As Figure 1 and Figure 2 show, the Lexington and Saratoga typically moored to the northwest of Ford Island. So did the Utah when she was in port.
The fact that carriers often berthed on the northwest side of Ford Island does not come as a surprise to most docents at Pacific Aviation Museum. We often say that “carrier row” was opposite from battleship row relative to Ford Island. However, Figure 3 shows a photo of the Enterprise at her berthing point. Notice that this is on the southeast side of the Ford Island, between the California’s normal berth and the berths of the other battleships on battleship row.
This may come as a surprise to many docents. However, in addition to the photographic evidence, we have the statement of Commander Lawrence R. Schmeider, whose detailed report on the normal berthing points of a number of ships at Pearl Harbor included information about the Enterprise. He specifically said that the Enterprise usually moored behind the California. Supporting this, the book Battleship Sailorhas a photograph of the Enterprise moored just behind the California’ stern.
If the Enterprise had been moored between the California and the other battleships during the attack, she would have been impossible to miss. To get long enough low-altitude runs to their targets, the 24 Kate torpedo bombers that approached battleship row had to fly through the narrow Southeast Loch. To hit most battleships, the Kates had to veer to the right when exiting the loch. To hit the California, they had to veer left. However, Figure 4 shows that the Southeast Loch pointed like an arrow almost directly at the normal berthing point of Enterprise.
Sources
Information about the location of carriers is from Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941 Carrier Locations, Naval History and Heritage Command. http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq66-9.htm. Last visited October 29, 2010.
Schmeider, Commander Lawrence R., “The Last Months of Peace at Pearl Harbor,” pp. 51-56 in Paul Stillwell, ed., Air Raid: Pearl Harbor! Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland, USA.
All photographs are from the National Archives. They were taken by military personnel and are in the public domain.
RE: “Where Would The Enterprise Dock”
Figure #2 in the article appears to be a mirror image of Figure #1. I know that they were taken at different times but the island itself appears to be oriented differently. In both photos, the carrier is located on the Northwest side of the Island. However, in Figure #1 the seaplane base is shown correctly on lower left side of the photo and in Figure #2 it is shown on the lower right side. Maybe, my mind is going, but something appears wrong. Let me know if I need to consult a physician.
Joe,
Thank you for your comment. We have since updated the images and placed some indicators on the photos to make the points of interest more visible. There is no need to see a physician, you are a legendary pilot with eagle eyes! Aloha from Ford Island.
I enjoy your blog on Pearl Harbor. I just wanted to point out that the photograph in figure 2 seems to be in upside down and backwards. I’m not sure if the original negative was reversed, or the website you used for the photo scanned it in backwards.
Also, according to the Naval History and Heritage web site, the Lexington had departed Pearl on December 5th vice November 5th.
Thanks for your blog.
Dave
Dave,
Thank you for your information, we have since updated the images. Mahalo for all your support of the Museum and we hope to see you soon. Aloha.