Happy 83rd Birthday, IOWA!

March 12, 2026 | History

February 22, 2026 marks the 83rd anniversary of BB-61's original commissioning. To commemorate the occasion, Battleship IOWA's historian/curator Dave Way dug into his archives to share some fun photos, including a shot of the cover of the very first issue of the ship's newsletter, The Iowan (below).

Front page of The Iowan Hawkeye newsletter, featuring a headline welcoming officials aboard USS IOWA, a photo of three men in uniform, and a birthday cake with U.S.S. Iowas Birthday caption. Text and official seals included.

A large crowd gathers on the deck of a battleship beneath three massive gun barrels, with sailors and officers standing in formation and more people visible on upper decks.

Ship's company and guests assembled on and around Turret III

Large crowd gathered on the deck of a battleship near three big naval guns, with rows of uniformed personnel standing in formation and civilians observing. A dock and another ship are visible in the background.

Ship's company salutes the colors

A large battleship with three main gun turrets and an American flag holds a formal ceremony, with rows of uniformed personnel standing on deck near the water.

Color view of IOWA's stern during the ceremony

An aerial view of a battleship docked at a pier, with people lined up on the deck and vintage cars parked alongside the dock. The ships large guns and turrets are visible.

Sailors lining up to go below at the conclusion of the ceremony

Two men shake hands; one wears a suit, overcoat, and fedora, the other is dressed in a naval officers uniform with a hat. They stand in front of a ship structure with ladders and ropes.

SECNAV Frank Knox congratulates IOWA CO CAPT John L McCrea after the ceremony

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