USS Shaw, A Ship Destroyed at Pearl Harbor Returns from the Grave

The USS Shaw (DD-373), a Mahan-class destroyer, was constructed as part of the U.S. Navy's effort to modernize its fleet during the interwar period. Its keel was laid on October 1, 1934, at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, and it was launched on October 28, 1935. Sponsored by Miss Dorothy Shaw, a descendant of the ship’s namesake Captain John Shaw, a distinguished officer from the War of 1812, the destroyer entered active service on September 18, 1936. Designed for speed and versatility, the Shaw carried torpedoes, depth charges, and 5-inch guns but was lightly armored, emphasizing its role as a fleet escort and offensive vessel. After commissioning, the Shaw conducted shakedown cruises and participated in training exercises in the Atlantic before transiting through the Panama Canal to join the Pacific Fleet in 1937. By 1940, as global tensions increased, the Shaw was stationed at Pearl Harbor, where it carried out patrols and readiness exercises in preparation for a potential conflict.

On the fateful morning of December 7, 1941, the USS Shaw was undergoing maintenance in floating drydock YFD-2 at Pearl Harbor. The ship was in a vulnerable position, with much of its machinery disassembled and unavailable for immediate combat. It was positioned at the northeast corner of the harbor, near the submarine base. When Japanese aircraft initiated their surprise attack, the Shaw quickly became a target due to its location and exposed condition. During the first wave, Japanese bombers targeted the drydock and the Shaw, dropping bombs in the vicinity. At approximately 9:25 AM, three bombs struck the destroyer’s forward section, igniting massive fires that spread rapidly through the ship. The crew fought valiantly to contain the flames, but the combination of fuel, ammunition, and the drydock's constraints made the situation dire.

Fires that rapidly spread through the forward compartments, fed by fuel and ammunition stored in the area became uncontrollable. These fires rendered firefighting efforts nearly impossible, especially as the ship’s crew was already operating under reduced capacity due to its maintenance status.

As the flames intensified, the forward magazine ignited, resulting in a massive explosion that obliterated the bow and forward superstructure of the ship. This violent detonation, one of the most dramatic moments of the attack, sent a towering column of fire, debris, and smoke into the air, creating one of the most iconic images of Pearl Harbor. The blast completely destroyed the forward third of the ship, including the bridge and all forward armament, rendering it useless for combat. The explosion also caused significant structural damage to the floating drydock YFD-2, which partially sank and further complicated rescue and salvage efforts.

The destruction of the forward section left the Shaw heavily crippled. Fires continued to rage in the wreckage, damaging the ship’s interior and destroying critical systems, such as electrical wiring, communication lines, and forward weapons capabilities. The aft section, housing the engines and propulsion systems, remained intact but was rendered temporarily inoperable due to the loss of connectivity with the forward compartments. Additionally, the shockwaves from the magazine explosion damaged nearby infrastructure and scattered debris across the harbor. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the ship’s midsection and aft section miraculously stayed afloat, demonstrating the structural resilience of its design. The human cost of the attack was severe for the Shaw’s crew. The explosions and fires claimed the lives of 24 sailors and left many others injured, with several suffering burns and traumatic injuries from the blast. Survivors displayed extraordinary bravery, working to rescue trapped shipmates and prevent further damage, even in the face of overwhelming danger.

By the end of the attack, the USS Shaw was left as a gutted shell of its former self. With its bow completely destroyed, forward compartments gutted, and critical systems non-functional, it was no longer seaworthy. However, naval engineers and leaders at Pearl Harbor assessed the remaining structure and concluded that the ship could be salvaged. This decision reflected the Navy’s determination to recover as much of its fleet as possible in the wake of the devastating attack. Despite its grave condition, the Shaw’s survival became a symbol of resilience and an example of the Navy’s ability to recover and fight back. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary effort to restore the ship to combat readiness, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of both its crew and the shipyard workers who would later undertake its reconstruction.

The decision to salvage and repair the USS Shaw reflected the Navy's determination to recover from the Pearl Harbor disaster. After the attack, the remnants of the Shaw were towed to the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, where naval engineers assessed the damage. The bow and forward sections were entirely destroyed, but the ship’s vital components, including its engines and aft, were relatively intact. Temporary repairs stabilized the hull and made the ship seaworthy for the journey to the mainland. A temporary bow was fitted, enabling the Shaw to travel under its own power to the Mare Island Navy Yard in California, where extensive reconstruction work began in early 1942.

The repair process was a monumental effort. Shipbuilders at Mare Island replaced the destroyed forward section with a newly constructed bow, restoring the ship’s original length and improving its structural integrity. The Shaw was also modernized during the repair process, receiving enhanced armament and updated fire control systems. The work was completed in remarkable time, reflecting the urgency of the war effort and the dedication of the shipyard workers. By mid-1942, the Shaw was fully operational and ready to return to the Pacific Theater.

The USS Shaw’s post-repair service was as distinguished as its dramatic recovery. It played a crucial role in several key campaigns, including the Guadalcanal Campaign, where it provided naval gunfire support for amphibious landings and protected convoys from Japanese air and submarine attacks. The Shaw also participated in patrols and bombardments in the Solomon Islands, contributing to the Allied advance across the Pacific. In late 1943 and early 1944, the Shaw supported the Battle of Cape Gloucester, repelling enemy aircraft and aiding in the capture of vital territory. During the Philippine Campaign, it assisted in the landings at Leyte Gulf and Lingayen Gulf, delivering effective naval bombardment and protecting Allied forces.

For its wartime service, the USS Shaw earned 11 battle stars, underscoring its significant contributions to the Allied victory in the Pacific. Despite its dramatic near-destruction at Pearl Harbor, the Shaw’s remarkable repair and return to action became a symbol of American resilience and ingenuity. After the war, the Shaw was decommissioned on October 2, 1945, and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on November 1. It was scrapped in 1946.

The story of the USS Shaw epitomizes the devastation of Pearl Harbor and the determination of the United States to rebuild and persevere. Its fiery explosion remains one of the most enduring images of December 7, 1941, a stark reminder of the attack's human cost and the indomitable spirit of those who fought back.