USS UTAH MEMORIAL PLAQUE

IN THE WATERS AHEAD LIE THE MOSTLY SUBMERGED REMAINS OF USS UTAH A FORMER BATTLESHIP USED FOR TARGET AND GUNNERY TRAINING. TWO TORPEDOES STRUCK THE UTAH AS THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 1941. THE SHIP CAPSIZED, TRAPPING DOZENS OF MEN INSIDE. THEY INCLUDED MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT CHIEF WATER TENDER PETER TOMICH, WHO STAYED AT HIS POST TO MAKE SURE THE SHIP’S BOILERS WERE SECURED AND ALL FIREROOM PERSONNEL HAD LEFT THEIR STATIONS.
EFFORTS TO RAISE THE SHIP FAILED, SO THE UTAH AND ITS ENTOMBED CREWMEN REMAIN AT REST HERE. THEY NAVY PLACED ON IT A MEMORIAL PLAQUE VISIBLE TO PASSING SHIPS, AND LATER ADDED A SHORELINE MONUMENT. THE PRESENT MEMORIAL OPENED IN 1972.