Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Hannah Kantner | 211123-N-XK462-1211 BREMERTON, Wash. (Nov. 23, 2021) Relic from the USS Arizona...... read more read more
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NAVAL BASE KITSAP-BREMERTON, Wash. – The crew of aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) received a relic from USS Arizona (BB-39), Nov. 23, in remembrance and commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The relic was cut from a section of Arizona’s superstructure and is part of the USS Arizona Superstructure Relic Program. The goal of the program is to establish and deepen connections between the Sailors of today to those of our past through education and presence while safeguarding the remaining relic materials of Arizona.
The relic was presented to the crew by Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11 (CSG 11).
“I feel very proud and honored to have the opportunity to present this relic to the crew of Nimitz,” said Sweeney. “When I come across a relic like this, I feel it resets me and it reminds me of what is important each and every day. I think it is incredibly important to take this historical piece to the deck plates as a reminder of the courage and the commitment the Arizona crew members had on that day, December 7, 1941. The relic’s presence serves as a reminder to Nimitz Sailors to always be prepared to fight and to win.”
On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, while in port at Pearl Harbor, Arizona was hit by Japanese torpedo bombers causing a violent explosion within its magazine. The explosion effectively sank and irreparably damaged the ship. 1,117 of Arizona’s 1,512 crew members were lost due to the attack. Arizona was one of 19 U.S. Navy ships damaged or destroyed during the attack.
The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the formal entry of the United States into World War II. Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, the namesake of USS Nimitz, was selected to be the commander in chief of the United States Pacific Fleet ten days after the attack. Nimitz played a major role in the U.S. Navy’s success during the war.
“It's an honor to receive a piece of history like this and an even greater honor knowing its connection to our ship’s namesake,” said Capt. Craig C. Sicola, commanding officer of Nimitz. “It's my hope that every Nimitz Sailor takes this opportunity to reflect on the heritage of this warship and helps to carry on the legacy of the Sailors who have gone before them.”
| Date Taken: | 11.23.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.24.2021 14:11 |
| Story ID: | 409994 |
| Location: | WA, US |
| Web Views: | 209 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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