California's watertight integrity was very poor due to her preparations for a material inspection. At 10:02 the ship was abandoned and she slowly settled into the mud with only her superstructure showing. Re-floated on 25 March 1942 and dry-docked at Pearl Harbor for repairs, she departed for Puget Sound Navy Yard on 7 June 1942. With major reconstruction completed by 31 January 1944, she sailed to participate in the Marianas' operation. California received seven battle stars in World War II.

US Navy1941-12-07