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NavSource Online: Battleship Photo Archive


Patches contributed by Robert M. Cieri

BB-61 USS IOWA

Radio Call Sign: November - Echo - Papa - Mike


Iowa Class Battleship: Displacement 45,000 Tons, Dimensions, 887' 3" (oa) x 108' 2" x 37' 9" (Max)Armament 9 x 16"/50 20 x 5"/38AA, 80 x 40mm 49 x 20mm, 3 AC. Armor, 12 1/8" Belt, 17" Turrets, 1 1/2" +6" +5/8" Decks, 17 1/4" Conning Tower. Machinery, 212,000 SHP; G.E. Geared Turbines, 4 screws. Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 1921.

Operational and Building Data: Laid down by New York Naval Ship Yard, 27 June 1940. Launched 27 August 1942. Commissioned 22 February 1943. Decommissioned 24 March 1949. Recommissioned 25 August 1951. Decommissioned 2 February 1958. Recommissioned 28 April 1984. Decommissioned 26 October 1990. Stricken for disposal 12 January 1995 but retained as a parts source. Reinstated on the Naval Vessels Register and returned to reserve status 4 January 1999.
Fate: Preserved as Memorial at 250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731
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June 1940 - February 1943 / Construction & Commissioning
BB-61 Iowa29k Iowa's (BB-61) crest.USN photo.
BB-61 Iowa70kThe Iowa class (BB-61 / 66) design model shows the kinship between this class and the South Dakotas. Note the hull slot, which was fared over when the ships were built.
The model also shows the usual prewar compliment of 12-foot navigational range finders (including one atop No.3 turret) and range clocks (the forward one is just visible under the platform atop the forward fire control tower).
Note, too, the usual pair of boat cranes. They were never fitted, and the planned boat stowage was replaced by three quadruple 40mm mounts on each side, on high platforms.
When the New Jersey (BB-62) was being refitted in 1982, workmen found the original boat skids under these platforms.
The object atop the conning towers is a spotting glass, which actually was installed aboard the South Dakotas but not aboard these ships.
Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-61 Iowa55kThe Iowa class (BB-61 / 66) inboard profile. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-61 Iowa100k Keel laying ceremony for the Iowa (BB-61), as seen on 27 June 1940 at the New York Navy Yard. Shipyard Superintendents, foremen and chargemen who will lead the yard workers on the project look on as Rear Admiral C. H. Woodward, Chief of the Bureau of Construction and Repair Bu C & R) drives the first rivet.U. S. Navy photo & partial text from the book "IOWA CLASS BATTLESHIPS-Their Design, Weapons and Equipment" by Robert F. Sumrall & Tom Walkowiak, submitted by Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa152kIn this photograph of the Iowa (BB-61), taken 30 September 1940, construction of the double and triple bottoms is clearly shown. The tunnel stern begins to take shape aft as the half siding for the keel rises on the plating supports. Note the prefabricated sections of the double and triple bottoms stacked aft ready to be dropped into place. U. S. Navy photo & partial text from the book "IOWA CLASS BATTLESHIPS-Their Design, Weapons and Equipment" by Robert F. Sumrall & Tom Walkowiak, submitted by Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa1.54kIowa (BB-61) under construction at the New York Navy Yard looking forward from Frame 106 on 30 September 1940.National Archives Identifier: 5957434
Local Identifier: 19-LC-21-C-BS49181
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov, courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa567kIowa (BB-61) under construction at the New York Navy Yard Looking Aft From About Frame 101 on 30 September 1940.National Archives Identifier: 5957436
Local Identifier: 19-LC-21-C-BS49182
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-61 Iowa1.38kIowa (BB-61) under construction at the New York Navy Yard looking forward from Bulkhead lll on 30 December 1940.Source: United States National Archives, Photo No. 19-LC-BS49188, courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa1.52kIowa (BB-61) under construction at the New York Navy Yard looking aft from midship on 27 June 1941. Source: United States National Archives, Photo No. Unknown, courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa186kIn this photograph of the Iowa (BB-61), taken in July, 1941, the various tanks of the torpedo defense system are clearly visible.
This view is looking forward from No. 2 boiler room. Note the foundation bulkhead, or stool, for Turret No. 2.
Armor installation has just begun and the first plates for the lower belt can be seen on either side of boilers No. 3 and 4. They can be distinguished from the other plates with scalloped butt straps by the keelway at the top of the plate. This lower armor belt formed Torpedo Bulkhead No. 3.
U. S. Navy photo & partial text from the book "IOWA CLASS BATTLESHIPS-Their Design, Weapons and Equipment" by Robert F. Sumrall & Tom Walkowiak, submitted by Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa1.83kIowa (BB-61) under construction at the New York Navy Yard on 3 October 1941. Source: United States National Archives, Photo No. 19-LC-BS49191, courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa1.85kIowa (BB-61) under construction at the New York Navy Yard looking forward from midship on 3 October 1941. Source: United States National Archives, Photo No. 19-LC-BS49189, courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa2.05kIowa (BB-61) under construction at the New York Navy Yard looking forward from about midship on 3 July 1942.Source: United States National Archives, Photo No. 19-LC-BS49186, courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa739kMask & poppet struts, port side, 26 August 1942.USN photo # F1111C211 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa789kMask, port side looking forward, 26 August 1942.USN photo # F1111C209 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa695kMask & upper struts, starboard side, 26 August 1942.USN photo # F1111C204 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa3.40kFront cover of the 6 page PDF launching program of the Iowa (BB-61) at the New York Navy Yard, 27 August 1942. PDF courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-61 Iowa871kBeing prepared for launching, at the New York Navy Yard, NY, 27 August 1942. Note: heavy chains used to brake the ship after she had entered the water; and men lounging at lower right, near a Navy Department safety poster, listening to a Marine Corps band.Text courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-K-13507.
Official USN photo [in color] Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-K-13507, now in the collections of the National Archives.
USN photo # 80-G-1190 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa357kMrs. Henry A. Wallace, wife of the Vice President, holds the christening bottle and her daughter, Miss Jean Wallace (her maid of honor) hold her bouquet at the launching stand at New York Naval Yard on 27 August 1942. Photo courtesy of Dick & Mary Bentz.
BB-61 Iowa726kMrs. Henry A. Wallace christens the Iowa (BB-61).USN photo # 80G-11396 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa461kMrs. Wallace and Miss Wallace; the woman on the left is more than likely Mrs. James D. LaCron. Photo courtesy of Dick & Mary Bentz.
BB-61
016163a
494k Catch me if you can! The Iowa (BB-61) on her way to the waters.Photo courtesy of Dale Hargrave.
BB-61 Iowa339kIowa (BB-61) is launched at New York Naval Yard on 27 August 1942. Sponsored by Mrs. Henry A. Wallace, wife of the Vice President. Her sleek lines and raked bow foretells her high speed. Photo courtesy of Dick & Mary Bentz.
BB-61 Iowa439kPast the ways following her launching, and waiting for the tugs to move her to dock, 27 August 1942.USN photo # 80G-11372 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
Iowa 769kIowa (BB-61) being moved into dock after getting the 1st of her 16"/50 Mark VII loaded into her lower forward turret.USN photo , via National Archives, #80-G-13556, courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa112kHoisting one of the ship's nine 16"/50 Mark VII main battery guns on board, while she was fitting out, at the New York Navy Yard, circa Autumn 1942. Another gun is still on the pier, at the bottom of the photo. Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-K-513, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-61
016147
1.43k Installation of Guns on the Iowa (BB-61), October 1942. National Archives Identifier: 178141272
Local Identifier: 80-GK-518
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov, via Daniel Hacker.
BB-61 Iowa92kA welder at work on one of the turrets of the Iowa (BB-61), while she was fitting out at the New York Navy Yard, circa Fall 1942. USN / USNI photo.
BB-61 Iowa112kWorkmen installing the battleship's forward 16"/50 gun turrets, while she was fitting out at the New York Navy Yard, circa Autumn 1942. View looks aft and to port, with the number two turret in the center of the view and the forward fire control tower at left. Note "Moto Crane" in lower left. Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-K-515, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-61 Iowa485kSeries of photos showing the Iowa (BB-61) as she leaves the New York Navy Yard for completion at the specially built Naval Supply Base, Bayonne, New Jersey, 20 October 1942. Operations are communicated from the main winch to all points around the drydock. USN photo # 80-G-13563 released by Public Relations, Third Naval District. Official USN photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-61 Iowa375k Unfinished 16" guns. USN photo # 80-G-13574 released by Public Relations, Third Naval District. Official USN photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-61 Iowa485kTaking up the slack as the ship is pulled into dry dock. USN photo # 80-G-13567 released by Public Relations, Third Naval District. Official USN photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-61 Iowa513kEarly morning, leaving the New York Navy Yard. USN photo # 80-G-13569 released by Public Relations, Third Naval District. Official USN photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-61 Iowa390kIowa (BB-61) in the fitting out stage, 15 January 1943. National Archives Identifier:5957443
Local Identifier: 19-LC-21-C-BS49197
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
USN photo F1111C275, courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa699kIowa (BB-61) fitting out at the New York Navy Yard on 15 January 1943. Source: United States National Archives, Photo No. 19-LC-BS49193 via Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa594kIowa (BB-61) under construction at the New York Navy Yard Looking Aft From About Frame 120, 15 January 1943. National Archives Identifier: 5957442
Local Identifier: 19-LC-21-C-BS49194
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-61 Iowa513k The type of view a kamikaze pilot could expect without the gun bursts.
Iowa (BB-61) shortly before commissioning. She is still without her Secondary Battery Director Fire Control radars (MK.4) and her SG surface search radar atop the main mast.
Also some of her Mk.2, quadruple 40mm mounts still have to be fitted. Note the antenna trunks on the Flag Bridge level in front of her aft stack.
Atop Spot 2 radar equipment Mk.8 with "Old Glory" above it.
On that same level, between the stack and spot 2, a left - and right hand and loading machine.
P/S of her stack two 36-Inch searchlights.
The covered objects in the tubs are Mk.51 directors & Director Mk.51 Mod.2 with Gun Sight Mk.14 Mod.2.
If you look at the 5" turrets, you will notice that the sight housings are two on the left side and one on the right. The turrets actually have two on the right, and one on the left. The small round tube sticking up in front of the captains hatch, a periscope, should be to the left of centerline.
USN photo # 80G-K-826 & text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
Text i.d. courtesy of Rob McCune.
5-Inch loading machines photo was taken aboard North Carolina (BB-55) in the late 1980's by Lt.Cdr.C.E.Knight, USN (Retired).
BB-61 Iowa121kCommissioning ceremonies on the ship's after deck, at the New York Navy Yard, NY, 22 February 1943. Note: Mark 38 main battery director with Mark 8 fire control radar on top, 16"/50 triple gun turret, freshly raised National Ensign, and incomplete condition of some features of the ship's after superstructure.Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-K-825, now in the collections of the National Archives.
March - December 1943 / Shakedown Cruise & Getting Ready for War
BB-61 Iowa76kThe 20mm gun crew in action on the forecastle of the Iowa (BB-61), probably during her shakedown period in the late winter and spring of 1943. Note the gunner using Mark 14 lead-computing gun sight mounted on the 20mm gun at right.Official USN photo # 80-G-K-116469, from the collections of the National Archives.
Shakedown period youtube via Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-61 Iowa463kNewly completed, the Iowa (BB-61) is inclined at the dry dock on 28 March 1943 at what was then known as the Bayonne Navy Yard in New Jersey opposite New York. It eventually became the Army's Military Ocean Terminal and is now a locally owned maritime complex. If you look into the harbor just over Iowa's #3 16" turret you can see a Staten Island Ferry underway.
