007 - The First Wave

0600, December 7th

.

Approximately 200 miles northwest of Hawaii, the six carriers of Strike Force One turned into the wind and launched a first attack wave towards Pearl Harbor.  It consisted of 181 warplanes, including dive bombers, torpedo bombers, high-level bombers, and fighter escorts.

.

As sunrise came over the Pacific, the First Wave reached the northern part of Oahu and broke southwest along the rocky coastline. Then, they divided into smaller groups, each with its own mission objectives. The fighters would attack airfields, hoping to keep all U.S. fighters out of action. The high-level bombers would climb into the clouds and circle 10,000 feet above the bay. Meanwhile, dive-bombers and torpedo planes would commence their attack on the battleships, cruisers, and aircraft carriers at port in Pearl Harbor.

.

As Lieutenant Commander Fuchida sat in the cockpit of his B5N “Kate” Torpedo plane, he surveyed the skies around him and the Hawaiian coast below. The Japanese had achieved complete surprise. Fuchida sent the orders to attack over the radio, “Tora! Tora! Tora!”

.

Strike Force One had two plans for attack. If the Japanese achieved total surprise, the torpedo planes would attack first. If they didn’t, then the dive bombers would attack and the torpedo planes would attack after the warships were battling fires.

.

He fired a green flare into the air, which also meant they achieved total surprise and the torpedo planes could safely attack. However, some of the pilots did not see the flare. When Fuchida saw this, he shot a second flare into the sky. In the confusion, the torpedo bombers and dive bombers attacked at once.

.

Most American sailors stationed at Pearl Harbor were still sleeping as the first bombs were dropped. However, when the Japanese warplanes began buzzing about Ford Island, it was time for everyone to rush into action.

.