DES MOINES, Iowa -- The crew of the newly commissioned Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Iowa (SSN 797) presented the submarine’s commissioning pennant to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds during a Veterans Day Parade kick-off at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 11, 2025. The cased pennant commemorates the commissioning of USS Iowa which took place at Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn. on April 5, 2025.
In a unique gesture linking the two ships, a collaboration with Battleship IOWA Museum CEO Johnathan Williams, allowed for a wooden display case to be constructed with reclaimed teak wood from the decks of the battleship. The custom frame was hand-crafted by museum carpenter Stan Sato, and now displays the pennant that was flown aboard USS Iowa SSN 797 on commissioning day, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s proud naval tradition.
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