Her three conning tower levels, the lowest for the fleet commander, are visible. As in other U.S. battleships of this period, the upper level was a fire control station, with periscopes and radars protruding from it. The large platform above was the primary conn.
By this time it was clear that the constricted walk way around the conning tower would not suffice. Moreover, an open bridge was useful (even essential) in air action.
The mast structure accommodated a small chart room, which supplemented the chart house at the navigating bridge level further down.
Surface lookouts occupied the next level, with its slits. The upper platform was the forward air defense station, with a 24-inch searchlight at its after side. It carried two sky lookout positions and two target designators.
Text i.d courtesy of Arthur Cappabianca.
USN photo # F1111C341, courtesy of David Buell.
Text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-61 Iowa2.55kNewly completed, the Iowa (BB-61) is seen here in a 4 photo PDF while inclined at the dry dock on 28 March 1943 at what was then known as the Bayonne Navy Yard in New Jersey opposite New York.Text i.d courtesy of Arthur Cappabianca.
Text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
USN photo # F1111C340 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa86kBow, stern, starboard upper view drawings of the Iowa (BB-61) as completed in 1943, with an open walk way surrounding her conning tower. Line drawing by A.D. Baker III. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-61 Iowa2.92kFlagless bow is Iowa (BB-61).USN photo # 19lcm-42 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa384kA stern Iowa (BB-61) at the New York Navy Yard on 4 April 1943.USN photo # F1111C359 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa594kThe Iowa (BB-61) during her shakedown period, 4 April 1943. She has no 40mm mounts on the bow forward of #1 turret, the bow tub for the 20mm guns is not yet installed, there are no 20mm guns on #2 turret and the first bridge modifications have not been made.USN photo submitted by Ron Titus, courtesy of Ingersoll-Rand. Corp.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa1.18kAerial view of US Naval Dry Dock. is photograph is an aerial view of US Naval Dry Dock with Iowa (BB-61) in Dry Dock #3, Bunker Hill (CV-17) at East Jetty, with I believe the Alaska (CB-1) is behind her, and Wakefield (AP-21) at the pier. Photo i.d. courtesy of Fabio Pena.
National Archives Identifier: 7329893
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-61 Iowa1.27kIowa (BB-61) fitting out at the New York Navy Yard on 7 April 1943.USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
BB-61 Iowa149kLine art drawing of the Iowa (BB-61), April, 1943 as completed. Drawing courtesy of Jean Secardin. (Please contact him for permission to use any of his drawings @perso.wanadoo.fr/ww2
BB-61 Iowa49.5k43 photo PDF of the Iowa (BB-61) fitting out, May 1943. USN photo s # 80-G-238789 thru 238828 & 238847 / 238849, from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa61kSeen on shakedown cruise blowing out soot out of the large rear stack. Note the top of one of the 5in/38cal mounts in the foreground at left and part of two of the six 40mm Bofors mounts located between the stacks, May 1943.USN photo.
New Jersey172kA salvo from the main guns of the Iowa (BB-61) 1943 taken between commissioning and her post trials when 20mm guns were installed on her #2 turret. Photo I.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen & Jim Slade.
Naval History and Heritage Command photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa205kLooking down at the business end of the Iowa (BB-61). Note the unidentified CVA in the background.USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa10.7k21 photo PDF while anchored off New York Navy Yard after post-shakedown refit 9 July 1943. USN photo # F1111C461 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa2.92kBoston bound is Iowa (BB-61) found, 27 August 1943 in this 5 page PDFUSN photo # 19lcm-02 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa2.24k Iowa (BB-61) awaits movement.USN photo from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa295kKing Neptune makes his appearance at Iowa's (BB-61) first equator crossing, 27 November 1943. Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa23kOil on canvas painting by the artist Anthony Saunders entitled Iowa (BB-61) leaving New York.
Iowa was commissioned in February 1943 at the New York Navy Yard. Her first mission was to the North Atlantic in August 1943 to neutralise the threat of the German Battleship Tirpitz.
Text and drawing courtesy of naval-art.com
BB-61 Iowa100kNote that the photo shows Iowa (BB-61) in a Measure 32 pattern & also clearly shows an open bridge on the 04 level. Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Kenneth R. Jones.
USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
Iowa 610k Oil on canvas painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci shows the ship entering Boston Harbor for post shakedown yard availability. This painting was donated to and is currently on display aboard Iowa (BB-61). Drawing courtesy of artbywayne.com
BB-61 Iowa128kThe conning tower section seen at Boston Navy Yard after some minor refit (inlcuding the vertical strakes on the sides for wind deflection.) At the center of the image is one of the four 5in/38cal gun directors. Note the armor thickness visble at the hatch and also the direct vision slots. Note also one of the ship's bells is visible, November 1943.USN photo.
BB-61 Iowa89kThe conning tower section seen at Boston Navy Yard after some minor refit (inlcuding the vertical strakes on the sides for wind deflection.) Note that all the types of weapons are visible here - 20mm, 40mm, 5in/38cal, and the rear of one of the 16in/50cal turrets (note the 20mm gun tub on top of this turret and the floater nets mounted there too.) November 1943.USN photo.
BB-61 Iowa99kLooking aft from the forward fire control tower, during the Iowa's (BB-61) shakedown period, 1943. Carrier in the distance may be Lexington (CV-16). USN / USNI photo.
BB-61 Iowa237kThe conning tower section seen at Boston Navy Yard after some minor refit (inlcuding the vertical strakes on the sides for wind deflection.) Note that all the types of weapons are visible here - 20mm, 40mm, 5in/38cal, and the rear of one of the 16in/50cal turrets (note the 20mm gun tub on top of this turret and the floater nets mounted there too.) November 1943.
Note the "bloomers" aboard the Mk.37 director & it's radar equipment.
USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa
016108k
228kThis U.S. Navy photo, taken 12 November 1943 by a Navy blimp, was discovered by author L. Douglas Keeney while researching an upcoming book. Photo courtesy of dailybreeze.com via Bob Canchola, NavSource Contacts Research Associate.
BB-61 Iowa442kThe bathtub on the battleship Iowa (BB-61) & it's miniature self. This is the only bathtub on a United States Navy warship. It was installed as a convenience for President Franklin D. Roosevelt when he crossed the Atlantic Ocean to meet with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet Secretary General Joseph Stalin at Casablanca, Morocco on the first leg of the journey to the Teheran Conference in November 1943. After the conference she returned the President to the United States.USN photo # DN-ST-86-02543, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.& commons.wikimedia.org.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
BB-61 Iowa507kThe photo shows two elevators positioned off the Captain's Cabin that were specially installed for FDR's transit to & from North Africa and Tehran. Mr. Way "concluded this must be a picture of Iowa (BB-61) in Mers-el-Kabir. It looks like there is a French battleship in the background. Plus, the camo paint job is correct on Iowa and her paint looks like she has come a long distance". This has been quite an important discovery, seeing that the US government censored all photos of the battleship during the President's time aboard. Text & USN photo courtesy of Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship USS Iowa Curator Dave Way via Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-61 Iowa93kThe 24th Surgeon General of the Navy, RADM Clifford A. Swanson, then Captain, served his duty at sea during WWII aboard the battleship Iowa (BB-61) from 1943 to 1944. He subsequently advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral, 2 December 1946 for temporary service while serving as Surgeon General and Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery from 1946 to 1951.USN photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
1944 - 1945
BB-61 Iowa723kPDF of a Personal History of the Iowa (BB-61) from Albert Lee Candido of Kansas City, Mo. / Radio Press News featuring internal coverage of ship happenings from launching in 1942 - 4 July 1945.Courtesy of Mike Sharp and submitted by Robert Hall.
Iowa 2.10k Oil on canvas painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci shows Iowa (BB-61) in her Ms31/1b camouflage in the Pacific in November 1944. This painting was donated to and is currently on display aboard Iowa. Drawing courtesy of artbywayne.com
BB-63 Missouri 153k Church service at sea in the Atlantic. Photo i.d. via Gary Chinn.
USN photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa197k Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 7A intended for battleships of the Iowa class (BB-61 / 66). No ship is known to have worn this scheme.
This plan, showing the ship's starboard side, superstructure and turret ends, and exposed decks, is dated 19 January 1944, and was approved by Captain Logan McKee, USN.
Note: Missouri (BB-63) wore MS 32 / 22D.
Official USN photo # 80-G-105514, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Text i.d. via Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-61 Iowa162k Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 7A intended for battleships of the Iowa class (BB-61 / 66). No ship is known to have worn this scheme.
This plan, showing the ship's port side, is dated 19 January 1944, and was approved by Captain Logan McKee, USN.
Note: The other BB-61 / 64 class battleships were not painted in any Measure 31-32-33 series camouflage design.
Official USN photo # 80-G-105515, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-61 Iowa476kThe Indiana (BB-58) & Iowa (BB-61) underway.
This 1944 photo shows Iowa in her anti-submarine camouflage measure, applied in December or in early January 1944 with Navy Blue (5-N) and Light Grey (5-L) and Deck Blue (20-B) horizontal surfaces. Highly visible in this view are the fine foreward hull lines for a higher speed than the preceding South Dakota class battleships. Consequently her #1 turret had little depth for torpedo protection.
Note the 20mm gallery atop #2 turret.
USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa60k Iowa (BB-61) underway at sea during the Marshalls Operation, 24 January 1944. She is wearing Camouflage Measure 32, Design 1B. In the left distance, also painted in Camouflage Measure 32 (possibly Design 11D), is Indiana (BB-58). This image has been cropped to emphasize the ships and their camouflage patterns. Official USN photo # 80-G-235080, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Swanson163kDuring World War II, Dr. Clifford Anders Swanson was senior medical officer on battleship Iowa (BB-61). As an operating surgeon at the National Naval Medical Center, DOctober or Swanson performed pioneering eye surgery. He accompanied President Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference and was with the Congressional Committee that inspected the Pacific War area. He became Surgeon General in 1946. During his tenure he sponsored legislation that made the Nurse Corps a permanent staff Corps, and established the Medical Service Corps. Photo # 09-9014-1 courtesy of the U.S. Navy BUMED Library and Archives via Bill Gonyo.
BB-61 Iowa1.93kThe Iowa (BB-61) entering Majuro on 4 February 1944, taken by the Natoma Bay CVE-62).USN photo courtesy of Peiter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa884kThe Iowa (BB-61) in 1944, probably in the South Pacific. USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa196kKwajalein, 24th of January 1944. Port side view of the Iowa (BB-61) under way and wearing a measure 32a /1B camouflage design.USN photo courtesy of Joseph M. Radigan (of blessed memory) Photo i.d. text courtesy of Aryeh Wetherhorn (USN / Israeli Navy /Retired.
BB-61 Iowa231k The Iowa (BB-61) leads 3 other ships in line astern in a bombardment. Drawing courtesy of artbywayne.com
BB-61 Iowa246kA painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci entitled "Underway Replenishment"....1944 shows the Iowa (BB-61) fueling from the Salamonie (AO-26). Drawing courtesy of artbywayne.com
BB-61 Iowa193kSixteen-inch guns of the Iowa (BB-61) firing during battle drill in the Pacific, ca. 1944.Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa438kA nice aerial view while underway. Note the OS2U Kingfishers are not on board, 10 June 1944.USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa99kAn OS2U Kingfisher is launched off the starboard catapult while the port one is preparing to launch in the same direction. There is also a third on resting on a dolly on the deck. Note the many manned 20mm Oerlikons on the aft deck, mid 1944.USN photo.
