About this Unit
USS **California** (BB-44) was a Tennessee-class battleship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1921. Serving as the flagship of the Pacific Fleet, she was moored at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, where she was heavily damaged and sank in shallow water. After extensive salvage and modernization, California returned to service in 1944, participating in major Pacific campaigns including Saipan, Guam, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa, providing vital naval gunfire support. She earned seven battle stars during World War II before being decommissioned in 1947 and ultimately scrapped in 1959.
Historical Facts
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Flagship of the Pacific Fleet: USS California (BB-44) served as the flagship of the United States Pacific Fleet for much of the interwar period, symbolizing American naval power in the Pacific.
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Pearl Harbor Attack Survivor: On December 7, 1941, California was moored at Pearl Harbor and was hit by two torpedoes and a bomb. Despite severe flooding and sinking at her berth, many of her crew fought valiantly to save the ship.
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Heroic Crew Actions: During the Pearl Harbor attack, the ship's crew displayed extraordinary bravery, with several receiving awards for their actions in saving lives and the ship. Notably, Chief Radioman Thomas Reeves and Ensign Herbert C. Jones were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
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Extensive Salvage and Modernization: After being sunk at Pearl Harbor, California was refloated, repaired, and underwent an extensive modernization in the United States, returning to service in 1944 with improved armament and radar.
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Rejoined the Fight: Following her modernization, California participated in many key battles in the Pacific, including the invasions of Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa.
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Battle of Surigao Strait: The ship played a crucial role in the Battle of Surigao Strait, the last battleship-versus-battleship action in history, as part of Admiral Oldendorf's battle line which helped defeat the Japanese Southern Force.
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Kamikaze Attack: On January 6, 1945, while supporting the invasion of Lingayen Gulf, California was struck by a kamikaze aircraft, resulting in significant casualties but the ship remained operational.
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Only American Dreadnought at Pearl Harbor to Return: California holds the distinction of being the only American dreadnought-type battleship sunk at Pearl Harbor to be fully salvaged, modernized, and return to active combat service.
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Decorated Service: For her World War II service, USS California earned seven battle stars, reflecting her participation in numerous critical operations in the Pacific Theater.
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Legacy and Decommissioning: After the war, California was decommissioned in 1947 and sold for scrap in 1959. Her legacy lives on as a symbol of resilience and the fighting spirit of the US Navy.
