Without question one of the most significant events of the 20th century was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the USS California was there. The USS California BB-4d4

At Pearl Harbor was one of eight American battleships that were moored along battleship row hit, damaged and many instances sunk while at anchor. The USS California was one of these 8 battleships.

USS California was the flagship

USS California (BB-44), flagship of the Battle Force, was hit forward and aft by two Japanese torpedoes in the early minutes of the Pearl Harbor raid. … Nearly a hundred of her officers and men were killed in action during the Pearl Harbor attack.

Was the USS California sunk at Pearl Harbor?

The USS California was a Tennessee-class battleship completed just after World War I and commissioned in August 1921. She served as the flagship of the Pacific Fleet for twenty years. The USS California was sunk on December 7, 1941, during the Pearl Harbor attack, and 105 of her crew members died.

The USS California BB-34 at Pearl Harbor
The USS California BB44 at Pearl Harbor

Where was the USS California at Pearl Harbor?

At the onset of Pearl Harbor attack, USS California occupied berth F-3 on “battleship row” along the Shore of Ford Island. The California received two torpedo hits and one bomb hit.

The USS California BB-34 at Pearl Harbor
The USS California BB-44 at Pearl Harbor

The United States at no time in its history had been attacked while at anchor. The events of the attack at Pearl Harbor would forever change the military history and course of the United States affecting every American at the time and for generations to come. The USS California was one of the US Navy warships that would become part of that history and her courage and that of her crew would be a part of the effort that would later turn the US Navy around, put it on the offense and end World War 2 against the Japanese.

USS California facts

Speed21 knots (39 km/h; 24 mph)
Range8,000 nmi (15,000 km; 9,200 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)
Complement57 officers1,026 enlisted
Armament4 × triple 14 in (356 mm) guns14 × single 5 in (127 mm) guns4 × single 3 in (76 mm) guns2 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes
ArmorBelt: 8–13.5 in (203–343 mm)Barbettes: 13 in (330 mm)Turret face: 18 in (457 mm)Conning tower: 16 in (406 mm)Decks: 3.5 in (89 mm)

She was a powerful battleship at the time of the attack and when she returned to service was even more devastating.

What battles did the USS California fight in?

In October and November, she took part in the Leyte Campaign, including the 25 October 1944 Battle of Surigao Strait, history’s last fight between opposing battleships. In January 1945, California participated in the Lingayen Gulf invasion.

USS California Battleships of Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Coin

American has always had a strong connection with its Navy. It has always been there for us since 1775 protecting us and preventing an attack on the US mainland. It is what they do and have always done. We must preserve our connection to these United States warships and the crews that serve for more than obvious reasons. They serve as a reindeer of courage, freedom, fighting back against all odds and preserving the peace when injustices have occurred. It is because of these reasons and many more that USS California Battleships Of Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Coin was designed, minted and now offered.
USS California Battleships Of Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Coin
USS California Battleships Of Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Coin
 At 2 inches in diameter, 4mm thick and displaying in antique metal form the USS California BB-44 battleship coin stands ready to enter service again with your coin collection. As part of a 8 battleship coin series this coin and her sisters display with the nicknames, hull numbers, size, weight, hull number and more. These are the 80th anniversary coins that signal the Ruby Red 80th anniversary of the attack and are dressed with the finest detail to honor their memory.
 Own a piece of rich American naval history and keep the memories of these valiant ships and crews alive. The USS California BB-44 at Pearl Harbor is remembered on these timeless commemorative coins recognizing the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.