BB-56 Washington & friends 356k Four Battleships of Task Group 58.7 in the fleet anchorage at Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands. It was taken on the 7/8/44. TG 58.7 had returned to Majuro on 27 June 1944, after taking part in operations in the Philippine Sea and bombarding Saipan and Tinian.
The four Battleships are identifiable by their paint schemes: New Jersey (BB-62) and Iowa (BB-61) in the foreground, and Washington (BB-56) and North Carolina (BB-55) further back, surrounded by destroyers and other ships. The resolution of the photo is not that great, but the photo is of interest due to the number of Battleships in one frame.
Photo i.d. & text research courtesy of Larry Reese.
Official USN photo via Acme Newspictures, Inc. courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa156k In 1941-44, Captain McCann led two submarine squadrons, served in important positions at the Navy Department and was commanding officer of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) from August - November 1944. After promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, he was Chief of Staff to Commander, Tenth Fleet, served with the Atlantic Fleet and Commanded Task Force 68, which escorted President Harry S. Truman to and from the Potsdam Conference.Photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo. Text i.d contributed by Robert M. Cieri.
BB-62 New Jersey842kThe New Jersey (BB-62) prepares to turn to port, following the Iowa (BB-61) on 26 October 1944.USN photo submitted by Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa793kThe American battleship Iowa (BB-61) on the cover of LIFE Magazine, 30th October 1944. Photo by US Navy/The LIFE Premium Collection/Getty Images, courtesy of gettyimages.com.
BB-61 Iowa489kNote that the photo shows Iowa (BB-61) with her camoflage pattern feather-edged. This was not too long before she returned to San Francisco for overhaul and main shaft bearing replacement. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

Holloway51kCaptain James Lemuel Holloway, Jr. assumed command of the battleship Iowa (BB-61), flagship of Battleship Division 7, in November 1944. Under his command, Iowa took part in attacks on Luzon later that month, shooting down many enemy aircraft, and participated in strikes on the Japanese homeland from March to July 1945. For commanding Iowa during these operations, he received a Gold Star in lieu of a second Legion of Merit, with the following citation: "With his vessel operating as flagship of several important striking and covering forces...Holloway rendered distinguished service throughout the intensive actions and, by his brilliant leadership and outstanding skill, contributed materially to the extensive and costly damage inflicted on the enemy."
Holloway operated his battleship with characteristic flair, recalled Rear Admiral Ralph Kirk James, who had been the maintenance officer responsible for repair work on damaged ships at Manus when Iowa arrived at that base to fix shafting problems on 25 December 1944. "Jimmy Holloway was charging up the harbor with this big battleship, the biggest I'd seen, and I was getting more and more nervous." Alarmed, James warned Holloway to reduce his speed before entering the drydock. "'Oh no,' [Holloway] said...He got the ship just about halfway into the dry dock when he ordered full speed astern. The Iowa shook like a damned destroyer and stopped just where she was supposed to be." Unfortunately, the backwash from the engine reversal swept away the drydock support blocks from underneath the ship, and James and his crew had to spend an extra three hours resetting the blocks before Iowa could dock. Afterward, James discovered a grey streak in his hair. "I can tell you the moment it was born: when Holloway pulled his high-speed throttle-jockey stunt on me."
Photo & tezt courtesy of Wikipedia.org via Bill Gonyo.
BB-61 Iowa448kIowa (BB-61) entering and inside floating dry-dock ABSD-2, 28 December 1944.The lifting capacity of the floating dry-docks is dramatically shown, but battleships had to have their ammunition and most of their fuel off-loaded before entering the dry-dock.
The Iowa is seen in camouflage in this photo.
Technically, EVERY WARSHIP in the Navy was camouflaged - Blue and gray are camouflage. Iowa was the only one to reach the Pacific in *dazzle* camouflage, but Missouri (BB-63) was commissioned in dazzle, so it's not totally correct to say that Iowa was the only one painted in Dazzle camouflage either. Iowa was just the only one to wear it into combat.
Camouflage text courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa551kIowa (BB-61) entering and inside floating dry-dock ABSD-2, 28 December 1944. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa467kIowa (BB-61) entering and inside floating dry-dock ABSD-2, 28 December 1944. Note the three 20mm Oerlikons mounted on top of Turret 1, the other sisterships had a quad 40mm Bofors mounted here. The little circular objects on the 20mm gun tub splinter shield are helmets. Notice also the counter shading camouflage on the barrels of the 5in/38cal guns. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa254kUp close and personal. Iowa (BB-61) inside floating dry-dock ABSD-2, 28 December 1944. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa286kIowa (BB-61) inside floating dry-dock ABSD-2, 28 December 1944. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa568kIowa (BB-61) inside floating dry-dock ABSD-2, 28 December 1944. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa580kBest show in town. Officers & crew inspect the skegs and rudder area of the Iowa (BB-61) as it protrudes outside the floating dry-dock ABSD-2, 28 December 1944. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa110k At sea with Task Force 38 in December 1944. Photographed by LCdr. Charles Fenno Jacobs, USNR. Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-K-15631, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-61 Iowa103k The Iowa (BB-61) dry docked at Hunters Point Navy Yard at the beginning of her January, 1945 refit. USN photo courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-61 Iowa234kThe Iowa (BB-61) gets a helping nudge out to sea by several tugs at the completion of her 1945 overhaul at Hunter's Point. National Archives photo # 19-N-83884, courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa521kPost Saint Patrick's day finds the Iowa (BB-61) anchored off Hunter's Point, 18 March 1945.USN photo # 19-N-83886 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa793kCrewmen aboard Iowa (BB-61) turn to songs and musical solos in their off-duty moments in the Pacific. Photograph released 26 April 1945. Photo # 80-G-317387 courtesy of National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-61 Iowa680k5 March 1945 after her last wartime overhaul. She has just received the new enclosed bridge, some new electronics, and she now carries SC-1 Seahawk aircraft.USN photo # 2122-45-S7, courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa458kIowa (BB-61) refueling to starboard of the Cahaba (AO-82) together with the carrier Shangri-La (CV-38) on 8 July 1945.
The Iowa's Mk.37 Secondary Battery Directors are topped with Mk.4/22.
On Spot 2 radar equipment Mk.8, a Main Battery Fire Control set. Iowa's mainmast with heavier legs is now topped by a new radar platform for the "SR", the first entirely new air search set since CXAM and similar in antenna size (15ft x 6ft) to SC-2, on the maintopmast. The relocated after "SG" surface search antenna is flanked by fighting lights and "Ski-pole" IFF antennas. On the Stb.yard is a TBS antenna.
Her foremast still has the 17' square "SK" antenna for long range ( 100nm) aircraft detection with a height capability at that range 0f 10,000'.
Behind it, on a topmast, the "DBA" radio direction finder flanked here P/S by two fighting lights.
On the aft end of the foretop there is a new "SU", a higher resolution X-band surface search set with good range performance (20nm on a battleship). It's small dish shows a shorter wavelength and it is enclosed in a radome.
There is an AS-56 antenna on the futtock brace of the foremast.
Atop Spot 1 the Mk.8 Mod.3 Main Battery Fire Control set.On both yardarms are BK-7 and anemometers. Two "TDY" jammers P/S of her foretop are visible.
USN photo & text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa365kOn board Japanese battleship Nagato at Japan. US Forces spread Japanese flag on deck. Photographed by crew of Iowa (BB-61), August 1945. USN photo # 80-G-421082, now in the collections of the National Archives, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-63 Missouri 476k The Missouri (BB-63) transfers crew to her sister Iowa (BB-61) in the foreground for a landing party in Japan on 20 August 1945.
The Iowa now has the new Navigating Bridge and on her Fire Control Tower (Spot 3) Mk.27 radar. She now has radar equipment Mk.4/22 atop the Secondary Battery Directors Mk.37.
Just below her Forward Air Defence level a TDY jammer covering both low and high bands, back to back, has been fitted. The other two, flanking her foretop, remain. The SPT-4/ AS-37 have been removed from the Foretop.
Mk.8 Mod.1 main battery fire control radar has been fitted now atop her Mk.38 Director (Spot 1) and P/S of it two "Nancy" infrared beacons to her "SK" radar platform. The "SK" air search antenna itself is surmounted by a panel with BL-5 IFF. Fighting light flank her SU radome on her topmast.
Missouri had "SK-2" from the start and her SPT-4 (the 4 circular plates with long, thin spokes radiating from them) on all four sides of her Fwd. Air Defence Level) /AS-37 "Wagon Wheel" antennas are still there.
Note the very prominent Quad.Forty atop her No.two 16-Inch Main Battery turret.
Just like South Dakota (BB-57), Iowa could not have one for the same reasons described there. Two Mk.57 A.A. Directors with their MK.37 antennas are visible on both sides of her #1 Mk.37 Secondary Battery Director. On Spot 1 and - 2 she has radar equipment MK.8 Mod 1.
She now has the new SC-1 "Seahawk" on both her catapults.
USN photo & text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-63 Missouri 158k Escorted by the Nicholas (DD-449) and followed by the Iowa (BB-61), the Missouri (BB-63) steams up Tokyo Bay on 30 August 1945. Steaming to her anchorage in Tokyo Bay for the formal signing of the Japanese surrender, 29 August 1945. This photograph was flown to Washington, DC, directly from Japan, arriving on 2 September 1945, the day the Japanese surrender was signed. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 96780, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Iowa 527k Oil on canvas painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci shows Iowa (BB-61) at the surrender in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945. In the background is the Missouri (BB-63). This painting is in the collection of John Wolfinberger, a WWII Iowa veteran who was present aboard Iowa, 2 September 1945. Drawing courtesy of artbywayne.com
BB-61 Iowa53kMissouri (BB-63) with Iowa (BB-61), steam into Tokyo Bay.USN/Jose Vigil
BB-61 Iowa48k"The Third Fleet at sea is scarcely ever visible in its entirety to a single observer, either on the surface or in the air. What one sees is the aspect of some of the other ships in one's own task group. Occasionally, the whole fleet will rendevous at a prearranged site and then one can see lines of ships disappearing over the horizon in all directions. However, while steaming back and forth some 300 miles southeast of Honshu during the twelve days between 15 August 1945 and the 27th (when the fleet entered Japanese waters) the most impressive sight to this observer was the confident form of the battleship Iowa (BB-61)." Destination Tokyo Bay by Standish Backus, #1 Watercolor on paper, 1945. Naval History and Heritage Command # 88-186-A.
BB-61 Iowa275k Cover of the V-J Day Booklet issued for the Iowa (BB-61) on 2 September 1945. Photo contributed by Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa1.68kTarget Transmitter& Receiver Mk1 and Mods. (Mods.27-35.)
Illuminated lucite plugs indicated the station(s) receiving the designation and that an own ship course signal was being received.
Photographs courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa196kArt line drawing of the Iowa (BB-61) in late 1945, MS-22 camouflage scheme.Drawing courtesy of Abram Joslin.
BB-61 Iowa77k Looking down from the forecastle of the Iowa (BB-61) onto her main armament at Seattle Navy Base, October 1945. USN photo courtesy of Seattle NARA, submitted by Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-61 Iowa198kPDF of a Personal History of the Iowa (BB-61) from Albert Lee Candido of Kansas City, Mo. / Radio Press News featuring internal coverage of ship happenings in Japan, 21 September 1945. Courtesy of Mike Sharp and submitted by Robert Hall.
