The USS Nevada: A Tale of Tenacity, Nuclear Survival, and Final Rest

The USS Nevada, known affectionately as the 'Ship that Would Not Sink,' is a legendary symbol of American resilience and maritime history. This battleship served through the turbulent years of World War II, weathered nuclear tests, and eventually met its final resting place after enduring decades of service and obliteration via an aerial torpedo.

An Unbreakable Legacy

On December 7, 1941, during the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Nevada suffered significant damage. Despite its weakened state, the ship’s crew maintained control, allowing the Nevada to manage a brief sortie before being grounded at Nevada Point to clear the harbor entrance. This event marked the first time the USS Nevada refused to sink, earning her reputation as an unbreakable survivor.

From Pearl Harbor to Victory

Repaired and modernized, the Nevada re-entered the war in October 1942, assisting in the bombardment of Attu in the Aleutians. The vessel continued to prove its mettle, participating in the D-Day invasion and the Battle of Normandy, where it provided crucial fire support to Allied forces. Later, the ship took part in Operation Dragoon, supporting operations in Southern France, and then assaulted Iwo Jima in February 1945, enduring a further Kamikaze strike and a shore battery hit that killed two crew members.

Nuclear Tests and Aftermath

Despite its age and wartime service, the USS Nevada was deemed valuable enough to serve as a target for nuclear tests. The ship was originally slated for use in the Bikini Atoll experiments. During the 1946 Able test, the Nevada was painted orange and anchored, just a few hundred meters from the test site. Although the bomb detonated 1,700 yards from the ship, the Nevada endured the blast successfully. However, the Baker test was conducted underwater at a depth of 90 feet, dealing more significant damage and leaving the vessel highly radioactive.

Decommissioning and Final Days

After serving in various capacities throughout World War II and enduring nuclear tests, the USS Nevada was decommissioned and moved to Pearl Harbor. There, it faced one last test from the USS Iowa and other ships during gunnery practice, but even this could not sink her. However, in October 31, 1948, an aerial torpedo finally ended the battle against her. Her final mission was to become a Yugoslav vessel, but she was returned to the United States and then sent to the bottom of the sea.

Discovery and Legacy

On May 11, 2020, a joint expedition by Ocean Infinity and SEARCH Inc. discovered the remains of the USS Nevada. The ship now lies upside down, with her hull bearing the number 36 clearly visible. Her legacy is further immortalized in the silver service donated by the citizens of Nevada, which is on display in Carson City. This service, made from 417 pounds of silver from Tonopah and gold from Goldfield, serves as a poignant reminder of the ship and her storied history.

Conclusion

The USS Nevada’s enduring legacy is a testament to perseverance and courage. She survived the Japanese attack, multiple enemy strikes, nuclear tests, and even a series of attempts to sink her. However, her final mission—becoming an aerial torpedo target—brought about her ultimate end. Today, her story lives on as a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II.

Note: The mid-1940s and 1950s were periods of significant technological advancements and innovation in the military. These events showcased the evolution of naval warfare and the challenges facing both the American and Japanese navies during World War II.