David Doyle Books Review - USS Arizona BB-39

Legends of Warfare
USS Arizona (BB-39)
by David Doyle

Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
December 2025

Just in time for the 83rd Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, David Doyle Books has released a new title. This one covers the USS Arizona, (BB-39), a Pennsylvania-class battleship, which served admirably between the World Wars, but was destroyed in the open minutes of the attack at Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941. This book is 144 pages long, and includes a history of the Arizona, from keel laying through her subsequent modifications and modernizations, through attempts to salvage the wreck, to her current state as a memorial. There are more than 300 photos, as well as some color profiles showing Arizona in different camouflage measures, including the controversial 5-S/Sea Blue scheme that she was purportedly wearing the day of the attack.

This book is laid out with an introduction and seven subsequent chapters:

- Chapter 1 - Birth of a Battleship
- Chapter 2 - Commissioning
- Chapter 3 - Arizona Goes to Sea
- Chapter 4 - Modernization, 1929-1931
- Chapter 5 - "A Date Which Will Live in Infamy..."
- Chapter 6 - Salvage
- Chapter 7 - Arizona Memorial

Arizona served for 24 years with the US Navy, so the book has a host of photos detailing her service, and subsequent modifications and modernizations, from construction through destruction, including salvage and her current status as a memorial. The book also covers Arizona's turn as a move star, in the picture "Here Comes the Navy", starring James Cagney and Pat O'Brien. It also details the role Elvis Presley played in raising funds for the memorial.

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Conclusions:

Yet another fine hardcover book from David Doyle. It has good info and tons of fine pictures of the Arizona throughout her career. With two brand new 1/350 USS Arizona kits rumored to be hitting the market in 2025, this book will be useful to both modelers and of interest to naval enthusiasts. Highly recommended.

This is USS Arizona, BB-39 - Legends of Warfare, by David Doyle. Published by Schiffer Publishing, ISBN 978-0-7643-6886-8. The book retails for $24.99, and is available to order directly from David's website. Thanks to David Doyle Books for the review sample.