Navy Combat Artist Douglas Rowe presented the crew of the USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) a special-reproduction print of a new Navy artwork during an underway remembrance ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard on 7 December.
Rowe’s painting captures LSD-52—named in remembrance of the 7 December 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor—arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and sailing past the USS Arizona (BB-39) Memorial.
Rowe embarked as a guest for the transit back to the ship’s home port of San Diego, California, and in honor of Pearl Harbor Day, the ship’s crew held an underway remembrance ceremony featuring historical reflections and highlighting the resilience and heroism of sailors such as Mess Attendant Second Class Petty Officer Doris Miller, Chief Ordnanceman John Finn, and Lieutenant Commander Samuel G. Fuqua.
“On December 7, 1941, 2,403 Americans lost their lives. Many remain entombed in the sunken remains of USS Arizona and USS Utah [BB-31], which remain where they sank to this day. Remember them and remember their sacrifice in all that you do. Remember Pearl Harbor,” shared ship’s navigator Lieutenant Ryan Harriss.
Near the conclusion of the ceremony, Rowe unveiled his offering: a reproduction print of his 15 x 30 oil-on-linen painting for the Navy’s art collection.
“On behalf of the Naval History and Heritage Command, I would like to dedicate this painting to the crew of the USS Pearl Harbor and to the memory of those lost in the attack 82 years ago,” said Rowe.
The ceremony served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Pearl Harbor and the unwavering commitment of those who serve on board the Pearl Harbor to honor the memory of their ship’s namesake.
“The sailors of USS Pearl Harbor have a heritage related to the events from the ‘day that will live in infamy,’’’ noted the ship’s commanding officer, Commander Sameer Khanna. “Our crew will always uphold the ideals represented by the heroic actions of our predecessors from that day.”
