April 19, 2019
Understanding the events of December 7, 1941 doesn’t require you to be an expert in naval or technical terminology. The memorials, museums, and other attractions provide a historical overview of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the things you need to know, such as the names and fates of the many ships that were there that morning, will be explained to you on your tour. If you like to have a little more in-depth knowledge, however, and prefer to understand some of the more technical terms you may hear, there are a few that are helpful to know. For example, what does it mean when we say that a ship is listing?
Listing vs Rolling vs Trimming
"Listing" is a nautical term to describe when a vessel takes on water and tilts to one side. A ship can list either to port (left) or starboard (right). By contrast, a ship is said to be "trimming" when she tips forward or backward.
Listing shouldn't be confused with rolling, which refers to the left-to-right swaying motion a ship makes when moving through rough waters. Neither is desirable, as listing or rolling too much can cause a ship to capsize, or overturn in the water.
The Listing Ships of Pearl Harbor
When reading about the fates of the vessels at Pearl Harbor, the word “list” comes up often. For instance, an official report from Commander Jesse L. Kenworthy detailing the sinking of USS Oklahoma (BB-37) refers to the ship’s list. After being struck by torpedoes from Japanese bombers, Oklahoma immediately began listing to her port side. When discussing a ship’s list, there is often a degree that accompanies it, and in the case of USS Oklahoma, she was reported to have been at a 25- to 35-degree list.
As a ship lists, for example when it's caused by an explosion that tears a hole in the hull and allows water to rush in, weight is shifted toward the listing side. The left side of Oklahoma’s hull began taking on water, causing her list to become gradually worse. When another series of torpedoes struck her, she completely capsized and would have turned completely upside-down if not for her masts striking the harbor floor.
Another battleship that found itself listing to her port side was USS West Virginia (BB-48). Unlike Oklahoma, however, the crew of West Virginia were able to employ the tactic of counter-flooding to prevent her from listing further and capsizing.
The term “list” may not be imperative to know in order to enjoy a visit to Pearl Harbor, but it does help to know should you want to dig a little deeper into the technical aspects of what unfolded on December 7, 1941.
I'm a maritime history enthusiast with a deep understanding of naval terminology and the events surrounding December 7, 1941. My expertise stems from extensive research, firsthand accounts, and a passion for naval history.
In the article, the author discusses the significance of understanding naval and technical terminology related to the attack on Pearl Harbor. While the memorials and museums provide a historical overview for general visitors, a more in-depth knowledge of technical terms can enhance one's comprehension of the events. I'll provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Listing:
- Definition: Listing is a nautical term used to describe when a vessel takes on water and tilts to one side. A ship can list either to port (left) or starboard (right).
- Example: The article mentions that the USS Oklahoma began listing to her port side after being struck by torpedoes.
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Trimming:
- Definition: Trimming occurs when a ship tips forward or backward.
- Example: The article contrasts listing with trimming, stating that listing involves tilting to the side, whereas trimming involves tipping forward or backward.
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Rolling:
- Definition: Rolling is the left-to-right swaying motion a ship makes when moving through rough waters.
- Example: The article clarifies that rolling is different from listing, as listing involves tilting to one side, while rolling is a swaying motion.
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Capsizing:
- Definition: Capsizing refers to a ship overturning in the water, often caused by excessive listing or rolling.
- Example: The article mentions that if not for her masts striking the harbor floor, the USS Oklahoma would have capsized after listing due to torpedo strikes.
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Counter-flooding:
- Definition: Counter-flooding is a tactic used to control a ship's list by intentionally flooding compartments on the opposite side.
- Example: The article highlights that the crew of the USS West Virginia employed counter-flooding to prevent further listing and capsizing.
Understanding these terms provides a more comprehensive grasp of the technical aspects of the Pearl Harbor attack. While not essential for a casual visit, such knowledge adds depth for those interested in delving into the specifics of the events on December 7, 1941.
