Following The Cold War, USS IOWA returned to the naval base at Norfolk and received a Turret Two Memorial plaque. She was decommissioned on October 26, 1990.

Memorial Plaque
Turret Two memorial plaque unveiled.
Reinstated to the Naval Vessel Register and placed in reserve
Federal Register places IOWA for donation
Vallejo Submits Final Application
Vallejo submits final application and is the only group remaining after Stockton and San Francisco groups withdraw. Navy issues letter to Vallejo group they need to show firm financing and has addressed EPA and dredging concerns.
Pacific Battleship Center Submits a Letter of Intent
Federal Register readvertises for donation applications citing Vallejo’s lack of progress. The Pacific Battleship Center in Los Angeles is the only group to submit a letter of intent. However, Vallejo remains in the competition.
Berth 87 – Our New Home
Port of Los Angeles Harbor Commissioners unanimous vote for Berth 87 as IOWA’s new permanent home.
Application for the Ship
The Pacific Battleship Center submits initial application by the November 24th deadline.
Final Application for the IOWA
Pacific Battleship Center submits the Final Application for the IOWA.
Open to the Public
USS IOWA is open to the public for the first time in many years.
Turret 2 Commemoration
First ceremonies for Turret 2 since ship was decommissioned.
Mast Re-stepped
Iowa’s upper mast radar platform is re-stepped. A re-stepping the mast ceremony was held with officials from the state of Iowa. Total weight lifted was 37,000 lbs. Platform is 50 ft. tall, 40 ft. long and over 50 ft. wide. Final height of the ship from the waterline to the top of the mast is 174 ft. The barge crane’s reach is barely tall enough at 194 feet.
Farewell to Iowa
The Big Band of Rossmoor with the Blue Stars conduct a farewell musical tribute to Iowa.
Donation Complete
The battleship Iowa was officially donated to the Pacific Battleship Center in Los Angeles by the United States Navy. U.S. Navy Vice Admiral W. Mark Skinner and Pacific Battleship Center President Robert Kent sign final documents transferring ownership from Navy to PBC.
Huey Lands on Aft Flight Deck
A Vietnam era UH-IH Huey helicopter landed on Iowa’s refurbished aft flight deck. The landing took place on the last day the ship was open to the public before being towed to her permanent home in San Pedro, CA. This was the first helicopter landing on the ship since 1989. The helicopter is called the 309 and is owned / operated by EMU, Inc.
New Home in LA
Port of Los Angeles Harbor Commissioners voted unanimously to create a new home for the historic battleship.
Bad Weather Prevents Departure
SS Jeremiah O’Brien holds a farewell cruise in San Francisco harbor, anticipating Iowa’s departure to San Pedro. However, bad weather prevents her departure. (O’Brien cruises by Iowa).
Berthing Arrangement
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to approve the permit between PBC and the Port of LA for battleship Iowa’s berth and lease arrangement.
Anchored off of LA
Anchored off the Southern California coast close to Long Beach on May 30th to have her hull scrubbed to remove any invasive species or contaminants.
Towed to Temporary Berth
She was towed to a temporary berth in San Pedro / Port of Los Angeles, Berth 51, 52, 53 across from the Victory ship SS Lane Victory. (Completing her last voyage on open water).
Towed to Permanent Home
Iowa’s final journey down the main Los Angeles channel to its permanent home at Port of Los Angeles, Berth 87, in San Pedro, CA, directly south of the World Cruise Center. Over 1,000 guests are on board as she is towed down channel.
USS Iowa Vets Visit
A private open house on Iowa is held for the visiting Iowa Veterans Association members and their families. During the first week in July, the Iowa Veterans Association held their annual reunion in San Pedro at the Doubletree Hotel.
Plankowner Celebration
Celebration (by invitation only) for Plankowners (initial supporters) who made donations to the nonprofit Pacific Battleship Center by May 20, 2012, Iowa holds an open house.
IOWA OPENED FOR TOURS
Iowa opened for tours as a floating museum to the general public at her new permanent home at Berth 87, San Pedro, Port of Los Angeles.
USS Wayne E. Meyer Tied Astern
August 14-18 : Navy Days LA featured destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer DDG 108 tied astern of Iowa. Special tours were given to their officers.
Space Shuttle Flyover
USMC Major General Spiese from Camp Pendleton and Iowa’s staff repaint the USMC emblem back on 5inch gun mount number 55. Space Shuttle Endeavor atop her Nasa 747 flies directly above Iowa, on her way to LAX and her future permanent home in the Los Angeles Science Center.
100,000 Have Come Since Opening
An estimated 100,000 have now toured Iowa since opening in Los Angeles.
Veteran’s Day Weekend
In conjunction with the Port of LA and Mayor’s office; Veterans Day was celebrated with a Veteran’s admission to Iowa’s tour being free. Over 5,000 visit over the weekend.