As "Aylwin" lay moored in a nest with her squadron mates on the morning of 7 December 1941, one small boiler was in operation to provide enough power for auxiliary services on board. Approximately half of her men were enjoying leave and liberty that weekend. At 07:55 that Sunday morning, shortly before morning colors, the sound of airplane engines surprised "Aylwin'"s men and countless other sailors. At that time, Japanese planes torpedoed the target ship moored to a quay off Ford Island.