Battleship USS IOWA (BB-61)
“Our Liberties We Prize, Our Rights We Shall Maintain”
Battleship USS IOWA is the namesake of the 29th state of the United States and the lead vessel in the last class of battleships in the world. She was built to be heavily armored and fast to fight the tyranny of the Axis powers in WWII. During her service in WWII, Korea, and Cold War, she earned eleven battle stars and made history as one of the last great battleships to see service.
Thousands of sailors (and one mischievous dog) have called her home, five U.S. presidents have visited, and proud, passionate Americans rallied to save her from the scrapyards and preserve her for future generations. During active and museum service to our nation, the ship has hosted millions. She is a living symbol of Freedom of the Seas and a catalyst helping to reinvigorate the community of San Pedro, CA.
She remains connected to her humble roots – roots that sprang from Iowa children raising money to build “their” ship. Generations of Iowans have fond memories of visiting a model of the ship at the state capitol. We continue the ship’s connection with the state of Iowa through promotional activities, regular visits, and the annual USS Iowa Lamberti Service Award.
We invite you to learn more about the Battleship USS IOWA and support the museum of the future.
A Legacy of Service
UPDATES & HISTORY
Accepting Applications: Paws For Freedom
Paws For Freedom is a community art and engagement initiative to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States
Headlines from the End of World War II
Memories on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II
Celebrating Our Volunteers
Battleship IOWA recognizes volunteer accomplishments with special ceremony
Escape the Fleet
Battleship USS Iowa Named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Winner for 2025
What USS Iowa Means to the 1989 Crew
Diplomats & Admirals: Fascinating WWII Facts From Author Dale Jenkins
Author Dale Jenkins releases his new book “Diplomats and Admirals” aboard IOWA
Finding Treasures: How Missing Pieces Return To The Ship
No Higher Honor: RADM Sam Cox, USN (Ret.) on the Battle Off Samar
Dave Way & Jim Kurrasch: A Curatorial Conversation Part II – “Artifact #1”
Dave Way & Jim Kurrasch: A Curatorial Conversation (Part I)
Dave Badgett & Kent Coble: Fire Chiefs Remember 9/11 Twenty-One Years Later
Carl Herzog: Public Historian for USS CONSTITUTION Museum
Tales From The Ghost Fleet And Other Memories Part III
Tales From The Ghost Fleet And Other Memories Part II
Tales From The Ghost Fleet And Other Memories Part I
Author Dale A. Jenkins: A Tin Can Sailor Talks WWII Diplomacy And Its Continuing Legacy
Homecoming: 1980s Crew Members Return To Battleship IOWA
Surface Navy Heroes
This Date In USS IOWA History: 30 August, 1945
Battleship IOWA Tours: You Never Know Who You’ll Meet
San Pedro’s Battleship IOWA Museum now offers educational Gun Tour, with a closer look at Turret No. 1
Why Battleship IOWA Matters
