The USS Iowa (BB-61), nicknamed the “Big Stick,” cut through oceans as one of America’s fiercest battleships, earning 11 battle stars across World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. A symbol of raw power and resilience, she now rests in retirement, a historic museum ship preserving decades of military might and sacrifice.
Yet, the USS Iowa’s story is far from over. As historians and Iowans rally to restore this steel giant, her legacy is poised to inspire new generations.
Here’s a look at 19 turning points that transformed this legendary battleship into a living monument of American history.
1. The Big Plan Begins (Ordered on 1 July 1939)
The idea for the USS Iowa started back in July 1939. As war tensions were growing worldwide, the U.S. Navy knew they’d need a powerful ship.
So, they put in the order for the Iowa, a battleship that would soon be known for its strength and advanced design. This was a big step towards building a mighty force on the water.
2. From Blueprint to Build (Construction Began 27 June 1940)
A year after the order, construction of the USS Iowa officially began. This wasn’t just any build—it was a huge project.
Shipbuilders carefully worked on the plans, creating the body, deck, and massive guns that would make the Iowa a true powerhouse. Every detail mattered, and everyone knew they were creating something historic.
3. The First Glimpse (Launched on 27 August 1942)
After more than two years of hard work, the USS Iowa was finally ready to be launched. This was the first time she touched water, and it was a big moment!
The launch on 27 August 1942 was filled with excitement as this huge battleship started her journey on the waves. Now, she was closer to becoming a full member of the U.S. Navy.
4. Officially on Duty (Commissioned on 22 February 1943)
In early 1943, the USS Iowa was officially commissioned, meaning she was ready to join the Navy’s fleet and start her duty. This was the moment she went from a construction project to a fully active battleship.
Her crew came on board, and everyone prepared for her upcoming missions. The Iowa was ready to make a difference.
5. Test Cruise in Chesapeake Bay
Before heading into action, the Iowa took a “shakedown” cruise in Chesapeake Bay. This test cruise helped the crew get familiar with the ship and make sure everything was running smoothly.
Afterward, she moved to Naval Station Argentia in Newfoundland. Why? Just in case the German battleship Tirpitz decided to enter the Atlantic, the Iowa was prepared and standing by to defend.
6. Joined the Pacific Fleet (1944)
In 1944, the USS Iowa joined the Pacific Fleet, heading into the heart of World War II. Her first combat mission took place in February, during the Marshall Islands campaign.
The Iowa’s powerful guns and skilled crew made a huge impact in this campaign, marking her as a force to be reckoned with in the Pacific Theater.
7. Escorted U.S. Carriers in the Marianas Campaign
During the Marianas campaign, the USS Iowa took on a critical support role by escorting U.S. aircraft carriers. These carriers launched air raids on enemy targets, and the Iowa was there to defend them from potential threats.
This role was essential since the aircraft carriers had limited ways to protect themselves from attacks. By keeping watch and being ready for action, the Iowa helped ensure these raids could continue safely and effectively.
8. Participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf (1944)
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was one of the biggest and most intense naval battles of World War II, and the Iowa played a role in it. The battle took place in the Philippines and was crucial in weakening the Japanese Navy.
With her powerful guns and strong defense, the Iowa contributed to the Allied forces’ efforts to push back. This battle showed just how powerful and necessary ships like the Iowa were in securing victories during wartime.
9. Bombarded Enemy Targets in North Korea (1950s)
Years after World War II, the Iowa was called back into action during the Korean War. She sailed to Korea, where she was tasked with bombarding enemy positions in Songjin, Hŭngnam, and Kojo, North Korea.
This mission involved firing at targets onshore to support ground forces and disrupt enemy supplies and movement. Her strength in these bombarding missions made a big difference, showing that the Iowa was just as effective as ever.
10. Returned to the U.S. & Decommissioned in 1958
After her time in the Korean War, the Iowa returned to the United States for operations and training exercises. By this time, she had been through years of active service and had seen action in two major wars.