BB-61 Iowa204kPDF of a Personal History of the Iowa (BB-61) from Albert Lee Candido of Kansas City, Mo. / Radio Press News featuring internal coverage of ship happenings in Japan, while sailing home, 2 October 1945. Courtesy of Mike Sharp and submitted by Robert Hall.
BB-46 Maryland658kIowa (BB-61) at Pier #91, Seattle, Washington. Photographed on 17 October 1945. Maryland (BB-46) is across the pier.Photo # 80-G-389650 courtesy of National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
Post World War II - Korean War
BB-62 New Jersey252kNew Jersey (BB-62) and Iowa (BB-61) together in about mid-1946 at Bremerton when they were idle with reduced crews. Note that Iowa has received SK-2 radar postwar. USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa2.00kIowa (BB-61) off San Francisco in 1946.USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
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1.11k Iowa (BB-61) sailor inspection by VADM Frederick C Sherman, 4th of July 1946.USN photo courtesy of Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship USS Iowa Curator Dave Way
BB-61 Iowa472kIowa (BB-61) stern view, starboard side Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on 11 October 1946.Photo # 1307-46 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa578kIowa (BB-61) view, directly astern, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on 11 October 1946.Photo # 1308-46 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa87k The Iowa (BB-61) in May of 1947. Photo focused on the starboard side floatplane, a Curtiss SC-1. Note that there was a plane on each catapult and a third on the deck between the two. Photograph courtesy of LCDR W. F. Keller, USNR & submitted by Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa211kNROTC students attending class on operating of sextant on board the Iowa (BB-61) making a training cruise to Vancouver, B.C., 8 July 1947. © Associated Press Photo courtesy of San Francisco Examiner via David S. Smith.
BB-61 Iowa60kWritten on back of the photo is this inscription:
"7-18-47: On 7/19/47 sailed for Hawaii with California governor Earl Warren and 12 other ???? as guests of Sec Nav James Forrestal."
USN photo courtesy of NARA San Francisco, "San Francisco Naval Shipyard - Hunters Point, Historical Shipyard Photographic Collection 1904-74", courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-61 Iowa312kCapt. William F. Jennings, Commanding Officer of the Iowa (BB-61) from August 1948 to January 1949.USN photo from the files of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
BB-61 Iowa487k"The ship was inactivated in San Francisco in September of 1948 and decommissioned in March of 1949. BOTH catapults were removed during deactivation prior to decommissioning and the mast was stepped at that time as well. The boot topping is in ragged condition suggesting the ship has not been dry docked yet as part of her inactivation which would take approximately 30 days. The Radar installation is an SC-2. The ship is flying a Commissioning Pennant making the photo pre March 1949.
Thus, the photo had to have been taken between October, 1948 and January 1949 - at San Francisco."
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Dan DeCosta.
USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa1.10kPut in the Pacific Fleet reserve on 24 March 1949 at San Francisco, the Iowa (BB-61) is shown being hauled out for reactivation for Korean War service on 14 July 1951.USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa110k Photo dated 27 July 1951, while Iowa (BB-61) was being reactivated for Korean War Service.USN photo # NY1-5237 7-27-51, courtesy of NARA San Francisco, "San Francisco Naval Shipyard - Hunters Point, Historical Shipyard Photographic Collection 1904-74", courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-61 Iowa115kMen come aboard the battleship from General Daniel I. Sultan (T-AP-120) at San Francisco Naval Shipyard, California, on 19 August 1951. Iowa (BB-61) was then preparing to recommission for Korean War service. The man in the center is MM3c H.G. Fraser.Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-432758, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-61 Iowa1.96kFleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, and Captain William R. Smedberg III, Commanding Officers, look on while Mrs. Smedberg (left) and Mrs. William S. Beardsley, wife of the Governor of Iowa, cut cake. The cake was made for the Iowa's (BB-61) re-commissioning ceremonies at San Francisco Naval Yard, California, 25 August 1951. USN photo # 80-G-432760 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-61 Iowa535kDock workers have a birds eye view from the Iowa (BB-61) as they work above her stack. Her Foremast radar platform has the new SPS-6 radar antenna with a 'Zenith Search' replacing the 'SG', flanked with short-range ship-to-ship (AT-150) and ship-to-air (AS-390) antennas and 'TBS' radio antennas and some position lights. Her MK.38 main battery fire control director is topped with a new MK.8 Mod.3 or MK.13 main battery Fire control radar antenna.
Shown here is a General Arrangement drawing of the Mark 13 Mod. 0 radar antenna atop Main Battery Director Mark 38 Mod.0 and Mod.1-5.
USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa454kNote the back-to-back arrangement of the 'TDY' jamming antenna in front and just below her Forward Air Defence Level. On her yardarms "Ski- Pole" IFF antennas, "Derby", CAGW-66132 (300-3000mc/s) and its complement "Sword", CAGW 66131 (40-300mc/s). omni-directional warning types. The "Sword" acted to sample enemy reactions to jamming. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa749kIowa (BB-61) being reactivated for Korean warservice in the summer of 1951 with gun bucklers, extension tubes, etc.Official USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa104kIowa (BB-61) salute to the Colors, during recommissioning ceremonies at San Francisco Naval Shipyard, California, 25 August 1951.Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-432759, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-61 Iowa54kIowa (BB-61) artline drawing, starboard view, 1952.Courtesy of Joseph M. Radigan (of blessed memory) & the USN photo.
BB-61 Iowa41k Ship's helicopter (Bell 47) coming in for a landing, 1951-52. Courtesy of Tom Hagen BT3, former crew member, 51-52.
BB-61 Iowa63k Relaxing on the stern after a hard day at the office, 1951-52. Courtesy of Tom Hagen BT3, former crew member, 51-52.
BB-61 Iowa59k At the lower left part of the photo is the launch used to send up drones for target practice. Courtesy of Tom Hagen BT3, former crew member, 51-52.
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632k Iowa (BB-61) CO Capt Smedberg with helmet on the 05 Level Armored Conning Tower c1951 - 52. USN photo from PHG3 William Louis Butterfield collection courtesy of Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship USS Iowa Curator Dave Way
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1.38k Iowa (BB-61) tour & inspection Vice Pres Alben W. Barkley w Capt Smedberg at Pearl Harbor 8 December 1951.Official USN photo from PHG3 William Louis Butterfield collection courtesy of Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship USS Iowa Curator Dave Way
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370k Iowa (BB-61) sailors unloading a 16-inch projectile.USN photo from PHG3 William Louis Butterfield collection courtesy of Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship USS Iowa Curator Dave Way
BB-61 Iowa208kIowa (BB-61) appears here in drydock at Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard in early 1952.USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa123kIowa (BB-61) steams off the West Coast, early in 1952 just before her first Korean War deployment. Her catapults have been removed and large shaded numbers have been painted on her bow and stern. Note the DBM radar direction finders on the aft funnel. Her radars include an SPS-6 air search set on her foretop and an SG-6 surface search set on the foretopmast. An SP air intercept is on her maintop. My guess is in the Long Beach/San Pedro Area.USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa509kIn this PDF, the Iowa (BB-61) is transfering personel via breeches buoy to the Alfred A. Cunningham (DD-752).Courtesy of Dean C. Andrus, DK2, Alfred A. Cunningham (DD-752).
BB-61 Iowa99kWith Task Force 77 as she makes her way to Japan.Courtesy of Dean C. Andrus, DK2, Alfred A. Cunningham (DD-752).
BB-61 Iowa607kIowa (BB-61) off Wonsan Harbor, Korea on 18 April 1952.
Here she would operate from the 18th of April until 16 October 1952. There, Iowa was involved in combat operations off the East Coast of Korea. Her primary mission was to aid ground troops, by bombarding enemy targets at Songjin, Hungnam, and Koje, North Korea.
Text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo # 80-G-442146, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa169kIowa (BB-61) steaming out to sea from Wonsan Harbor after a days bombardment of Red installations inside the harbor on 27 April 1952. Official USN photo # 80-G443645 by Adkinson, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa80k Iowa (BB-61) fires a 16-inch shell toward a North Korean target, in mid-1952. Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-K-13195, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-61 Iowa180kIowa (BB-61) bombarding enemy installations in North Korea on 10 September 1952. Official USN photo # 80-G-446189 by Adkinson, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
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477k Iowa (BB-61) 40mm gun mounts firing admidships. USN photo courtesy of Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship USS Iowa Curator Dave Way
BB-61 Iowa138kOff Koje, Korea, Firing her 16-inch guns at enemy coastal defenses. Photo is dated 17 October 1952, the day after Iowa (BB-61) completed her Korean War combat operations. Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 92213, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-61 Iowa563kSmall fleet of boats on Iowa's (BB-61) stern at Pearl Harbor on 28 October 1952. Photo # 80-G-449404, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa461kAll dressed in whites is Iowa's (BB-61) crew as they man the rails at Pearl Harbor on 28 October 1952. Photo # 80-G-449405, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa373kIowa (BB-61) underway in Pearl Harbor with an escort of harbor tugs, while en route to the U.S. at the end of her Korean War combat tour. The middle tug is Anacot (YTB-253). Text courtesy of Robert Hurst & Gary Priolo.
Photo # 80-G-449407, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa629kIowa (BB-61) underway in Pearl Harbor with an escort of harbor tugs, while en route to the U.S. at the end of her Korean War combat tour. The first tug is Anacot (YTB-253). Photo # 80-G-449408, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa583kThere are what look to be DBM radar direction finders mounted on the enlarged mast attached to Stack #2. She also has black funnel caps and large shaded hull numbers.Photo i.d. courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
Photo # 80-G-449409, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-62 New Jersey927kSplash Colors of the Iowa class (BB-61 / 66).PDF courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-62 New Jersey318k New Jersey (BB-62) gets double billing in this photo, dated 11 February 1954. In the center as first recommissioned in 1951, and also after her first post-war overhaul, with changed radars and fire control.
The Missouri (BB-63) (upper left), is pictured on 21 October 1950 bombarding Communist positions off Chong Jin, Korea.
Wisconsin (BB-64) (lower right) and Iowa (BB-61) (upper right).
The Iowa is pictured off Pearl Harbor in 1952 & shows the standard fleet painting adopted after WW2. Small war time hull numbers have been replaced with larger, easily seen block numerals. The catapults were removed after WW2, the area now a helicopter landing area. Some 40mm mounts are gone, but most remained on board until she was decommissioned on 24 February 1958. All 20mm gun mounts have been removed.
Official Navy Photo, # 633578, released by Department of Defense. Courtesy of David Buell.
1954 - 1982
BB-61 Iowa396kTogether again: Iowa (BB-61) & New Jersey (BB-62). From the looks of their rig, probably in the Atlantic after Korea. USN photo submitted by David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa68kBattleship Division Two: In line abreast formation, 7 June 1954, in the Virginia Capes operating area, on the only occasion that all four Iowa class (BB-61 / 66)s were photographed operating together. Ship closest to the camera is Iowa (BB-61). The others are (from near to far):Wisconsin (BB-64); Missouri (BB-63) and New Jersey (BB-62). Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-638938, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-64 Wisconsin69k Battleship Division Two Steaming in column, 7 June 1954, in the Virginia Capes operating area, on the only occasion that all four Iowa class (BB-61 / 66)s were photographed operating together. Ship leading the column is Wisconsin (BB-64). The others are (in no particular order): Iowa (BB-61); New Jersey (BB-62) and Missouri (BB-63).Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-638966, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-61 Iowa29kBattleship Division Two: In line abreast formation, 7 June 1954, in the Virginia Capes operating area, on the only occasion that all four Iowa class (BB-61 / 66)s were photographed operating together. Ship closest to the camera is Iowa (BB-61). The others are (from near to far):Wisconsin (BB-64); Missouri (BB-63) and New Jersey (BB-62). Official USN photo courtesy of martinipundit.com.
