PEARL HARBOR: THE DAY THAT WOKE A NATION
December 7, 1941. A calm Sunday morning in Hawaii turned to chaos when Japanese aircraft launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Battleships burned, black smoke filled the sky, and service members fought back with everything they had.
We remember this day not only for the devastation, but for the courage that followed — courage displayed by sailors, Marines, soldiers, and yes, Coastguardsmen.
The Coast Guard Was There — Including CGC Taney
One Coast Guard ship — USCGC Taney (WPG-37) — stood watch that morning.
While Taney was moored in Honolulu Harbor, her crew came under fire as waves of bombers struck Oahu. Her gunners opened up immediately with anti-aircraft fire, defending the city and keeping Japanese aircraft from returning for another strike. Taney continued firing throughout the attack and stood ready for more.
Taney is the only surviving U.S. warship still afloat today that was present during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
She now serves as a museum ship in Baltimore — a floating reminder of the Coast Guard’s presence on that fateful day.
The Coast Guard’s Role Beyond the Harbor
After the attack, the Coast Guard surged into wartime operations:
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Port security and coastal defense mobilized overnight
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Cutters escorted convoys through submarine-infested waters
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Surfmen conducted rescue operations under fire and oil-slicked seas
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Coast Guard crews later manned landing craft in the Pacific and European invasions
The smallest branch — just 40,000 strong then — suddenly found itself on a global stage.
And like always, Coasties answered the call.
Why We Remember
Pearl Harbor is not just a date — it’s a turning point.
It’s a reminder of service, sacrifice, and resilience.
We honor those who died that morning.
We honor those who ran toward danger.
And we honor the Coasties — like those aboard CGC Taney — who stood a watch no one saw coming.
December 7, 1941 — A date which lives in infamy.
But also in stories of bravery.
Semper Paratus
Photo Credit: National Archives
