Iowa class battleship

Four Iowa-class battleships were built in the early 1940s in the United States. Two other Iowa-class battleships were laid down but were scrapped prior to completion. Built with cost no object, the Iowas are arguably the finest battleships ever built (their only serious competition were the British HMS Vanguard and the Japanese Yamato class).

Related Topics:
1940s - United States - Battleship - HMS Vanguard - ''Yamato''

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Iowa-class battleships was preceded by the South Dakota class, and would have been succeeded by the Montana class if the Montanas had not been cancelled prior to construction. The design of the Iowa class was based upon that of the South Dakota class but with more powerful engines, larger guns and an additional 200 feet (60 m) of length for improved seakeeping. The Iowas are among the most attractive battleships ever built, with a long, narrow, elegant bow and three powerful gun turrets.

Related Topics:
''South Dakota'' class - ''Montana'' class - Feet - M

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Iowa class was the last battleship line built by the United States, as naval power had shifted to being primarily aircraft carrier based. These ships were launched during the Second World War, and all of them saw action throughout the 20th century. All four of the completed ships were recommissioned in the 1980s, only to be decommissioned in the 1990s after the Cold War ended.

Related Topics:
Aircraft carrier - Second World War - 20th century - 1980s - 1990s - Cold War

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Iowas were unique for several reasons. First, these ships were designed as "fast" battleships, able to rely on an even mix of speed and firepower. Secondly, all of them were designed to fit through the Panama Canal with less than a foot (300 mm) to spare on either side. Third, all four of the Iowa class battleships were recommissioned and refitted under the Reagan Administration as part of Navy Secretary John F. Lehman's "600-ship Navy" plan, particularly in response to the Soviet Navy commissioning the Kirov class. Fourth, these ships actively participated in the U.S. Navy throughout the latter half of the twentieth century. Lastly, all four of the ships are still in existence, which is unusual because the Navy usually uses derelict ships to test weapons on before scuttling them or selling them for scrap.

Related Topics:
Panama Canal - Mm - Reagan Administration - Navy Secretary - John F. Lehman - 600-ship Navy - ''Kirov'' class - Derelict

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~