Coast Guard played a role at Pearl Harbor, too

SEATTLE – Historians have documented the Navy’s role during “The Day that lives in Infamy.” But Otto Peterson, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, doesn’t want you to forget the Coast Guard’s role.

The rest of the story.

In December 1941, the Tacoma resident was stationed on the Honolulu-based Coast Guard Cutter TANEY and he has a story that should never be overlooked.

As the movie Pearl Harbor prepares to hit the big screen, Peterson is available to give first-hand accounts, including video footage of the logbook he maintained while aboard the Coast Guard cutter.

The 327-foot Coast Guard Cutter TANEY was one of six Coast Guard vessels stationed in Honolulu and placed under command of the U.S. Navy by President Roosevelt.

After the first Japanese craft appeared over the island, TANEY’s crew went to general quarters and made preparations to get under way.

Part of attacks.

TANEY fired on the second wave of Japanese planes, scattering formations of enemy aircraft with her 3-inch guns and 50 caliber machine guns.

After the two waves of Japanese planes withdrew from Pearl Harbor, Coast Guard boats secured the port areas, blacked out all navigational aids and stationed guards along the waterfront.

TANEY is also credited with preventing the destruction of the Honolulu Power Plant by successfully fending off a five-plane glide-bombing run against the plant.

Key role.

The role of the Coast Guard during the battle, while not crucial to the outcome is worth repeating. The Coast Guard was the smallest military branch, but a major component in the war effort.