6 Facts Iowa Class Battleship

Introduction to the Iowa Class Battleships

The Iowa class battleships are a class of fast battleships built by the United States Navy in the 1940s. These battleships were designed to be highly versatile, serving as both gun platforms and fast escorts for aircraft carriers. In this article, we will explore six interesting facts about the Iowa class battleships, including their design, construction, and service history.

Design and Construction

The Iowa class battleships were designed in the late 1930s, with the lead ship, USS Iowa (BB-61), being laid down in June 1940. The class consisted of six ships: USS Iowa (BB-61), USS New Jersey (BB-62), USS Missouri (BB-63), USS Wisconsin (BB-64), USS Illinois (BB-65), and USS Kentucky (BB-66). However, only four of these ships were completed: USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, USS Missouri, and USS Wisconsin. The construction of these battleships was a massive undertaking, requiring thousands of workers and millions of dollars in funding.

Armament and Firepower

The Iowa class battleships were heavily armed, with a main battery of nine 16-inch (406mm) guns mounted in three triple turrets. These guns were capable of firing a variety of projectiles, including high-explosive shells, armor-piercing shells, and guided projectiles. In addition to their main battery, the Iowa class battleships were also equipped with a variety of secondary guns, including 20mm and 40mm anti-aircraft guns and 5-inch (127mm) dual-purpose guns.

Service History

The Iowa class battleships played a significant role in several major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. During World War II, the USS Iowa and USS New Jersey participated in several major battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The USS Missouri, which was commissioned in 1944, played a significant role in the final months of the war, serving as a flagship for the Allied fleet. The USS Wisconsin, which was commissioned in 1944, also saw action in the final months of the war, participating in several shore bombardment missions.

Speed and Maneuverability

The Iowa class battleships were designed to be fast and maneuverable, with a top speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h). This made them ideal for serving as fast escorts for aircraft carriers, as well as for participating in high-speed gunfire missions. The Iowa class battleships were also highly maneuverable, with a tight turning radius and a highly effective rudder system.

Crew and Accommodations

The Iowa class battleships had a crew of over 1,500 officers and enlisted men. The ships were equipped with a variety of amenities, including mess halls, gyms, and recreation rooms. The officers’ quarters were also highly luxurious, with private staterooms and ensuite bathrooms.

Preservation and Legacy

Today, several of the Iowa class battleships have been preserved as museums and memorials. The USS Iowa is currently on display at the Port of Los Angeles, while the USS New Jersey is on display at the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey. The USS Missouri is on display at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and serves as a popular tourist attraction. The USS Wisconsin is on display at the Nauticus National Maritime Center in Norfolk, Virginia.

Ship Name	Commissioned	Decommissioned
USS Iowa (BB-61)	1943	1990
USS New Jersey (BB-62)	1943	1991
USS Missouri (BB-63)	1944	1992
USS Wisconsin (BB-64)	1944	1991

💡 Note: The USS Illinois and USS Kentucky were canceled before completion, and their hulls were scrapped in the 1950s.

In summary, the Iowa class battleships were a class of highly advanced and highly versatile warships that played a significant role in several major conflicts. Their design, construction, and service history are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the US Navy’s shipbuilders and sailors. The preservation of these ships as museums and memorials serves as a reminder of the importance of these vessels in American history.