Battleship Division Two 297k Oil on canvas painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci showing Battleship Division 2 off the Virginia Capes on 7 June 1954. They are (F to B ) Iowa (BB-61), Wisconsin (BB-64), Missouri (BB-63), New Jersey (BB-62). Drawing courtesy of artbywayne.com
Iowa 459k Oil on canvas painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci shows Iowa (BB-61) post 1955 overhaul. This painting was donated to and is currently on display aboard Iowa (BB-61). Drawing courtesy of artbywayne.com
BB-61 Iowa89k A MK23 Katie nuclear projectile, for use in 16" guns of Iowa class (BB-61 / 66). Fifty were produced, each battleship was equipped to deploy ten. Projectile weight was 1900 pounds and it had a probable range of about 25 miles. W19, 11" artillery shell, adapted to fire from a 16" naval gun. Yield: around 20 kt. The original W19 weighed only 600 pounds. The MK23 was seemingly made by stuffing a W19 into a 16" shell casing. Unfortunately no use was made of a sabot. Naval tests using 11" sabot shells gave a range of 115 miles. Circa mid 1950's. Photo & text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa703kFrom January to April 1955, Iowa (BB-61) made an extended cruise to the Mediterranean as the first battleship regularly assigned to Commander, 6th Fleet. Iowa departed on a midshipman training cruise 1 June 1955 and upon her return, she entered Norfolk for a 4-month overhaul. Following refit, Iowa continued intermittent training cruises and operational exercises, until 4 January 1957 when she departed Norfolk for duty with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean.
She appears here broadside sometime in 1956.
Inspired by Frank Kozlowski.
Text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo # 80-G-670577, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
NNB991kBusy harbor scene in this attention getting photo at Norfolk Naval Base during the mid 1950's.
Four Destroyers up front and personnel all at attention for some unknown event or personage.
From inboard to outboard: Ault (DD-698); Waldron (DD-699), Haynsworth (DD-700), John W. Weeks (DD-701). The Norfolk (DL-1) is docked behind them.
The Iowa [Her command level (08 level) has the vertical ribbing which only she had. Also her 011 level (air defense) platform has the shape that only she and New Jersey had from late WW II until the 1980s] plays peek a boo behind the bridge of the John W. Weeks, while the crew of the Intrepid (CVA-11) line the decks.
When this photo was taken exactly and what the crews are doing is up to conjecture, but this information may be a synopsis:
The Ault was in Norfolk from 26 November 55 to 1 May 56 (DANFS). Intrepid was in Norfolk from 22 November 55 to 12 March 56. Iowa was in overhaul and being regunned in December 55 and photos in naval histories of the show her completing modifications 18 February 56. Waldron left for deployment 1 April 56 (DANFS). The above narrows the time frame from 26 November 55 to 12 March 56.
Since Iowa was probably not at this pier during her overhaul period, it probably moves the time frame from about 20 February 56 to 12 March when Intrepid left. It is possible but unlikely that this photo was taken between 26 November 55 and early December before Iowa went for regunning in the industrial area of the yard. Her rig in this photo exactly matches the electronic and ECM rig of the 18 February 1956 photos. If the Friedman data of the 3"/70 is correct, this would match the early 1956 theory here also.
Finally, since the crews are in their "blues" uniforms it would indicate that this was a winter period which adds weight to the above data. There appears to be standing ground water from recent rain and there is not the bright sun and shadows typical of Norfolk during summer which all suggest winter.
Majority text i.d. courtesy of David Buell.
Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Larry Bohn, David Buell, Robert M. Cieri, Fabio Pena & Fred Willshaw.
BB-61 Iowa2.20k Iowa (BB-61) and the Northampton (CLC-1) at Pier 7, Norfolk, VA., November 1956.
Other ships in view are:
Lower right corner (white ship) is Valcour (AVP-55). In the stream is the destroyer James. C. Owens (DD-776) and across the water is the oiler Truckee (AO-147).
Photo i.d. courtesy of Gary Priolo.
Photo # 80-G-1011635, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa1.69k Iowa (BB-61) and the Coral Sea (CVA-43) about 1956-57. Photo # 80-G-1011635, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
Iowa 29kCapt. F.J. Becton assumed command of the Iowa (BB-61) in December 1956 just prior to her final Mediterranean Deployment. Iowa served with the 6th Fleet from January to Mid-April of this year. Capt. Becton has also served in the Battleships Texas (BB-35) and Arkansas (BB-33).
(This was her last deployment prior to being placed back in mothballs. She was to return to the Philadelphia for deactivation to the billet fleet).
Photo and information courtesy of the USS Laffey Association, submitted by Bill Gonyo.
BB-61 Iowa553k Iowa (BB-61) in Chesapeake Bay, April 1957. Photo # 80-G-1015375, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa1.18kThe Big Apple meets Iowa (BB-61), May 1957. Photo # 80-G-1016127, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa736kTwo views of Iowa (BB-61) during the International Naval Review at Norfolk, VA, June 1957. Photos # 1018552 & G-1018519, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa1.29kAn overhead view of the Iowa (BB-61) during the International Naval Review at Norfolk, VA, June 1957. Photo # 1019016, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-61 Iowa131kSailors preparing the Iowa (BB-61) for the International Naval Review.Photographer: Frank Scherschel,courtesy of life.com
Iowa68k Welcome Aboard Booklet for the Iowa (BB-61) for the Iowa Congressional Delegation, 24 August 1957. Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa229k The Iowa (BB-61) in her final configuration in 1957-58, prior to her deactivation. Note the quadrupod mainmast supported from Stack #2 and the absence of her floatplane crane on the fantail. Two details not shown in many photos. USN photo courtesy of David Buell. Photo i.d. courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-64 Wisconsin1.50k Iowa (BB-61) moves toward retirement on 23 October 1957. AP wire photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa85k Entering Dry Dock at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, 2 August 1962.Richard Tyner / USN.
Wisconsin574kTugs push the around.
From pier: Iowa (BB-61),New Jersey (BB-62) & Wisconsin (BB-64)) at Philadelphia Naval Yard, 1962.
USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
BB-61 Iowa
016111s
4.80kIowa (BB-61), New Jersey (BB-62) & Wisconsin (BB-64) and the rest of the retired US Navy appear in this photocopy of photograph (from NBP-PNSY, CSF 4036-7-66) Joseph P. Garfinkel, photographer, 20 July 1966. Oblique aerial photo taken from an altitude of approximately 6,000 feet; view north of Philadelphia Naval Base and Shipyard. Reserve Basin (HAER No. Pa-387-W) is at left center of photograph. - Naval Base Philadelphia-Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, League Island, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA.USN photo courtesy of loc.gov
BB-64 Wisconsin660k Wisconsin (BB-64), New Jersey (BB-62) and Iowa (BB-61) at the Phila. Navy Yard in mothballs, April 1967.USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
BB-64 Wisconsin198kBack to back, north Wisconsin (BB-64), south New Jersey (BB-62). Iowa (BB-61) by the pier at the Phila. Navy Yard in mothballs, April 1967.USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Iowa 150kYears of neglect begin to show in the deck of the Iowa (BB-61) at the Phila Inactive Ship Main Fac, 10-1978.Photo contributed by Robert M. Cieri.
Iowa & Wisconsin143k Iowa (BB-61), on right, and the Wisconsin (BB-64) at the Dry Dock at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, circa 1981. Note: The Shangri La (CV-38) is in the background.Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-63 & 64571kBow view of the Iowa (BB-61), on right, and the Wisconsin (BB-64) at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, 26 February 1982. USN photo # DN-ST-82-05047, by PHC Don Sallee, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Iowa148k "A" turret entrance hatch aboard the Iowa at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, 26 February 1982. USN photo # DN-SN-82-05013, by Ingalls Shipbuilding, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Iowa730k A view upward of number two stack aboard the Iowa at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, 26 February 1982. USN photo # DN-SN-82-05019, by Ingalls Shipbuilding, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Iowa 184k Stern view of the Iowa (BB-61) in Dry Dock for repair and conversion prior to being recommissioned. Photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
Iowa913kAerial port view of the Iowa (BB-61) being moved by tugs from its mooring in mothball storage on 22 April 1982. The Iowa is being moved in preparation for recommissioning in January 1985. USN photo # DN-ST-82-05715, by Ingalls Shipbuilding, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Iowa155k Close up view of Iowa (BB-61) lying at Pier 2, Philadelphia Navy Yard, mid 1982. Note the ship's Mark 37 Gun Fire Control Systems (GFCS) have been removed and that work is underway to remove all the 5-in. gun mounts (four permanently & six for refurbishment). The 16-in. guns will be sent to Naval Ordinance Station, Louisville Kentucky, for refurbishment. On 13 July 1982 Ingalls Shipbuilding was awarded a $4,521,397 cost-plus fixed fix contract for the planning phase of the reactivation.Photo copyright by Arnold Meisner, N.Y.N.Y.
Photo & text appeared in Warship International, pg. 276. No. 3, 1982.
Iowa303kThe fleet tug Apache (T-ATF-172) tows the Iowa (BB-61) from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 1 September 1982. USN photo # DN-SN-83-01023, by Ingalls Shipbuilding, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Iowa45kThe battleship Iowa (BB-61) passes under the Huey P. Long Bridge 1 September 1982 after a 1833 mile journey to Avondale Shipyards Inc. from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for modernization and reactivation. USN photo # DN-SN-83-01024, by Ingalls Shipbuilding, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Iowa130kThe Iowa (BB-61) arrives at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., to begin refitting and reconditioning for her return to the fleet. September 1982.Photo from the 1984 Iowa (BB-61) Welcome Aboard Pamphlet, courtesy of Stan Sveck.
Iowa134kThe new Iowa (BB-61) mast is placed on board the battleship. September 1982.Photo from the 1984 Iowa (BB-61) Welcome Aboard Pamphlet, courtesy of Stan Sveck.
1983 - 1991
Iowa810kA port amidships view of the Iowa (BB-61) during its reactivation at Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp. Between the stacks is a new deck space for four armored box launchers (ABLs). Just forward of the aft stack is a new structure to house magazine and maintenance spaces for two 20 mm close-in-weapons-systems, 23 September 1983. Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-03272, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. Photo i.d. courtesy of David Walsh.
Iowa780kA port amidships view of the superstructure on the Iowa (BB-61) during reactivation at Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp. From the left, in green paint, is the mounting structure for whip antennas, the armored conning tower known as Spot 3, and covered with a tarp is SKY-1, the forward 5-inch gun director, 23 September 1983. Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-03274, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa166kA view of a conical-monopole high frequency antenna mounted on the bow of the battleship Iowa (BB-61). Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-11658, by Don S. Montgomery, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa
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674kA vertical view of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) receiving supplies from the Butte (AE-27), 5 January 1984.Official USN photo by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. via Bob Canchola.
Iowa521kA starboard bow view of the Iowa (BB-61) just two weeks prior to its third commissioning at Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp. Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-03278, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa34k Invitation to the commissioning ceremony aboard the Iowa (BB-61), 28 April 1984.Photo contributed by Robert M. Cieri.
