Day of Infamy

The Fuzz's many Long-time readers will remember our trip to the Tropical Paradise this spring. There we had the opportunity to tour the Arizona Memorial, courtesy of the US Navy. So it seems apropriate to remember that here, on today, Dec. 7, 2007.




While the raid was devastating, it did not achieve everything desired. Originally, the plan called for a 3rd wave. When it was realized that the American Aircraft Carriers were not in port, there was concern that they might be looking to attack the Japanese fleet, so the 3rd wave was canceled. The navy's tank farm was not hit as it was feared the smoke would obscure the harbor, sparing a 2 year supply of fuel. And the repair facilities at the Naval Yard escaped destruction. This resulted in all but 4 (I believe) ships eventually returning to action.

There are a number of theories regarding the politics behind this event, but it is said, that when Winston Churchill heard the news, he went to bed peacefully, "Knowing we had won".