Lately I’ve been fascinated with WWII history. Well, yesterday, WWII history came to North Little Rock Arkansas in the form of a small tugboat that was right in the middle of the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Not only was the Hoga there but she was actively involved: fighting fires, firing at Japanese Zeros bombing and strafing plus towing wounded American ships to shallow water to avoid sinking.
The Navy Hoga now joins the USS Razorback Submarine as part of the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum on the banks of the Arkansas River in North Little Rock.
Of note is the fact that the Razorback was in Tokyo Bay for the surrender signing … the Hoga was in Pearl Harbor the day the war began. BOOKENDS TO WWII.
Hoga in North Little Rock
Hoga under the Bridges
Hoga near downtown
Hoga on Arkansas River
Mayor Hays and John Gill
Credit for bringing the Hoga to Arkansas goes to a host of folks that worked for over 10 years, but I must make mention of my good friend, former Mayor Pat Hays who had the vision for the Maritime Museum and worked tirelessly to bring the Razorback and the Hoga to Arkansas. Many refer to him as “Admiral”. THANK YOU ADMIRAL!!
Commissioners Dailey and Gill
I also wish to acknowledge my friend and fellow Commissioner of the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Commission, John Gill. In the closing days of the trip to North Little Rock … Commissioner Gill literally took on the role of “Maritime Lawyer” averting a potential loss of the Hoga over Maritime Law. THANK YOU JOHN!!
Finally, I want to thank Kelley in our office at Flake & Kelley, for several of the pictures from the 35th floor of our building in downtown Little Rock. From that vantage point we saw the little tug arrive. Then, of course I had to go across the river and set foot on this incredible piece of history. WE ALL WELCOME THE HOGA !!!
PS: It is truly worth the time to visit the Inland Museum. Well Done North Little Rock.
Jim Dailey 