Iowa108kA port bow view of the Iowa (BB-61) moored at the dockside prior to its recommissioning ceremony for the ship at Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton, at Pascagoula, Mississippi, 28 April 1984. The seating area for guests is on the right. Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-02678, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Iowa76kVice President George Bush reviews an honor guard from the US Marine detachment assigned aboard the Iowa (BB-61), prior to the recommissioning ceremony for the ship at Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton, at Pascagoula, Mississippi, 28 April 1984. Official USN photo # DN-SN-84-10147, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Iowa101kMembers of the first watch run to take their positions during the commissioning ceremony for Iowa (BB-61). Two of the Iowa's 16-inch gun turrets are behind them. This is the third time the Iowa has been put into active service. Official USN photo # DN-SN-84-12078, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa346k Cover of Iowa's (BB-61) Third Commissioning Program, 28 April 1984. Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa177kJuly 1984 Caribbean Sea - Starboard bow view of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) and the Colombian frigate Caldas (CM-52) underway off the coast of Colombia. The ships are participating in Operation Unitas XXV. USN photo # DN-ST-85 08408 courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Darryl L. Baker.
BB-61 Iowa184kFireing a full broadside of nine 16"/50 and six 5"/38 guns during a target exercise near Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, 1 July 1984. Photographed by PHAN J. Alan Elliott. Note concussion effects on the water surface, and 16-inch gun barrels in varying degrees of recoil. Note Harpoon Missile launchers installed between her stacks and Helo landing pad on her stern. Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # DN-ST-85-05379, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection.
New Jersey267kThe Iowa (BB-61) is partially hidden as it is lowered through a lock of the Panama Canal, 6 August 1984. Official USN photo # DN-SC-88-01948, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa508k A bow view of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) firing its Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber guns off the starboard side during a fire power demonstration on 15 August 1984. Official USN photo # DN-SC-85-03546, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa65kAn electronic warfare technician (EN) examines the SLQ-25 (NIXIE) torpedo countermeasures equipment installed aboard the battleship Iowa (BB-61), 17 August 1984.Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-07861, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa50k Mark-36 rapid bloom offboard countermeasures (RBOC) launchers aboard the battleship Iowa (BB-61) on 1 November 1984. They are used as defensive weapons against incoming heat-seeking missiles.Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-05387, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa123k A crew member monitors the SPS-49 radar screen aboard the battleship Iowa (BB-61) on 1 December 1984.Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-02535, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa39k A crew member services the SLQ-32 radar antenna aboard the battleship Iowa (BB-61) on 1 December 1984.Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-02538, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa398kSilhouetted port bow view of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) decorated with Christmas lights, 15 December 1984 at NAS Norfolk, VA. Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-07859, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa67k A motor whaleboat is lowered over the side of the battleship on 23 February 1985. Official USN photo # DN-SN-87-05134, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa234kSixteen-inch projectiles prior to being offloaded from the Iowa (BB-61). The ship is being prepared for a four-month post shakedown availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, 25 Mar 1985. Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-07849, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa199k A starboard bow view of the Iowa (BB-61) enroute to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, 5 April 1985. Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-07822, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa321k The Iowa (BB-61) is guided into Dry Dock No. 4, 1 April 1985. Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-05793, by PH3 J. Elliott, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa444k A starboard bow view of the Iowa (BB-61) in the No. 4 dry dock for a four-month post shakedown availability, 26 April 1985. Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-07839, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa74k A stern view of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) on keel blocks in Dry Dock No. 4.for a four-month post shakedown availability, 26 April 1985. Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-05786, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa55k Two crewmen work together to clean the starboard anchor on the battleship Iowa (BB-61). Official USN photo # DN-ST-85-07815, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa348kAn aerial view of the Iowa (BB-61) in Dry Dock No. 4 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, 1 May 1985. Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-05788, by PH2 Ken Bates, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa155kLieutenant Commander George Farrar, public affairs officer of the Iowa (BB-61), examines the armored skegs protecting the ship's inboard screws. Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-05794, by PH2 Ken Bates, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa250kCrewmen of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) display a battle efficiency ribbon in front of the No. 1 and 2 turrets on 1 Jun 1985. The ribbon is held by Captain Gerald E. Gneckow, the ship's commanding officer, left, and Commander Joe Lee Frank, operations officer. Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-05789, by PHC Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
BB-61 Iowa277k Waves crash on the bow of the Iowa (BB-61) while underway in rough seas, 1 September 1985. The ship is participating in NATO Exercise Ocean Safari '85. Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-02556, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa54k An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter is secured by flight deck crewmen aboard the battleship Iowa (BB-61) on 1 September 1985. Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-02511, by PHC Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa162k Iowa (BB-61) in the South Western approaches of the U.K. putting on a Firepower Demonstration during the concluding phase of NATO Exercise Ocean Safari '85. This was the largest peacetime naval exercise in history with 160 warships from 10 countries participating. The exercise was from 28 August 1985 to 20 September 1985. The exercise was to simulate the resupply of Europe and the protection of convoy routes. Maneuvers were carried out in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the Straits of Denmark and the Baltic Sea. Official USN photo processed by the Iowa's Photo Lab & text contributed by Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa236kWater spills over the fantail of the Iowa (BB-61) during high power maneuvers in shallow waters at Chesapeake Bay, VA, 19 November 1985. Official USN photo # DN-SC-87-09162, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa280kNavy photographers and cameramen film the Iowa (BB-61) from Contractor's Ridge as the ship passes through the Gaillard Cut during a 12-hour transit of the canal, 24 February 1986. Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-04889, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa166k A silhouetted port beam view of the Iowa (BB-61) anchored at sunset, 3 March 1986. Official USN photo # DN-SC-87-09447, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa32k The starboard signal bridge area, 03 level, frames 96-97, on the battleship Iowa (BB-61). Official USN photo # DN-SC-86-09508, by PHC Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa124kThe helicopter control station on the 02 level of the battleship Iowa (BB-61). Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-09557, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa173k Visible atop the fire control tower is periscope Mk.32, to right, periscope Mk.30 Mod 0 in 1985. Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa582k Mk 37 secondary battery director w. Mk 25 radar, the Mark 38 main battery director w. Mk 13, and QE-8L satellite communication antenna, aboard Iowa (BB-61).Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa569kA crew member monitors the SLQ-32 radar warning system console aboard the battleship Iowa (BB-61).Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa148k Crew members aboard the Iowa (BB-61) deploy an inflatable target prior to a main battery firing exercise for the ship's Mark 7 16-inch/50-cal. guns during NATO exercise Northern Wedding 86, 1 August 1986. Official USN photo # DN-ST-87-00320, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa480k Crew members aboard the Iowa (BB-61) wait for a Helicopter Light Anti-Submarine Squadron 34 (HSL-34) SH-2F Seasprite helicopter to be secured before transporting a badly burned sailor injured during NATO exercise North Wedding 86. Official USN photo # DN-ST-87-00280, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa19k Signal flags fly from the bridge of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) during NATO Exercise North Wedding 86. USN photo # DN-ST-87-01012, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa
016156m
757kThe West German destroyer Schleswig-Holstein (D-182) refuels from the battleship Iowa (BB-61) on 1 September, during NATO Exercise Northern Wedding 86. Photographer PHAN William Holck. dodmedia ID: DNSC8704738 via Robert Hurst.
BB-61 Iowa206k Crewmen aboard the Iowa (BB-61) stand by to transfer pallets of five-inch ammunition to the ammunition ship Nitro (AE-23). Official USN photo # DN-ST-87-01914, by PH1 Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa117k Port side view of the Iowa (BB-61) when she visited Portsmouth UK, 1986. Courtesy of John Bushell, ex Royal Navy Chief.
BB-61 Iowa62k Crew members prepare to release a weather/wind velocity balloon prior to a remote-piloted vehicle launch aboard the Iowa (BB-61). Official USN photo # DN-ST-87-04727, by PHC Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa22k A view of the stern of the Iowa (BB-61) with a Pioneer I remotely-piloted vehicle (RPV) in launching position and a recovery net erected on the ship's stern. Official USN photo # DN-ST-87-04515, by PHC Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa601k A crewman performs a final pre-launch check on a Pioneer I remotely-piloted vehicle (RPV) on the stern of the Iowa (BB-61). Official USN photo # DN-ST-87-04518, by PHC Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa396k Pioneer I Remotely-Piloted Vehicle (RPV) is launched during a rocket-booster assisted takeoff from the stern of the Iowa (BB-61) on 1 November 1986. The RPV, which carries a stabilized television camera and a laser designator, is being tested aboard the Iowa as a basic gunfire support system with over-the-horizon targeting and reconnaissance capabilities. The system may be operated out to a range of 110 miles from the battleship surface group and has an endurance of eight hours. Official USN photo # DN-ST-87-04719, by PHC Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa425kA Pioneer I remotely piloted vehicle (PV) approaches a recovery net erected on the stern of the Iowa (BB-61). Official USN photo # DN-ST-87-09374, by PHC Jeff Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa511k Crewmen disengage a Pioneer I remotely-piloted vehicle (RPV) from a recovery net erected on the stern of the Iowa (BB-61) on 1 November 1986. Official USN photo # DN-ST-87-04514, by PHC Hilton, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
(NISMF)114k A view of the breach end of the center Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber gun inside the No. 2 turret aboard the battleship Iowa (BB-61) on 14 December 1986. Loaded in the gun is what will be the 1,000th round fired by the Iowa's 16-inch guns since the ship's recommissioning. USN photo # DN-SC-91-03645, by PHAN William Holck, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa89kAs seen from above, a 2,700-pound dummy projectile travels up a hoist from a handling room in one of the 16-inch/50-caliber gun turrets aboard the Iowa (BB-61). Official USN photo # DN-SC-91-03640, by PHAN William Holck, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa225kA 1,900-pound high capacity (HC) projectile is hoisted up to the spanning tray of the center Mark 7 15-inch/50-caliber gun in the No. 2 turret aboard the Iowa (BB-61), 14 December 1986. This particular projectile will be the 1,000th round fired by the Iowa's 16-inch guns since the ship's recommissioning. Official USN photo # DN-SC-91-03642, by PHAN William Holck, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa230k Christmas lights and decorations adorn the Iowa (BB-61), as the battleship is moored at a pier at the Norfolk Operating Base. The guided-missile destroyer Scott (DDG-995) is nested outboard on 28 December 1986. USN photo # DN-SC-87-03639 by PH2 Bob Maxwell courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
(NISMF)248k Lower shell level from powder handling level aboard the Iowa (BB-61), 6 January 1987. Photo courtesy of Phil Lucy.
(NISMF)315k Middle Shell Deck (OD Projectiles Are 1900 lb HC Shells and Dark Ones 2700 lb Armor-Piercing) aboard the Iowa (BB-61), 6 January 1987. Photo courtesy of Phil Lucy.
BB-61 Iowa107k Iowa (BB-61) anchored in Istanbul circa 1987-88. Photo courtesy of Hudai Ozguder.
