Why were Arizona & Utah the only ships not salvaged after the attack on Pearl Harbor?
Of all the ships lost or damaged at Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona offered the most pathetic sight. Despite the crumpled superstructure and main decks awash, divers began exploring the wreckage of the ship within a week. It was soon discovered that the after part of the ship from the break in the deck to the stern was relatively intact. Removal of safes, valuables and documents of a sensitive nature had begun by early 1942. Assessment dives continued to evaluate the feasibility of raising the Arizona. Salvage officers initially considered building a cofferdam around the vessel’s perimeter, thus sealing the ship off from the harbor to allow the pumping of water from interior spaces. Examination of the harbor’s coral bottom concluded that it was too porous and would not allow this process. Throughout 1942 and 1943, examination dives continued inside and outside the ship. Meanwhile, ordnance divers began to remove ammunition and projectiles in May 1942. Eventually guns, machinery and other
