The Myth of US Aircraft Carriers Lost at Pearl Harbor

The common myth that the United States lost aircraft carriers during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, is incorrect. This article will clarify the misunderstanding and provide a detailed account of where the US carriers were during the critical moments of the assault.

Where Were the US Carriers?

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese fleet attacked Pearl Harbor, catching the Pacific Fleet unprepared. However, it is crucial to understand that there were no US aircraft carriers present in the harbor during the attack. This is often misinterpreted as a loss of these vital military assets.

The USS Enterprise, the first assigned aircraft carrier of the Pacific Fleet, was on a mission to deliver aircraft to Wake Island and Midway Island. Additionally, the USS Lexington was on an extended mission to deliver aircraft to the United Kingdom. The USS Saratoga was in Bremerton, Washington, for maintenance and crew training. The USS Yorktown and the USS Hornet were in the Atlantic Ocean, further away from the Pacific theater.

Japanese Pilots’ Mistake

An interesting side note is a myth that an old battleship, modified to look like an aircraft carrier for dive bomber practice, was sunk by the Japanese pilots. However, this is widely understood to be a misunderstanding or a fictional element rather than an actual event. No aircraft carrier of the US Navy was there to be attacked.

Post Attack Scenario

Despite the absence of carriers, the US Navy was still capable of using its in-harbor aircraft to some extent. Upon receiving the news of the attack, the USS Enterprise and other carriers began searching for the Japanese fleet. However, due to the confusion and the vastness of the Pacific, these efforts were not immediately successful.

The USS Enterprise returned to Pearl Harbor on the evening of the attack, and its aircraft were available for further operations. The other carriers, once made aware of the situation, also launched their aircraft to search for and engage the Japanese forces. This highlights the resilient nature of the US naval forces during this critical period.

Other Aircraft Losses

While no carriers were stationed in Pearl Harbor, it is worth noting that the US did experience losses in other aircraft. According to historical records, some United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) planes managed to take off and engage Japanese aircraft, but their impact was minimal. The US Navy also scrambled some of its aircraft, but unfortunately, some were mistakenly shot down by their own comrades due to the chaotic conditions of the early stages of the war.

The full account of aircraft losses during this time involved both land-based and carrier-based aircraft, none of which were carriers themselves. The USS Saratoga, although in the vicinity, was not directly involved in combat and did not face any significant losses.

Conclusion

In summary, the United States lost no aircraft carriers during the attack on Pearl Harbor. All carriers present during the incident were away on various missions, some far from the immediate threat. The myth of carrier losses has persisted due to a lack of public knowledge and understanding of the true layout of naval assets and operations during the Pearl Harbor attack.

To prevent such misunderstandings in the future, it is essential to rely on accurate historical records and detailed accounts of military operations. For a deep dive into the history and strategies of the Pacific theater during World War II, consider reading reputable historical sources and engaging with credible historical analyses.