BB-61 Iowa197kPhotos and dates for the Former Commanding Officers of the battleship Iowa (BB-61). Page #1 Photograph contributed by Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa176kPhotos and dates for the Former Commanding Officers of the battleship Iowa (BB-61). Page #2 Photograph contributed by Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa73kCrew members process paperwork in the supply department office aboard the battleship Iowa (BB-61) on 1 February 1987.Official USN photo # DN-SN-87-09219 by PH1 Elliot,from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa485kThe centerline passageway known as "Broadway" on the third deck of the Iowa (BB-61), 1 February 1987. Official USN photo # DN-SN-87-09199, by PHC Jeff Elliott, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa498kThe No. 1 and No. 2 Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber gun turrets of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) are fired to starboard during a main battery gunnery exercise on 23 April 1987.Official USN photo # DN-ST-87-05940, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa395kThe Iowa (BB-61) leads its battle group into Augusta Bay, Sicily. The aircraft carrier Coral Sea (CV-43) and its battle group are at left; the aircraft carrier Saratoga (CV-60) and its battle group are at right, 17 October 1987. Official USN photo # DN-SC-90-11747, by PH3 Michael Skeens,from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa124kThe Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders perform under the No. 3 Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber gun turret aboard the Iowa (BB-61), 1 January 1988. Official USN photo # DN-SC-88-03222, by PH2 Robert A. Sabo, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa113kA stern view of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) as it is pulled away from Pier No. 1 by a tug boat on 25 February 1988.Official USN photo # DN-ST-90-04695, by PH1 Elliot, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa196kA port view of the bridge area of the Iowa (BB-61) showing the MK. 16 Phalanx Close-In-Weapons-System (CIWS), two Mk. 28 5-inch, 38-caliber twin gunmounts, the Mk. 68 gunfire control system and SPG-35A radar a NAS Norfolk VA., 11 October 1988. Official USN photo # DN-SC-90-02980, by Joseph C. Sansberg, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa142kAn aerial view of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) firing its Mark 7 16-inch 50-caliber guns to starboard while underway as part of a NATO task group on 1 December 1988.Official USN photo # DN-SC-91-03241, by PH1 Sabo, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa70kFront cover of the Iowa (BB-61) Welcome Aboard pamphlet. Courtesy of Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR RET.
BB-61 Iowa652kA photo taken from the bridge captures the explosion of the No. 2 16-inch gun turret aboard the Iowa (BB-61). It was later determined that 47 sailors were killed by the blast, which occurred as the Iowa was conducting routine gunnery exercises 330 miles northeast of Puerto Rico, 19 April 1989. Official USN photo # DN-ST-89-06800, by LT. Thomas Jarrell, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa605kA photo taken from the bridge captures the efforts taken to combat fire directly after the No. 2 16-inch gun turret aboard the Iowa (BB-61) exploded. Official USN photo # DN-SC-90-05390, by LT. Thomas Jarrell, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa98kSailors line the rails, and Marines stand at attention beneath the No. 2 16-inch gun turret of the Iowa (BB-61), as the battleship comes home four days after an explosion in the No. 2 killed 47 of its crew. Official USN photo # DN-ST-89-07199, by PH1 (SW) Jeff Elliot, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa151kUsing a diagram of a 16-inch gun turret, Captain Larry Seaquist briefs the Pentagon press corps on the operation and safety features of battleship guns, the day after an explosion aboard the Iowa (BB-61) off the coast of Puerto Rico. Seaquist is a former commanding officer of the Iowa. Official USN photo # DN-SC-90-08386, by JO3 Oscar L. Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa296kThe 16-inch guns aboard the Iowa (BB-61) loom over the crew members manning the rails as the ship returns to home port of Norfolk, VA., 23 April 1989. An explosion in the No. 2 16-inch gun turret which killed 47 crew members on April 19th as the Iowa was conducting routine gunnery exercises approximately 300 miles northeast of Puerto Rico. Official USN photo # DN-ST-89-06800, by JO3 Oscar L. Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa410kThe No. 2 16-inch gun turret looms over photographers and crew members of the Iowa (BB-61), as the battleship comes home four days after an explosion in No. 2 killed 47 of its crew. Official USN photo # DN-ST-89-07197, by PH1 Elliot, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa203k In Memory" "47" button and ribbon, produced by the Iowa (BB-61) Association and worn on the day of the Memorial Service held at Naval Base, Norfolk on 24 April 1989. Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa375kCapt Fred Peter Moosally (born 4 October 1944) is a former captain in the United States Navy. During his naval career, Moosally served in many different assignments, including commander of a destroyer and the battleship Iowa (BB-61). Moosally was captain of the Iowa when the center gun of one of the ship's main gun turrets exploded on 19 April 1989, killing 47 crewmen. During the investigation into the cause of the explosion, Moosally testified that the Navy had assigned personnel of inferior quality to the Iowa. The investigation found that Iowa had been operating with severe deficiencies in safety and training procedures, for which Moosally was disciplined. The Navy stated that the deficiencies were unrelated to the turret explosion. In December 1989 in testimony before the United States Senate Armed Services Committee, Moosally declined to fully support the Navy's conclusion that the explosion had been intentionally caused by Clayton Hartwig, one of the turret's crewmen. Moosally's testimony was widely reported in the media. Moosally retired from the Navy soon after in May 1990. Photo # DN-SC-89-07099 from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & text courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
BB-61 Iowa107kRear Adm. Richard D. Milligan points to a photograph during a Pentagon press conference called to release the findings of the Navy's official investigation into the 19 April 1989, explosion in Turret No. 2 aboard the Iowa (BB-61). Photographs and charts on the stage detail the technical probe into the explosion. Powder bags similar to those used aboard the Iowa at the time of the explosion are the lower center, 5 September 1989. Official USN photo # DN-SC-90-08334 by JO3 Oscar L. Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa65kRear Adm. Richard D. Milligan holds up a book during a Pentagon press conference called to release the findings of the Navy's official investigation into the 19 April 1989, explosion in Turret No. 2 aboard the Iowa (BB-61). The book was found in the personal effects of Gunner's Mate G (Guns) 2nd Class Clayton M. Hartwig, one of the sailors killed in the explosion.
Navy investigators concluded that Hartwig intentionally caused the blast, but the Navy later reversed itself and the CNO publicly apologized to the Hartwig family.
Official USN photo # DN-SC-90-08323 by JO3 Oscar L. Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. Additional text courtesy of Craig Busack.
BB-61 Iowa123kIn Memoriam Program Cover for those who gave their lives aboard the Iowa (BB-61) on 19 April 1989. The Memorial Service was held at Naval Base, Norfolk, VA on 24 April 1989. The event was attended by the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush. Courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa149kPage 1 of the In Memoriam Program for those who gave their lives aboard the Iowa (BB-61) on 19 April 1989. The Memorial Service was held at Naval Base, Norfolk, VA on 24 April 1989. The event was attended by the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush. Courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa112kPage 2 of the In Memoriam Program for those who gave their lives aboard the Iowa (BB-61) on 19 April 1989. The Memorial Service was held at Naval Base, Norfolk, VA on 24 April 1989. The event was attended by the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, shown here speaking with Capt. Fred P. Moosally, commanding officer of the battleship. USN photo by PH1(AC) Scott Allen, courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa349kBack cover of the In Memoriam Program for those who gave their lives aboard the Iowa (BB-61) on 19 April 1989. The Memorial Service was held at Naval Base, Norfolk, VA on 24 April 1989. The event was attended by the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush. USN photo by PH1(AC) Scott Allen, courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa1.62kIowa (BB-61) visited Portsmouth UK in July 1989 as seen in this 8 photo PDF. Photos courtesy of G.W.Townson.
BB-61 Iowa192kUnderway in formation off the coast of Lebanon are, from left, the guided missile cruiser Belknap (CG-26), the Iowa (BB-61), the aircraft carrier Coral Sea (CV-43) and the amphibious assault ship Nassau (LHA-4), 16 August 1989. Official USN photo # DN-SC-90-11755, by PH3 Michael Skeens, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa779kOil on canvas painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci entitled To sail with God the Seas showing the Iowa (BB-61) in her 1989 rig.
Please be advised that this photo & the painting of the four Iowa class ships together will soon be available as prints thought Iowa's ships store.....with the bulk of the proceeds going to Iowa.
Drawing courtesy of pacificbattleship.com
BB-61 Iowa197kFront cover of the decommissioning program of the Iowa (BB-61) at Norfolk VA., on 26 October 1990. Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-61 Iowa1.80kOrder of service for the decommissioning of the Iowa (BB-61), 26 October 1990.Photo and PDF courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory) HTC (ret.)
BB-61 Iowa214kCMDR J.P. Morse, Commanding Officer of the battleship Iowa (BB-61), signs the last entry in the ship's log book during the Iowa's decommissioning ceremony. Because of bad weather, the official party gathered on the Iowa's bridge and their remarks were broadcast throughout the ship. Official USN photo # DN-ST-91-01573, by PH3 John Bivera, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa441k Members of the media interview Vice Chief of Naval Operations ADM Jerome L. Johnson as he takes part in the decommissioning ceremony for the battleship Iowa (BB-61) on 26 October 1990. The image is superimposed over a plaque commemorating the explosion in the No. 2 16-inch gun turret aboard the vessel which killed 47 crew members as the Iowa was conducting routine gunnery exercises 330 miles northeast of Puerto Rico on April 19, 1989. Official USN photo # DN-SC-91-02593, by PH3 John Bivera, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa326k A flag hoist lies on the deck near the bow of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) following the ship's decommissioning ceremony at NAS Norfolk, VA., 26 October 1990. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is at right. Official USN photo # DN-ST-91-01564, by PH3 John Bivera, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa117kSailors take a break while working atop Turret No. 2 aboard the Iowa (BB-61), 6 November 1990. Official USN photo # DN-ST-91-01467, by PH2(SW) Robert A. Sabo, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
1992 - Present
BB-64 Wisconsin125k Bow views of Iowa (BB-61) and Wisconsin (BB-64) in Philadelphia Navy Yard, September, 1993. Courtesy of Joe Osciak.
(NISMF)618kA starboard quarter view of the stern sections of the decommissioned Iowa (BB-61) and Wisconsin (BB-64) moored together at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 9 September 1993. The ships are in a mothball status. USN photo # DN-SC-93-06272, by Don S. Montgomery, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
(NISMF)561k An aerial view of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard looking west/northwest on 30 October 1995. The shipyard closed on 30 September 1995. Vessels visible, left to right: the Iowa (BB-61) and Wisconsin (BB-64) at the DD wharf; Sylvania (AFS-2), Milwaukee (AOR-2) and Savannah (AOR-4) at pier 5; the aircraft carriers Forrestal (CV-59) and Saratoga (CV-60); at pier 4; the amphibious assault ships Iwo Jima (LPH-2) and Guadalcanal (LPH-7) at pier 2. In the back pool is the heavy cruiser Des Moines (CA-134) and numerous destroyers and frigates. USN photo # DN-SC-97-00422, by Robert J. Sitar, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
(NISMF)630k An aerial view of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard looking west. Visible are the Iowa (BB-61) and Wisconsin (BB-64); the aircraft carriers Forrestal (CV-59) and Saratoga (CV-60); amphibious assault ships Iwo Jima (LPH-2) and Guadalcanal (LPH-7). In the back pool are several supply ships and numerous destroyers and frigates. USN photo # DN-SC-97-00423, by Robert J. Sitar, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
(NISMF)919k An aerial view of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard looking southeast. Visible are the Iowa (BB-61) and Wisconsin (BB-64); the aircraft carriers Forrestal (CV-59) and Saratoga (CV-60); three supply ships; the amphibious assault ships Iwo Jima (LPH-2) and Okinawa (LPH-3) along the Delaware River. In the back pool are the heavy cruiser Des Moines (CA-134) and numerous frigates. USN photo # DN-SC-97-00425, by Robert J. Sitar, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
(NISMF)767kAn overall high oblique aerial view of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard looking east/southeast. Presently in storage at the shipyard are Iowa (BB-61) and Wisconsin (BB-64), one heavy cruiser, two aircraft carriers, two amphibious assault ships, two AEs, two AOs, two AORs, one AFS, four CGs, nine DDGs and seven FFs plus numerous small auxiliaries. USN photo # DN-SC-97-00427, by Robert J. Sitar, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
(NISMF)376kA guest studies a painting depicting the history of battleships. The artwork was painted by George Skybeck and presented to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association during their annual banquet at Honolulu, Hawaii, on 8 December 1991. USN photo # DN-SC-92-05391, by PHC Carolyn Harris, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Fire Control Towers153kThe Main Battery Fire Control Unit Director Mk.40 installed in the Fire Control Towers of the North- Carolina / Iowa Class battleships. Photo taken 1991.
