The thought of reactivating the legendary Iowa-class battleships sparks both excitement and skepticism. These massive warships, symbols of raw firepower and naval dominance, captivate military history fans with the possibility of a comeback.
But is bringing these icons back into service realistic, or just wishful thinking?Here’s a look at the challenges and debates surrounding a potential return of these storied giants to the modern Navy.
The U.S. Navy’s Return to Iowa-Class Battleships
The U.S. Navy has reactivated two legendary Iowa-class battleships: the USS Iowa (BB-61) and the USS Wisconsin (BB-64). These iconic vessels were officially added back to the Naval Vessel Register on December 30, 1997.
This decision followed strong advocacy from supporters and a critical vote by the Senate Armed Services Committee on June 29, 1995. The Iowa-class battleships are notable for their impressive firepower, equipped with massive guns that can fire shells over 27 miles.
However, their capabilities have become somewhat outdated compared to current naval strategies. Today’s naval combat emphasizes over-the-horizon attacks, using advanced aircraft such as MV-22 Ospreys and helicopters that can operate from more than 25 miles away.
A Historical Perspective on Battleship Reactivation
Reactivating these battleships is not a new initiative for the U.S. Navy. In the 1980s, during the height of the Cold War, the four Iowa-class battleships were brought back into service as part of President Reagan’s strategy to build a 600-ship Navy.
This plan was a response to the Soviet Union’s military buildup.
Originally decommissioned shortly after World War II, these battleships were seen as outdated due to the rise of the aircraft carrier, which shifted naval warfare away from battleships.
However, the decision to reactivate them in the 1980s involved modernization efforts aimed at making them more relevant in contemporary naval combat.
These updates included enhancements to their weaponry, electronics, and combat systems, allowing them to serve alongside more modern vessels in the fleet.
The reactivation of the Iowa-class battleships during this period reflected the Navy’s attempt to leverage existing resources while addressing the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Despite their storied past, these battleships required radical changes to adapt to the new realities of naval warfare, including the integration of advanced technologies that had emerged since their original service.
Innovations in Artillery Technology
Emerging alternatives to the traditional battleship artillery are already being developed. For instance, the USS Winston Churchill (DDG-81), a modern guided missile destroyer, is set to incorporate a 5-inch/62-caliber gun that can engage targets at distances of up to 63 nautical miles.
As the Navy deals with modern warfare challenges, it must balance the historical importance of these battleships with the changing needs of its fleet.
Modernizing Naval Warfare
In 2008, advancements in naval weaponry, such as the vertical gun for advanced ships (GAS), were anticipated to extend the range and effectiveness of naval firepower.
In addition, missile systems like the Army Tactical Missile System and various Tomahawk variants provided cruisers and destroyers with greater range and flexibility in payload options.
Despite these advancements, the plans to reactivate Iowa-class battleships faced huge hurdles, especially from a financial standpoint. The estimated cost of reactivating these massive ships is about $1.66 billion, a price tag that is more than the cost of a new Aegis destroyer, which comes equipped with 90 missiles (ref).
U.S. Navy Will Not Send the Iowa-Class Battleships to Sea Again
The prospect of the Iowa-class battleships returning to active service excites military history fans, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon.
Currently, these battleships are preserved as museums, and some believe they should have stayed that way during the Reagan era. However, restoring and modernizing them could still be a good idea.
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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.
