LET'S BRING HER TO LIFE

From the Heartland

Oklahoma's Naval Legacy

SHIP FACTS

The First USS Oklahoma (BB 37)

Fast Attack/ SSN

Fast Attack or “Submersible Ship Nuclear.” These submarines are smaller, do not contain nuclear missiles and deploy for up to six months. They are stationed in all submarine bases except Kings Bay, GA.

Underway

The period of time when a submarine leaves for sea.

Khakis

 Slang for chiefs and officers.

Dolphins or Fish

Warfare pin earned approximately one year after joining the first command. It is a long and hard process to earn your “Dolphins” due to the extensive qualification process on board. 

Gouge

Gouge is a term for “answers, inside information, the scoop.” Used in a sentence, “Did you get the gouge on what tomorrow’s meeting is about?”

Halfway night

Celebration both on board and on land (families) halfway through a deployment or patrol.

The Future USS Oklahoma

The future USS Oklahoma will be the 29th Virginia-class submarine and the first Block V submarine. This boat is the second Navy vessel, and the first submarine, to be named for the state of Oklahoma. Virginia-class submarines are the most advanced attack submarines in the world. Their superior stealth, endurance, firepower, and maneuverability are unmatched. Their mission includes:

Detecting and neutralizing enemy submarines and surface vessels.
Deploying Tomahawk cruise missiles to strike targets on land.
Providing Special Operations Forces (SOF) with delivery and support.
Gathering intelligence through surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
Providing support to naval battle groups and participating in mine warfare activities.

With these capabilities, Oklahoma (SSN 802) will contribute to regional stability and preservation of future peace while operating everywhere international law allows.

This is a proud moment for Oklahomans—one that helps redeem the loss of our namesake and her brave crew at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

The Battle at
Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941

The previous Navy ship named USS Oklahoma was a battleship commissioned in 1916. The ship was sunk by nine torpedoes during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The attack lasted only 11 minutes and Oklahoma capsized in 15 minutes. Banging could be heard coming from inside the ship. Welders on shore jumped on the upside-down ship and saved 32 Sailors by cutting holes in the hull. Tragically, 429 men remained trapped and sacrificed their lives in service to their country. Their bodies were recovered and given proper burial.

In 2007, a Memorial was constructed at Pearl Harbor to commemorate the brave men of Oklahoma (BB 37) who perished on the date that “will live in infamy.”

The First USS Oklahoma (BB 37)

The first USS Oklahoma was the second of two Nevada-class modern battleships ordered in 1911. The first American class of oil-burning dreadnoughts was built by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation for the US Navy. Commissioned in 1916, the ship served in World War I, protecting Allied convoys as they crossed the Atlantic. After the war, she continued to serve abroad. In 1936, she rescued American citizens and refugees from the Spanish Civil War. Oklahoma spent the rest of her service in the Pacific.

In October 1941, Oklahoma struck the USS Arizona with a torpedo during routine exercises. No one was seriously injured, but the ship had to be repaired. Two months later, Oklahoma was moored in the outboard ship position, making her an easy target during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. In fact, she took the brunt of the torpedoes and provided a shield for other ships, such as the Maryland. The capsized ship was eventually righted and salvaged. While being towed to California, a storm off the coast of Hawaii caused Oklahoma to take on water. The tugboats had to cut their lines to avoid being pulled down with the sinking ship. The final resting place of the battleship is still unknown.

Navy Submarine Lingo

Oklahoma Heroes

Oklahoma Veterans

Over 300,000 military veterans call Oklahoma home. Thank you for your service to our country. You make your home-state proud. Visit the Oklahoma Hall of Fame members by service branch or Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation.

Ernest Evans, born in Pawnee, Oklahoma in 1908, half-Cherokee and one-quarter-Creek, enlisted in the US Navy on May 29,1926.

Evans had an illustrious naval career, but ultimately died as Captain of the USS Johnston when it sunk during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in October 1944.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal and Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Commander Evans had the China Service Medal, American Defense Medal, Fleet Clasp, and was entitled to the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with six engagement stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Philippine Defense and Liberation Ribbons with one star.

Ernest Evans, Commander

Born in Checotah, OK, Carr received the Silver Star posthumously for his actions in the Battle of Samar as the captain of the gun mount aboard USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413). The guided missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52) is named for him.

Paul H. Carr, Gunner's Mate Third Class

Greg Slavonic, Rear Admiral (retired)

Slavonic grew up in Oklahoma City and attended Oklahoma State University. He enlisted in the Navy and during his 34-year career, he advanced to the rank of rear admiral. He also served as Under Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Staff to US Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma and interim Executive Director of Oklahoma Veterans Commission. He and wife, Mary Slavonic (the Ship’s Sponsor), helped build the USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

William James Crowe Jr., Admiral

Crowe, was University of Oklahoma graduate, submariner in the US Navy and a diplomat. He served as the 11th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. He also served as ambassador to the United Kingdom and Chair of the Intelligence Oversight Board under President Bill Clinton.

Joseph J. “Jocko” Clark, Admiral

Clark was the first Native American to graduate from the United States Naval Academy and has been inducted into the Military Hall of Fame. He revolutionized Naval Aviation during WWII.