The bombing of Pearl Harbor was carried out by the Empire of Japan. On the morning of December 7, 1941, a surprise military strike was launched by the Japanese Imperial Navy against the United States Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack involved 353 Japanese aircraft, including fighters, level and dive bombers, and torpedo bombers, launched from six aircraft carriers. The assault began at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian time and was aimed at crippling the US naval power in the Pacific
. The attack resulted in significant damage to the US battleships and other vessels, the destruction of more than 180 aircraft, and the loss of 2,403 American lives. Japan lost 29 aircraft, five midget submarines, and 130 men during the operation. This surprise attack led the United States to declare war on Japan the following day, marking its entry into World War II
