USS Iowa in the Korean Conflict

Recalled to action in 1951, the “Big Stick” delivered powerful gunfire support during America’s forgotten war.

USS Iowa in the Korean War: Firepower, Presence, and Protection

After a brief post-WWII retirement, the USS Iowa (BB-61) was recommissioned on August 25, 1951, in response to the outbreak of the Korean War. As tensions escalated on the Korean Peninsula, Iowa brought massive firepower, mobility, and deterrence back to the Western Pacific. During her Korean War deployments, she provided naval gunfire support, shelled strategic positions, and protected aircraft carriers. Her presence was both a tactical asset and a psychological force — a reminder of American strength and resolve in a new and uncertain Cold War era.

Top Milestones: USS Iowa in the Korean War

August 25, 1951: Recommissioned at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for Korean War duty.
March 1952: Arrived off the coast of Korea to begin combat operations.
April–September 1952: Fired over 2,000 16-inch shells in support of ground forces.
May 1952: Bombarded Wonsan, Chongjin, and Tanchon in North Korea.
August 1952: Engaged enemy batteries in intense counter-fire operations.
October 1952: Completed first Korean deployment and returned to the U.S.
April 1953: Returned for second combat tour; shelled coastal defenses and rail lines.
July 1953: Ceasefire signed; Iowa continued patrols until conflict stabilized.
February 24, 1958: Decommissioned again and placed in reserve.

WWII

1991-Present

Cold War

Service Awards

1951

Aug 01

Captain William R. Smedberg III, USN Takes Over As Commanding Officer

Aug 25

USS Iowa Recommissioned

Recommissioned due to the escalating level of hostilities in Korea.

1952

Apr 01

Heading to Japan

Underway for Far East to relieve USS WISCONSIN and become flagship of Vice Admiral Robert T. Briscoe, Commander, Seventh Fleet, operating in support of United Nations Forces in Korea.

Apr 08

Wonson-Songjin

Conducted gun strikes against enemy supply routes in Wonson-Songjin area.

Apr 09

Joined Bomb Line

Joined bomb line to strike enemy troop concentrations, supply areas and suspected gun positions in vicinity of Suwon Dan and Kojo.

Apr 13

Bombardment

Bombardment in support of I ROK Corps, killing 100 enemy troops, destroying six gun emplacements and seriously damaging divisional headquarters.

Apr 14

Wonsan Harbor

In Wonsan Harbor to bomb warehouses, observation posts and railroad marshaling yards and then back to the bomb line to support UN forces in Kosong area.

Apr 20

Closes 4 Railroad Tunnels

Operating north of 38th Parallel, the USS IOWA closed four railroad tunnels near Tanchon.

Apr 25

Bombardment April 25-26

Bombardment of Chindong and Kosong.

May 25

Bombardment at Chongjin

In action against North Korean industrial and rail transportation center at Chongjin. Not since the USS MISSOURI bombarded Chongjin in November 1950, had a battleship operated that far north, just forty-eight miles from the Russian border. The USS IOWA effectively destroyed Chongjin’s industrial center.

May 27

Bombardment of Songjin

Bombardment of Songjin, closing railroad tunnels and seriously damaging area bridges.

May 28

Support X Corps

Again on bomb line in support of X Corps, followed by gun strikes on islands in Wonsan harbor.

Jun 01

Replenishment

Underway for Sasebo and replenishment.

Jun 01

Month of June Gun Strikes

Gun strikes against Mayang-do, Tanchon, Chongjin, Chodo-Sokto and ports of Hungnam and Wonsan.

Jun 09

Rescue Downed Pilot from USS Princeton

USS IOWA’S helicopter rescued downed pilot from USS PRINCETON. Second USS PRINCETON pilot is rescued by USS IOWA’s helicopter.

Jul 01

Captain Joshua W. Cooper, USN Becomes Commanding Officer

Aug 20

Aids USS Thompson

Went to aid of destroyer USS THOMPSON off Songjin, taking aboard her casualties and covering her escape to safer waters.

Sep 23

Gun Strikes in Wonsan

Gun strikes in Wonsan area observed by General Mark Clark, USA, Commander-In-chief of United Nations Forces who was aboard. IOWA’s gunfire destroyed a major ammunition dump.

Sep 25

More Gunstrikes

Gun Strikes against railroad and thirty-car train.

Oct 14

Operation Decoy

Participated in Operation Decoy, an attempt to draw enemy troops under fire at Kojo.

Oct 16

Kojo Action

Provided anti-aircraft support for the USS MOUNT MCKINLEY during Kojo action. During her Korean tour, the USS IOWA steamed more than 40,000 miles.

Oct 17

En Route to Norfolk, VA

En route to Norfolk, Virginia for overhaul, followed by training operations in the Caribbean.

1953

Jul 01

Captain Wayne R. Loud, USN Becomes Commanding Officer

Jul 01

Operation Mariner

Serving as flagship of Second Fleet, USS IOWA was a participant in Operation Mariner, a major NATO exercise in Northern Europe.

1954

Jun 01

IOWA Class All Together

On Midshipmen training cruise, rendezvous with three other USS IOWA class battleships in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Sep 01

Captain William C. Bryson, USN Becomes Commanding Officer

1955

Jan 01

Extended Cruise to Mediterranean

January through April, visited Mediterranean, becoming first battleship in the Mediterranean since the war ended. Ports visited Gibraltar; Mers El Kebir, Oran; Genoa & Naples, Italy; Istanbul, Turkey; Athens, Greece; and Cannes, France.

Jun 01

Midshipmen Cruise.

In June, Midshipmen Cruise. Visited Barcelona, Spain and Portsmouth, England.

Aug 01

Returned to Norfolk, VA

In August in Norfolk, Virginia for a four-month overhaul, followed by training cruises and operational exercises.

Nov 01

Captain John W. Ailes III, USN Becomes Commanding Officer

Dec 01

Regunned in December

Regunned for the first time.

1956

Apr 13

In Cuba

During April 13-15, the ship visited Havana Cuba.

Apr 15

Play Ball

USS IOWA’s baseball team played the University of Havana in Havana.

Jun 01

Midshipmen Cruise Able

From June, the ship Visited Guantanamo Bay, Bermuda, Portsmouth, England, and Copenhagen, Denmark.

Dec 01

Captain F. Julian Becton USN Becomes Commanding Officer

Capt. 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).

1957

Jan 01

Return to the Med

Returned to Mediterranean for duty with the Sixth Fleet.

Jun 13

International Naval Review

Participated in International Naval Review off Hampton roads, Virginia.

Sep 01

Operation Strike Back

Participate in NATO’s Operation strike Back in North Atlantic. wikipedia

1958

Feb 24

Decommission (Again)

Decommissioned at Philadelphia Navy Yard.