The USS Iowa (BB-61), the lead ship of the legendary Iowa-class battleships, has a storied history that continued long after its active service ended. Decommissioned three times during its lifespan, the Iowa transitioned from a wartime powerhouse to a museum ship that now serves as a monument to naval history and innovation.
Initial Decommissioning After World War II
After a distinguished role in World War II, including escorting convoys and bombarding Japanese positions, the Iowa was decommissioned for the first time in March 1949. As the U.S. Navy reduced its fleet size after the war, the ship was placed into the Navy Reserve Fleet, commonly referred to as the "mothball fleet." For the next few years, the Iowa remained inactive but maintained in readiness should the need for its services arise.
Reactivation for the Korean War
The Korean War broke out in 1950, prompting the U.S. Navy to reactivate several battleships. The USS Iowa was recommissioned in August 1951 and became the flagship of the Seventh Fleet. During this period, it provided powerful naval gunfire support, targeting enemy positions and aiding United Nations forces on the Korean Peninsula. After the conflict, the ship was once again decommissioned in February 1958 and returned to the Reserve Fleet.
Modernization and Cold War Service
In the early 1980s, under the Reagan administration's "600-ship Navy" initiative, the USS Iowa was recommissioned for the third time in April 1984. This modernization included upgrades to accommodate Tomahawk cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems, making it a formidable naval asset even in the age of modern warfare. The Iowa played a role in various operations, including showing the flag in Cold War hotspots and providing support during the Lebanese Civil War.
Tragedy struck on April 19, 1989, when an explosion occurred in one of the ship’s 16-inch gun turrets, killing 47 crew members. Despite the incident, the Iowa remained in service until October 1990, when it was decommissioned for the final time due to changing military priorities and the end of the Cold War.
Post-Decommissioning and Museum Conversion
Following its decommissioning, the USS Iowa was stored at the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet in California. It remained there for several years, occasionally considered for reactivation during times of potential conflict, but advances in naval technology rendered battleships less essential.
In 2012, the USS Iowa was transformed into a museum ship, thanks to the efforts of the Pacific Battleship Center. Moored at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California, the ship now serves as a floating museum and educational center. Visitors can explore its decks, learn about its history, and see exhibits showcasing its role in U.S. military history.