USS Pennsylvania BB 38 - 'The Flagship of the Fleet'

USS Pennsylvania was a legendary battleship that served during both World Wars. From surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, to providing fire support throughout the Pacific Theater, the Pennsylvania's story is one of resilience. She served as the flagship of first the Atlantic Fleet, and after it was merged with the Pacific Fleet in 1921, the Battle Fleet. In this role, many legendary Admirals broke their flags in her, as did several Presidents. After receiving significant damage from a torpedo strike in the waning days of the Pacific War, she was regulated to being test ship during the post war atomic tests at Bikini Atoll. Pennsylvania received eight battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her World War II service. USS Pennsylvania was awarded 8 Battle Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her service during World War 2.

**At 11:16 I erroneously state that USS Pennsylvania received several 1.1 mm 75 cal quad mounts, when in fact I meant to say 1.1 inch 75 cal quad mounts.

Credits (photos):
US National Archives, Navsource, Naval History & Heritage Command

#ww2 #ww1 #usnavy #unitedstatesnavy #battleship #history #navalhistory #worldwar2 #pacificwar #pearlharbor #military #navaloperations #worldofwarships #worldofwarshipslegends #navy

[keithbusick]

What a sad end to such a majestic ship what impressed me was the amount of anti aircraft batteries she had on board once again a well done video that I enjoy very much

[BrockRuby]

Very great vid on the Pennsylvania!! Well done!! Looking forward to seeing more from you!!

[keithdmaust]

Well-produced and very informative video that was enjoyable to watch. Thanks for your creative work of excellence!

[BenjaminEleihu]

The Penn was the reason my family moved from NYC to California. He served 34 years, several tours on the penn

[jeffreymcfadden]

Johnny Carson served on Pennsylvania during WW2.

[KGKraetzerMedia]

So unfortunate the historic value of Pennsylvania was not realized at end of WWII. Next to USS Enterprise, WWII ship that most deserved to have been preserved and be available in Philadelphia for generations to appreciate.

[michaels.]

Dad was a boatswain's mate from 1943-45.

[jamesgascoyne.]

Sad ending to a fine ship. Still survived both A bombs though. Good on her. Just wish she'd not been contaminated. 😢

[Christopher-mi]

My grandfather served on her as a gunners mate during WW-1. He reenlisted with his son, ( my dad), after Pearl Harbor. They both served on destroyers until the end of the war

[powellmountainmike]

I have always thought it a terrible shame that the state of Pennsylvania didn't request the Uss Pennsylvania as a war memorial ship before she could be used in the atomic bomb testing. She would be the only survivor of the U.S. "standard battleships" if she were around as a museum and war memorial today, as Texas is the only "Dreadnougt type" left.

[robertsullivan]

I always like to add this note. From what I understand great late night host and legend Johnny Carson served on her for a short period.

[robertyoung]

Her sister ship USS Arizona (BB-39) was destroyed at Pearl Harbor

[otobking]

That was my grandfather‘s ship… he was admiral, Nimitz intelligence officer

[michaeldantoni]

My dad served on the Pennsylvania in a marine detachment during the final year of the war. The 21st division I think.

[johnpeschke]

"relegated" to being a test ship

[gjurczyc]

One ship that should have been saved to be a museum ship, since she was the Arizona's sister.

[lawrencelewis]

And how did the crew that boarded the ship after the first atomic test make out? Poor bastards.

[michaeldantoni]

I may be wrong, but I thought she was hit on the aft port side while in Buckner bay. You said Starboard.

[dougmoore]

1.1 millimeter anti aircraft quad mounts? Really? Could be perfect content but they have an ai bot voice it

[dougmoore]

Relegated, not regulated… damn ai bots don’t know proper use of English