The USS California was hit in early in the attack on Pearl Harbor. DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY — NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
When the attack was over, 98 of her crew were dead and 61 wounded. The USS California settled on the bottom in the mud with just the superstructure showing. On March 26, 1942 the USS CALIFORNIA was refloated and dry docked at Pearl Harbor for repairs. On June 7 she departed under her own power for the Puget Sound Navy yard where a major reconstruction job was finished. She went on to serve. Damaged and repaired again. Placed in commission in Philadelphia August 7, 1946 and then out of commission in reserve February 14, 1947; and sold 10 July 1959. She was scrapped later that same year.
There are many photos around the net but I liked this one the best. The USS California in 1936 going under the not completed yet Golden Gate Bridge. In 1941 many lives were changed or lost. Our country changed. The world changed. The USS California BB-44 served the Navy well. Life goes on. The Golden Gate Bridge still stands. The victims of Pearl Harbor are remembered.