This relic is part of a program initiated by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT). Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) authorized the removal of sections of the ship’s superstructure for display and legacy enhancing purposes in 1994. The USS Arizona Superstructure Relic Program is meant to highlight the significance of Navy history and legacy as the country nears the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Arizona was one of 20 ships attacked by Japanese bombers while in port at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1942. The blasts sank Arizona and claimed the lives of 1,177 of the 1,512 Sailors aboard. “Remember Pearl Harbor” became a rallying call of the nation as the loss of Arizona became the symbol for the destruction left in the aftermath of the attack.

"As the USS Arizona monument serves as a reminder of our history, this relic, and the others like it that will be displayed on every U.S. Navy vessel in the Pacific will honor those whose lives were lost during the war, and also emphasize the bravery and determination of every Sailor who has volunteered to defend our nation since then," said Nicholson. “"This relic will signify the continued global presence of our U.S. Navy and the important mission of the ESL in the Pacific"

Arizona’s superstructure was removed in Feb. 1942, and its salvaged parts were stored in Waipi’O Point, Hawaii. Some salvaged parts were used to help support the war-fighting effort. The remaining items are now considered heritage asset relics. COMPACFLT and Navy Region Hawaii will distribute roughly 138 relic pieces throughout Pacific Fleet’s area of operations to every actively commissioned ship and submarine stationed in the region.

The relics serve to remind the fleet of the Navy’s role in the Pacific and its continued pursuit of free and safe navigation of open waters.

“It is an honor to receive on behalf of the crew of Emory S Land a piece of naval history that can connect our newest Sailors to a previous generation of heroes that sacrificed so much in the pacific,” said Ring. “We will ensure this artifact receives a place of honor on our ship and serve as a reminder that war can come at any time and our highest responsibility is to ensure this crew is ready.”

Guam is home to the U.S. Navy's only submarine tenders, USS Emory S Land (AS 39) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40), as well as four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines. The submarine tenders provide maintenance, hotel services and logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. The submarines and tenders are maintained as part of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed submarine force and are readily capable of meeting global operational requirements.

For more information about USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), visit us at http://www.csp.navy.mil/emorysland/ or like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/EmorySLand, or on Twitter @EmorySLand.
For more news from USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), visit http://www.navy.mil/local/as39/.