There was one of this type director onboard, located in the Fire Control Tower and served as a controlling station in both the Primary and Auxiliary method of fire. It was designated as Main battery Director Three.
The director was initially equipped with MK.3 & later replaced with Mk.27 radar for ranging and training purposes. The director had built into it a system for target designation between between various Main battery stations. It also had a Mk.3 computer and a Mk.5 Trunnion Tilt Corrector as a portion of the director, in order that the Fire Control tower may become a controlling and transmitting station for Auxiliary control of the Battery.
It shows the Target Bearing Transmitter and,on the other side the Target Designator and training Gear Drive and Trainer's Handwheels, a Spotter's telephone Selector Switch mounted on the Rotating Head and telephone Jack Boxes fitted to the Cable tube.
Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa249kThe Mk.3 computer and above it, the train input rod that connects the computer with the training pinnions of the level transmitters suspended from the roof. Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa53kThe modified elliptical form of the antenna of Radar Equipment Mk.27 seen atop the fire control tower has an open grate construction to reduce wind resistance and gun blast. Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa66k Periscope Mk.32 Mod.0 atop the fire control tower of Iowa (BB-61) in 1985. Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa110k The transmitter receiver unit of radar equipment Mk.27 at the left w. a master control switch and high voltage rectifier,1 of 2 level transmitters. Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa47k Gun director Mk.51 Mod. Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa53k Gun director Mk.51 Mod.3Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa60k Fire Control Tower hatch.Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
Iowa211kThe decommissioned battleship Iowa (BB-61) passes under the Newport Bridge on its way to join the decommissioned aircraft carriers Forrestal (CVA-59) and Saratoga (CVA-60) at the Naval Education and Training Center, Rhode Island on 24 September 1998. The three deep draft ships were moved by the US Navy from Philadelphia as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision to close the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Official USN photo # DN-SD-03-08895, by PH1 David Stoeher, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-61 Iowa70kCommemorative post mark regarding Iowa's (BB-61) 50 plus years in service. Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
BB-61 Iowa70kIowa (BB-61) at Newport R.I in January 1999. She is moored at Pier one with Saratoga (CVA-60) on the opposite side of the pier. In the background is Coodington Point, where Officer Candidate school is located. Beyond that is The Newport Bay Bridge. Courtesy of Steve Singlar ETCS, USNR-ret.
BB-61 Iowa280kIowa (BB-61) going to her final resting place in the Susian Bay, Benicia California.Courtesy of Kevin Denton.
BB-61 Iowa174k"Running a tight ship" is the caption the Washington Times gave this © Associated Press photograph of the battleship Iowa (BB-61) being towed from Rhode Island to Suisan, California via the Panama Canal. Pictured at Miraflores Lock 4 April 2001, the 108.2-foot wide ship squeezes through the 110-foot wide lock. Joseph M. Radigan (of blessed memory)/WT/AP.
World War II Memorial371kA quote made by Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz is inscribed on a granite wall at the National World War II Memorial located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Fleet Adm. Nimitz was the United States signatory to the surrender terms aboard the battleship Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay, Japan on 2 September 1945, thus ending World War II. Established by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the memorial honors all military veterans of World War II, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms. On 29 May 2004, the memorial was formally dedicated with an estimated 200,000 people expected to attend, and includes 100,000 visiting veterans of all wars. USN photo # N-0295M-011 by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
BB-61 Iowa175kAt Suisun Bay, on the far right is the Iowa (BB-61). Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
(NISMF)176kThe Iowa (BB-61), laid up in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet. Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-61 Iowa160kHoping to have the ship open for visitors by the Fourth of July celebration in 2011, organizers are stepping up pressure on the Port of Los Angeles to bring the historic Iowa (BB-61) to San Pedro.
"The site not only has high visibility, but it has a new roadway designed to handle traffic for the (future) cruise ship terminal," the revised proposal states. "The site also is in close proximity to electrical, water and sanitary utilities and has enough space for a parking lot and the land-based battleship museum. The land museum would be a world class museum which not only would highlight all of the U.S. battleships, but major battleships of the world."
Photograph & text courtesy of pasadenastarnews.com. via Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-61 Iowa712kFlying from the stern of a forty foot long photo of the ship, Iowa's (BB-61) flag bears the motto: "Our liberty we prize and our rights we will maintain." Photo by John Orr courtesy of pacificbattleship.com via Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-61 Iowa117kOn 27 October 2011, the Iowa (BB-61) was towed from the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet to Benicia on the first stage of a tow to journey to San Pedro. During the tow, she went under three bridges, the railroad bridge was raised to allow her to go through.Photo courtesy of Michael McCullough.
BB-61 Iowa50kTour manager Dave Way, a tour manager with the Pacific Battleship Center, which raised $8 million to rescue the 68-year-old ship from the Ghost Fleet in Suisun Bay, looks up at the huge battleship from the main deck. The battleship Iowa (BB-61) is in Richmond, Calif. getting ready for a journey down south where it will become a floating museum in Los Angeles waits at Richmond CA.Photo courtesy of Brant Ward / The Chronicle via Capt. Jack C. Goldthorpe, USCG (ret.)
BB-61 Iowa175kThe Iowa (BB-61) had its mast re-installed as part of ongoing renovations to the WWII battleship docked at Pier 3 in Richmond, Calif., Tuesday 24 April 2012. The 37,000 lb. mast was taken off 10 years ago to give the mothballed ship a lower profile. It will now stand at 174 feet tall as it is prepared for tow next month to its permanent berth as a museum ship in Los Angeles. Photo by Karl Mondon courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-61 Iowa427kThe Iowa (BB-61) has a little more paint added to her hull since her build in 1940. Photo by Karl Mondon courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-61 Iowa887kIowa (BB-61) meets the Golden Gate.Photos courtesy of Molly Rossman via Tom Helvig, CTRCM, USN/Retired (1953-1975), Command Master Chief (1974-1975), Volunteer Writer/Editor The Iowan History Letter, & Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-61 Iowa168kPart of the state of the Iowa's (BB-61) deck in late January 2012 before she received lots of T.L.C. and several $ for upkeep in May 2012.Photos courtesy of Mike McCullough.
BB-61 Iowa1.00kFinal Voyage of Iowa (BB-61) under tow. Our special thanks to Sherry Wiggins, Pleasanton Military Families,Warriors Watch Riders
Photo by Tom Helvig, CTRCM, USN/Retired (1953-1975),Command Master Chief (1974-1975), Volunteer Writer/Editor The Iowan History Letter, courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Insert video courtesy of Bob Canchola.
BB-61 Iowa2.76kOil on canvas painting by the artist Aaron Burks titled "The Last Battleship {Iowa (BB-61) towed from Suisun Bay)."} Iowa is towed from San Francisco to Los Angeles on 26 May 2012 to become the focal point of the Pacific Battleship Museum. Iowa was the last battleship to be donated for the public. Photo courtesy of aaronburksfineart.com
BB-61 Iowa61kDressed in full regalia, Chet watches the Iowa (BB-61) leave Pier 3 in Richmond, Calif., Saturday morning 26 May 2012 where it has been undergoing renovations. The local dog has been playing the part of an Iowa pet mascot that according to lore, once served aboard the ship. Photo by Karl Mondon & text courtesy of San Jose Mercury News
BB-61 Iowa5.08kEight page PDF on Iowa's (BB-61) move to San Pedro.All photos in PDF copyright by David Buell.
BB-61 Iowa320kNews on the march in June.
Iowa (BB-61) moves to berth 87.
Photo by Brittany Murray & text courtesy of San Jose Mercury News courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-Iowa class511kTwo photos showing the forecastle area stripped of wood decking, and one can see the visible weld mark remains of the 20MM shield which is visible in the 1943 photo above as well as the weld marks for the 40MM tubs which were added in late 1943, replacing the 20MM positions.Photos copyright by David Buell.
BB-61
016190
518k Iowa's (BB-61) barrel moving to final resting spot in Fort Story.Photo courtesy of facebook.com via Bob Haner

Commanding Officers
01CAPT. McCrea, John Livingstone, USN (USNA 1915) :VADM22.02.1943 - - 15.08.1944
02CAPT. McCann, Allan Rockwell, USN (USNA 1917) :VADM15.08.1944 - 28.11.1944
03CAPT. Holloway Jr., James Lemuel, USN (USNA 1919) :ADM28.11.1944 - 25.07.1945
04CAPT. Wellborn Jr., Charles, USN (USNA 1921A) :VADM25.07.1945 - 00.11.1945
05CAPT. Entwistle, Frederick Irving, USN (USNA 1921B) :RADM00.11.1945 - 00.07.1946
06CAPT. Tarbuck, Raymond Dombill, USN (USNA 1921A) :RADM00.07.1946 - 00.04.1947
07CAPT. Stokes, Thomas Murray, USN (USNA 1922) :RADM00.04.1947 - 00.03.1948
08CAPT. Solomons, Edward Alva, USN (USNA 1922) :RADM00.03.1948 - 00.08.1948
09CAPT. Jennings, William Funsten, USN (USNA 1922)00.08.1948 - 00.01.1949
10CDR. Dodson, Bennett Merritt, USN00.01.1949 - 24.03.1949
 Decommissioned24.03.1949 - 25.08.1951
11CAPT. Smedberg III, William Renwick (Smeddy), USN (USNA 1926) :VADM25.08.1951 - 29.07.1952
12CAPT. Cooper, Joshua Winfred, USN (USNA 1927) :RADM29.07.1952 - 00.07.1953
13CAPT. Loud, Wayne Rowe, USN (USNA 1927) :RADM00.07.1953 - 00.09.1954
14CAPT. Bryson, William Campbell, USN (USNA 1927) :RADM00.09.1954 - 00.11.1955
15CAPT. Ailes III, John Williams, USN (USNA 1930) :RADM00.11.1955 - 00.12.1956
16CAPT. Becton, Frederick Julian, USN (USNA 1931) :RADM00.12.1956 - 24.02.1958
 Decommissioned24.02.1958 - 28.04.1984
17CAPT. Gneckow, Gerald Eugene (Jerry), USN :RADM28.04.1984 - 25.04.1986
18CAPT. Seaquist, Larry Ray, USN25.04.1986 - 26.05.1988
19CAPT. Moosally Jr., Fred Peter, USN(USNA 1966)26.05.1988 - 04.05.1990
20CDR. Morse, John Prescott, USN04.05.1990 - 26.10.1990
Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).

USS IOWA BB-61 History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry
(Located On The Hazegray & Underway Web Site, This Is The Main Archive For The DANFS Online Project.)

Crew Contact And Reunion Information

Contact Name: Veterans Association of the U.S.S. Iowa, Bill Kelly, Treasurer
Address: 2916 NW Bucklin Hill Rd #169
Silverdale Wa 98383
Phone: voice mail 1-877-909-6999
E-mail: John Bee
or E-mail:President John Lapotasky
Phone:
1-252-637-1723
Note About Contacts.

The contact listed, Was the contact at the time for this ship when located. If another person now is the contact, E-mail me and I will update this entry. These contacts are compiled from various sources over a long period of time and may or may not be correct. Every effort has been made to list the newest contact if more than one contact was found.


Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway Battleship Pages By Andrew Toppan.
USS IOWA Web Page By the Iowa Reunion Assn.

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