The Iowa-class battleships, which include the celebrated USS Missouri (BB-63), were the biggest and most powerful battleships ever constructed for the U.S. Navy. All four ships of this formidable class—USS Iowa (BB-61), USS New Jersey (BB-62), USS Missouri (BB-63), and USS Wisconsin (BB-64)—shared identical design specifications, making them collectively the largest battleships built by the United States in terms of displacement, length, and armament.
The Unmatched Scale of the Iowa-Class Battleships
The Iowa-class battleships represented the pinnacle of U.S. battleship design, combining immense firepower with high speed, a departure from earlier slower, heavily armored designs. Their construction was a direct response to the naval challenges of World War II, particularly the need for fast battleships capable of escorting aircraft carriers.
Key Characteristics of the Iowa-Class:
- Displacement: Approximately 45,000 long tons (45,722 t) standard and over 57,000 long tons (57,915 t) at full load, making them the heaviest U.S. battleships.
- Length: Over 887 feet (270 meters), earning them the distinction of being the longest battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy.
- Armament: Equipped with nine 16-inch (406 mm) /50 caliber Mark 7 guns, capable of firing armor-piercing shells weighing up to 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg) over 20 miles (32 km).
- Speed: Capable of speeds exceeding 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph), which was remarkably fast for ships of their size.
USS Missouri (BB-63): A Prominent Example
The USS Missouri (BB-63), often referred to as "Mighty Mo," stands as a prime example of the immense scale and power of the Iowa-class. It holds a significant place in history, notably as the site of Japan's formal surrender to the Allied Powers, which ended World War II.
USS Missouri (BB-63) Details:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Namesake | State of Missouri |
| Ordered | 12 June 1940 |
| Builder | Brooklyn Navy Yard (New York Naval Shipyard) |
| Class | Iowa-class battleship |
| Status | Museum ship at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |
The construction of these behemoths, including the USS Missouri, at facilities like the Brooklyn Navy Yard, showcased American industrial might during wartime. Their design ensured they were not only the largest but also among the most technologically advanced and heavily armed warships of their era.
Legacy of the Giants
The Iowa-class battleships served the U.S. Navy across multiple conflicts, from World War II to the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even into the Gulf War era after modernization. Their longevity and adaptability underscore their superior design. Although no longer active combatants, ships like the USS Missouri continue to serve as museum ships, preserving their legacy as the largest and most powerful battleships ever built for the United States Navy.
