USS Iowa BB-61

The USS Iowa was the lead ship of the Iowa class of battleships. Commissioned on February 22, 1943, she served in both World War II and the Korean War. She earned nine battle stars during WWII and two during the Korean War.

The USS Iowa during World War II

The USS Iowa was the flagship of Battleship Division 7. She departed for the Pacific on January 2, 1944, and from January 29 to February 3 provided support for air strikes made against Eniwetok and Kwajalein Atolls. Her next assignment was supporting air strikes made against the Truk Japanese naval air base in the Caroline Islands. Along with several other ships, she participated in anti-shipping sweeps around Truk. Later in February, she participated in the first strikes in the Mariana Islands.

In April, the Iowa provided support for air raids on Hollandia, as well as the Wakde and Aitape Islands. She then joined a second strike on Truk on April 29 and 30, followed by bombing of Japanese facilities at Ponape on May 1. In June and July, the USS Iowa spent most of her time in and around the Marianas, protecting aircraft carriers during air strikes on the Saipan, Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Pagan Islands on June 12, bombarding enemy installations on June 13 and 14, and engaging in the Battle of the Philippine Sea on June 19. In the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Iowa helped repel four Japanese Middle Fleet air raids, almost completely destroying Japan's supply of carrier-based aircraft. Throughout July, the Iowa remained in the area of the Marianas, providing support for air strikes and landings on Guam.

After a month of rest and restocking, the USS Iowa was back in action as part of the Third Fleet, providing support for the Peleliu landings on September 17. She was then engaged in protecting carriers during air strikes in the Philippines in preparation for invasion. On October 10, the Iowa arrived at Okinawa for air strikes against Formosa and the Ryukyu Islands, and between October 18 and 20 supported air strikes against Luzon.

Meanwhile, in Leyte Gulf, the Japanese had made a last-ditch effort to prevent the U.S. recapturing the Philippines, by attempting to destroy America's amphibious Leyte Gulf forces. In response, the USS Iowa made its way toward San Bernardino Strait, eventually forcing the Japanese Central Force to retreat. After the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Iowa remained in Philippines waters during strikes against Formosa and Luzon before sailing to San Francisco for an overhaul in December.

After the overhaul, the USS Iowa left the West Coast on March 19, 1945, making for Okinawa and arriving on April 15. From April 24, she began supporting carrier operations during the struggle to gain control of Okinawa. From late May to early June, she was off the coast of Kyushi, after which she aided in strikes on the Japanese homeland in July. Until the cessation of hostilities on August 15, the Iowa continued to proved air strike support in several locations. On August 29, she entered Tokyo Bay along with occupation forces, finally departing for America on September 20.

After the War

After WWII, the USS Iowa was mainly involved in sea training, drills, and maneuvers, until she was decommissioned on March 24, 1949. However, she was recommissioned and back in service on August 25, 1951, and served in the Korean War. She operated off the West Coast until March 1952, and was then involved in combat operations around Songjin, Hungnam, and Kojo until October. After the cease-fire the Iowa again participated in training cruises and operations exercises, until she was decommissioned again on February 24, 1958.

After almost a quarter of a century spent inactive, the USS Iowa was modernized and then recommissioned on April 28, 1984. Until 1989 she made several voyages in European waters, and participated in Operation Earnest Will, in which Kuwaiti gas and oil tankers were escorted from the Persian Gulf.

On April 19, 1989, an explosion rocked the USS Iowa, killing 47 crewmen. The origin of the explosion was never determined, but is believed to have been related to the static electricity-caused ignition of loose powder.

The USS Iowa was decommissioned for the last time on October 26, 1990. For several years, plans have been underway to berth the vessel in San Francisco and convert her into a museum; however these plans have not yet been realized.

Navy ships such as the USS Iowa often contained a large amount of asbestos, particularly in insulation and fire-proofing materials. Many men who served aboard Navy ships in the twentieth century have developed serious diseases as a result of asbestos exposure. If you were exposed to asbestos while serving on the USS Iowa BB-61, or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Asbestos.com offers a free packet with more information. Enter your contact information in the form in the right column and we'll send a copy immediately.

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