads partially removed. (NPS photo by Larry Murphy)

Figure 3.16. Artifacts in ship's galley area, USS ARIZONA. (NPS photo by Larry Murphy)

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