Pacific Fleet

The Pacific Fleet is part of the US Navy. Its modern incarnation dates from the splitting of the United States Fleet up into the Atlantic, Pacific and Asiatic fleets prior to World War II. Until May of 1940, this unit was stationed on the west coast of the United States. During the summer of that year, as part of the US response to Japanese expansionism, it was instructed to take an 'advanced' position at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Long term basing at Pearl was opposed by the Admiral commanding, James Richardson, so strongly that he personally protested in Washington. Political considerations were thought sufficiently important that he was relieved by Admiral Husband E. Kimmel who was in command at the time of Pearl Harbor. Admiral Bloch commanded the local Naval District at Pearl, as distinct from the Fleet, at the time of the Attack.

Composition of the Pacific Fleet -- May 1941

At this time, the fleet consisted of 9 battleships, 3 aircraft carriers, 12 heavy cruisers, 8 light cruisers, 50 destroyers, 33 submarines, and 100 patrol bombers. This was approximately the unit's strength at the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. See also:

• Military History of the United States

See also: Asiatic Fleet, Combined Fleet