Korean War, the United States brought its retired Iowa-class battleships—the USS Iowa (BB-61), USS New Jersey (BB-62), USS Missouri (BB-63), and USS Wisconsin (BB-64)—out of reserve to support U.N. forces during the conflict. These battleships, which had been decommissioned after World War II, were reactivated due to their heavy firepower, long-range gun capabilities, and the need for naval gunfire support during the Korean War.
1. The Need for Battleship Firepower in the Korean War
When the Korean War broke out in 1950, the U.N. forces, primarily led by the U.S., faced significant challenges against North Korean and later Chinese forces. While aircraft carriers were vital for air superiority, battleships were reintroduced to provide fire support for ground troops. The battleships' large-caliber guns, particularly the 16-inch (406 mm) guns on the Iowa-class, had the range and firepower needed to deliver precise, long-range bombardments on enemy positions along the Korean coastline.
2. Reactivation and Service
The Iowa-class battleships were some of the most advanced and heavily armed warships of their time. After their World War II service, they had been placed in reserve. However, due to the demands of the Korean War, the U.S. Navy decided to reactivate the battleships for the purpose of providing naval gunfire support for ground operations.
USS Iowa (BB-61): Commissioned again in 1951, the USS Iowa saw extensive service during the Korean War. It participated in several bombardments, targeting key North Korean military positions, supply lines, and infrastructure.
USS New Jersey (BB-62): The New Jersey was reactivated in 1950 and deployed to Korea. It provided vital fire support for U.N. forces, often firing thousands of rounds during its deployments. The ship's bombardments were particularly important in support of ground troops during the intense fighting.
USS Missouri (BB-63): The Missouri, famous for being the site of the Japanese surrender in World War II, was reactivated in 1950 and served in the Korean War as well. The battleship conducted bombardments to assist ground troops, and it was present at key naval engagements, including the Battle of Inchon.
USS Wisconsin (BB-64): The Wisconsin was another Iowa-class battleship brought out of reserve for service in the Korean War. Like the other ships, it provided invaluable fire support, assisting in the bombing of strategic targets and supporting troop movements.
3. The Role of Battleships in Korean War Operations
During the Korean War, the Iowa-class battleships were used primarily for naval gunfire support, a role they performed exceptionally well due to their long-range artillery. The battleships' 16-inch guns could hit targets miles inland, making them ideal for attacking enemy positions such as supply depots, command posts, and artillery positions along the coast. This support was critical in helping U.N. forces to maintain momentum in key battles, such as the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Pusan Perimeter.
However, the advent of jet aircraft and missile technology in the 1950s marked a shift in naval tactics, and by the end of the Korean War, the importance of battleships began to diminish. Nevertheless, their contributions during the conflict were significant, and the Iowa-class battleships remained a symbol of U.S. naval power.