Intro
Discover the USS Wisconsin BB-64, Americas last battleship, with a rich history spanning World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. Explore its features, guns, and armament, as well as its notable battles and commanders. Learn about this iconic warships significance in naval history and its current status as a museum ship.
The USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is a majestic battleship that has been a part of American naval history for over seven decades. Commissioned in 1944, the Wisconsin served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, earning a reputation as one of the most decorated battleships in U.S. history. As the last of the Iowa-class battleships, the Wisconsin is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of American shipbuilding.
The USS Wisconsin was built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and commissioned on April 16, 1944. The ship was designed to be a fast and heavily armed battleship, with a top speed of over 30 knots and a main armament of nine 16-inch guns. During World War II, the Wisconsin served in the Pacific Theater, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of the Philippine Sea.
Design and Construction
The USS Wisconsin was one of four Iowa-class battleships built by the United States during World War II. The ship's design was a result of the U.S. Navy's need for a fast and heavily armed battleship that could keep pace with the Japanese naval fleet. The Wisconsin's hull was constructed using a combination of welding and riveting, with a length of 887 feet 3 inches and a beam of 108 feet 2 inches. The ship's draft was 29 feet 1 inch, and it had a displacement of over 45,000 tons.
The Wisconsin's main armament consisted of nine 16-inch guns, arranged in three triple turrets. The ship also had a secondary armament of 20 5-inch guns, as well as numerous anti-aircraft guns. The Wisconsin's armor was designed to provide protection against 16-inch shells, with a maximum thickness of 12 inches.
Service History
The USS Wisconsin served in several conflicts during its career, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. During World War II, the Wisconsin participated in several key battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The ship also provided gunfire support for the Allied invasion of Okinawa.
In the Korean War, the Wisconsin served as a flagship for the U.S. Seventh Fleet, providing gunfire support for United Nations forces. The ship also participated in several naval bombardments, including the Battle of Inchon.
Korean War
The USS Wisconsin's service in the Korean War began in 1951, when the ship was deployed to the Western Pacific. The Wisconsin served as a flagship for the U.S. Seventh Fleet, providing gunfire support for United Nations forces. The ship also participated in several naval bombardments, including the Battle of Inchon.
In 1958, the Wisconsin was decommissioned and placed in reserve. However, the ship was reactivated in 1986, as part of the U.S. Navy's 600-ship fleet program. The Wisconsin served in the Gulf War, providing gunfire support for coalition forces.
Gulf War
The USS Wisconsin's service in the Gulf War began in 1991, when the ship was deployed to the Persian Gulf. The Wisconsin provided gunfire support for coalition forces, including the U.S. Marine Corps and the Saudi Arabian army.
In 1991, the Wisconsin was decommissioned for the final time and placed in reserve. However, the ship remains a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors drawn to its impressive size and historic significance.
Museum Ship
In 2000, the USS Wisconsin was donated to the city of Norfolk, Virginia, where it was converted into a museum ship. The ship is now part of the Nauticus National Maritime Center, which features exhibits on the history of the U.S. Navy and the USS Wisconsin.
The USS Wisconsin is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of American shipbuilding. As the last of the Iowa-class battleships, the Wisconsin remains an important part of U.S. naval history.
USS Wisconsin Image Gallery
We hope you've enjoyed this article about the USS Wisconsin BB-64. As the last of the Iowa-class battleships, the Wisconsin remains an important part of U.S. naval history. Whether you're a history buff or just interested in learning more about this incredible ship, we encourage you to share your thoughts and comments below.