The USS-Arizona was the first to be named Arizona after the 48th state. It began training in 1916 and eventually served in World War I. This ship was a Pennsylvania-class battleship which is just a fancy battleship with a bunch of artillery accessories. She began her services in World War I in April of 1917. It served out of Norfolk for all of World War I where its duties were to patrol the waters and be a gunnery training ship.
On December 7, 1941 soon before 0800 the ship was struck by forces from Japanese aircrafts. Soon after a bomb had started a small fire on the ship another bomb created an explosion that completely took off the forward part of the ship. Many say that there was a flammable substance to help with the explosion. Although this is still a question and will remain a question. 1,177 people were killed that December day.
There were many acts of heroism upon the Arizona, many of which won many brave people great awards. The memorial still resides at Pearl Harbor. In 2008, 66 years after the explosion, oil from the ship still rises to the top. It is said that the ship leaks about a quart of oil each day. Many lives were affected by this ship and many say that the oil will continue to leak until the last survivor dies. Many have also requested their ashes be placed in the ship.Respectfully Submitted,2Jennifer
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