The surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy at Pearl Harbor aimed to incapacitate the United States Pacific Fleet. Early on a Sunday morning, Japanese forces launched their assault in two waves, targeting naval vessels, aircraft, and military installations. This operation was meticulously planned, with more than 350 aircraft deployed, including fighters, bombers, and torpedo planes. The battleships USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma suffered catastrophic losses, and numerous aircraft were destroyed on the ground, significantly crippling U.S. defenses in the Pacific. The assault resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans and the wounding of nearly 1,200 others.The motivations behind this surprise attack stemmed from Japan's strategic objectives in the Pacific. With tensions rising in the Asia-Pacific region, Japan sought to enhance its territorial expansion and secure vital resources, fearing American opposition to their plans in Southeast Asia. The attack on Pearl Harbor was intended to deliver a decisive blow to U.S. naval power, buying Japan time to consolidate its gains. However, the attack also galvanized American public opinion against Japan. Following the assault, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a speech to Congress, leading to a declaration of war against Japan and drawing the United States fully into World War II, significantly altering the course of the conflict.