How long did the main Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor last?

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The main Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor lasted about two hours. The first wave began shortly before 8 a.m. on December 7, 1941, and the second wave ended before 10 a.m.

Japanese aircraft attacked ships, airfields, and military installations across Oahu in two organized waves. The first wave focused heavily on battleships and airfields, while the second wave struck additional ships and facilities and faced stronger American resistance.

The two-hour figure describes the principal air assault, not every military event connected with the operation. Japanese submarines and midget submarines were also positioned around Hawaii, and isolated actions continued after the aircraft had departed.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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