[Homer_J_Simpson]

However, the photo shows no real evidence of any AA so, the maneuver you describe may have been the case.

I don't see any sign of hits on battleship row in the photo so it must be very early in the attack. The AA crews haven't yet figured out what is happening.

[fso301]

I don't see any sign of hits on battleship row in the photo so it must be very early in the attack. The AA crews haven't yet figured out what is happening.

It appears that one torpedo detonated and it's shock waves are radiating 400-600 yards out. The california extreme center-right appears to have taken a hit or near miss by something. Smoke is beginning to billow from the Helena center-distant. As you say, the photo appears to have been taken in the first minutes of the attack on battleship row.