Few naval vessels have left as indelible a mark on history as the Iowa-class battleships. Comprising the USS Iowa (BB-61), USS New Jersey (BB-62), USS Missouri (BB-63), and USS Wisconsin (BB-64), these steel leviathans were the epitome of American naval power during World War II and beyond. Sleek, deadly, and technologically advanced for their time, they combined firepower, speed, and armor in a way that few battleships could rival.
The USS Iowa (BB-61), commissioned in 1943, set the standard. She served in multiple theaters of World War II, demonstrating unmatched firepower with her 16-inch/50 caliber guns, capable of launching shells over 20 miles with devastating accuracy. USS New Jersey (BB-62) earned the nickname “Big J” through decades of combat, from World War II to the Korean War and Vietnam, her deck a testament to continuous upgrades and operational excellence.
USS Missouri (BB-63), famously known as the site of Japan’s formal surrender in 1945, became a living symbol of both military might and diplomacy. The “Mighty Mo” combined sheer destructive power with a storied legacy that continues to captivate historians and enthusiasts alike. Meanwhile, USS Wisconsin (BB-64) rounded out the class, serving with distinction from the Pacific campaigns of World War II to the Gulf War, proving the Iowa-class design’s unmatched versatility and longevity.
These battleships were more than just weapons; they were floating fortresses, embodiments of industrial might and strategic ingenuity. Capable of speeds over 30 knots, bristling with anti-aircraft guns, and protected by armor up to 19 inches thick, they could dominate any naval engagement while projecting American power across the oceans.
Today, three of these four titans—USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, and USS Missouri—stand preserved as museums, allowing visitors to walk their decks, imagine the roar of their guns, and pay tribute to a bygone era of naval supremacy. USS Wisconsin remains a reminder of engineering brilliance and military heritage, ensuring the legacy of the Iowa-class lives on for future generations of naval enthusiasts.
For anyone fascinated by naval history, steel, and strategy, the Iowa-class battleships represent the perfect blend of raw power, tactical genius, and timeless elegance.