In February 1958, the Navy decided to decommission her, meaning she was retired from active duty. Although she was no longer part of the active fleet, her legacy was far from over.
11. Back in Action (Reactivated in the Early 1980s)
In the early 1980s, the USS Iowa was brought back into service. The Navy had plans to strengthen its fleet, and the Iowa was still a powerful and useful ship.
After upgrades and new equipment, she joined the Atlantic Fleet, operating mainly in North American and European waters.
She took part in joint military exercises with European ships, showing her presence and power to allied forces and anyone watching. Once again, the Iowa was ready for action.
12. A Tragic Day (Explosion in No. 2 Turret on 19 April 1989)
On 19 April 1989, a devastating accident occurred aboard the USS Iowa. An explosion happened inside the ship’s No. 2 turret—a large gun tower on the deck—killing 47 sailors.
The blast was powerful and left a deep impact on the entire crew and the Navy as a whole. This tragic event was a painful reminder of the dangers that come with serving on powerful ships like the Iowa.
The explosion and loss of life shook the nation, and people across the country mourned the sailors who were lost.
13. Decommissioned Permanently (1990)
After the tragedy, the Navy eventually decided to retire the USS Iowa from active duty. In 1990, she was decommissioned permanently, meaning she was officially retired and no longer part of the active fleet.
The Iowa was moved to what’s called the “mothball fleet”—a storage group where retired ships are kept in case they might be needed again someday. Although her active days were over, this wasn’t the end of the Iowa’s story.
14. Removed from the Naval Vessel Register (17 March 2006)
After several years in storage, the USS Iowa was removed from the Naval Vessel Register on 17 March 2006. This list includes all the Navy’s active and reserve ships.
By removing the Iowa from this register, the Navy officially acknowledged that she would no longer return to service. It was a formal farewell, marking her transition from a working battleship to a historic vessel that represented a proud legacy.
15. Anchored in Suisun Bay (Part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet Until 2011)
From 2006 to 2011, the Iowa remained anchored in Suisun Bay, California, as part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet. This fleet serves as a “reserve” of retired ships, stored in case of a future emergency.
The Iowa rested here for several years, awaiting her next chapter. Finally, in October 2011, she was removed from Suisun Bay, ready to be transformed into a museum ship where her story could be shared with the public.
16. Towed to Richmond, California, for Renovation (October 2011)
In October 2011, the USS Iowa was towed to Richmond, California, to be renovated as a museum ship. After decades of service and years in storage, she needed a lot of work to look her best and be safe for visitors.
Crews put in long hours restoring her, fixing up everything from the decks to the details on board. This renovation would allow the public to visit the ship and learn about her incredible history.
17. Finding Her New Home in San Pedro, Los Angeles Harbor (May 2012)
Once renovation work in Richmond was complete, the USS Iowa was towed to her new home in San Pedro, Los Angeles Harbor. On 26 May 2012, she arrived in the port where she would take on a new role as a museum.
This was an exciting move, as it meant the ship would now be open to visitors, sharing her story in a vibrant and accessible location. San Pedro, with its rich maritime history, was the perfect spot for the Iowa to settle and welcome curious visitors.
18. Opened to the Public (July 2012)
On 7 July 2012, the USS Iowa officially opened to the public as a museum ship. For the first time, people could step aboard and walk the same decks where sailors once served.
Visitors could explore different parts of the ship, learn about her roles in major wars, and get a close-up look at the powerful turrets and equipment. This public opening turned the Iowa into not only a historical site but also a place for learning and honoring those who served on her.
19. Restoration Continues (2024)
In 2024, major repairs on the USS Iowa’s deck began. Years of exposure to weather and saltwater have taken a toll, so the repairs aim to keep her sturdy and safe.
While there were plans of moving the ship to a different spot in the Port of Los Angeles, the high costs put those plans on hold. For now, the Iowa will remain in her current location, where she can still be maintained for future generations. (ref)
These ongoing efforts are all about preserving the USS Iowa’s legacy and ensuring she continues to be a place where people can come to learn and remember.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
