Chapter II: Historical Record
(continued)

Other Pearl Harbor Salvage Activities

Salvage of the ARIZONA and the UTAH have been discussed earlier in this chapter to clarify the processes that contributed to the formation of the archeological sites they have now become. As further background for the archeological survey (which included examination of the mooring key areas of Battleship Row), it is instructive to understand what transpired in the other major salvage efforts at specified sites.

The attack on Pearl Harbor left the Pacific Fleet in a state of chaos and impotence. Japan's goal had been achieved: The U.S. Navy was unable to oppose the Japanese invasion of Southwest Asia, the Philippines and islands of the South Pacific.

Twenty-one ships of the Pacific Fleet had been sunk or damaged. Of that number, eight battleships were casualties, five sunk and three damaged. The main battle line of the fleet was out of action.

Of growing concern was the location and intention of the Japanese navy. Fleet commanders at Pearl Harbor ordered their officers to assemble a priority list of ships that could be put back into service. This could then allow the fleet the opportunity to prepare for battle and form strategies.

Fortunately, the fleet had sunk in shallow water, a circumstance that made salvage operations feasible. On December 14, 1941, Commander James Steele began to direct salvage operations. On January 9 he was relieved by Captain Wallin, who formed a salvage organization consisting of Navy officers and civilian contractors, such as Mr. Matthew Dillingham, Pacific Bridge Company and Morrison-Knudson.

The civilian groups provided Wallin with the necessary tools and expertise to get the job done. In particular, the Pacific Bridge Co. recommended the use of under water concrete to seal the holes of the ships in lieu of building sheet-steel cofferdams.

As salvage began, Wallin's first priority was recovery of antiaircraft guns and directors from the stricken ships. This armament and equipment were then used to bolster the island's defenses as well as being provided to other ships. With the priorities for salvage set, work schedules around the clock were set in motion for the ships' crews and the Navy shipyard workers.

As he wrote about the salvage operation, there was "a dire shortage of pumping equipment, lumber and other materials... However, the spirit of the times was to do the best with what we had."

The hazards for such an operation were high. Poisonous gas and unexploded ordnance were ever-present dangers that could result in fire, explosion and death. Sticking to a priority list, Captain Wallin began work on the less damaged ships so they could return to service as soon as possible.

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