Fire! Why the Iowa-Class Battleships Dominated Anything in the Water

The Iowa-class battleships were the pinnacle of American naval engineering and firepower. Conceived in the late 1930s and built during World War II, these ships were designed to be the fastest and most powerful battleships ever constructed by the United States Navy.

The class consists of four completed ships: USS Iowa (BB-61), USS New Jersey (BB-62), USS Missouri (BB-63), and USS Wisconsin (BB-64). Two additional ships, USS Illinois (BB-65) and USS Kentucky (BB-66), were planned but never completed.

Built to Dominate the Seven Seas

The design of the Iowa-class battleships represented a departure from traditional U.S. battleship design, which had previously prioritized firepower and armor over speed. The Iowa-class balanced these three elements, resulting in a versatile and powerful warship capable of performing a wide range of missions. This design philosophy allowed the Iowa-class battleships to remain relevant through multiple conflicts and technological advancements.

One of the distinguishing features of the Iowa-class battleships was their speed. They were designed to achieve a top speed of 33 knots, making them the fastest battleships ever built. This speed was made possible by a powerful propulsion system consisting of eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, and four sets of General Electric geared steam turbines.

These turbines generated a total of 212,000 shaft horsepower, driving four propellers. The high speed allowed the Iowa-class battleships to operate alongside aircraft carriers and other fast-moving fleet elements, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities.

The primary armament of the Iowa-class battleships was their nine 16-inch (406 mm) Mark 7 naval guns, mounted in three triple turrets. These guns could fire 2,700-pound armor-piercing shells up to 24 miles, delivering devastating firepower against enemy ships and shore installations.

The secondary battery consisted of twenty 5-inch (127 mm) dual-purpose guns that were effective against surface and air targets. During the Cold War, the battleships were modernized to carry Tomahawk cruise missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, significantly enhancing their offensive capabilities.

The Iowa-class battleships were heavily armored to withstand enemy fire. The main belt armor was 12.1 inches thick, providing substantial protection against torpedoes and shells. The turrets were protected by up to 19.5 inches of armor, and the conning tower had 17.3 inches of armor.

The deck armor varied from 1.5 to 6 inches, protecting against bombs and plunging shells. This combination of armor made the Iowa-class battleships some of the most resilient warships ever constructed.

The Iowa-class battleships were equipped with advanced radar and fire control systems for their time. During World War II, they featured the Mark 8 fire control radar and the Mark 12/22 radar systems, which provided accurate targeting information for their main and secondary batteries.

These systems were continually upgraded throughout their service life, with later additions including the AN/SPS-49 and AN/SPS-67 radar systems during the Cold War. These upgrades ensured that the battleships remained effective in modern naval warfare.

Initially, the Iowa-class battleships were equipped with floatplanes for reconnaissance and spotting. These planes were launched using catapults and recovered by cranes. During the Cold War, the battleships were modified to operate helicopters, which provided greater flexibility for reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare. The addition of a helicopter flight deck further enhanced their operational capabilities.

Operational History

The Iowa-class battleships were primarily deployed in the Pacific Theater during World War II. They served as fast escorts for the Essex-class aircraft carriers, providing anti-aircraft defense and shore bombardment support.

Their speed allowed them to keep pace with the fast carrier task forces, making them invaluable assets. Notably, the USS Missouri (BB-63) hosted the Japanese surrender ceremony on September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay, marking the end of World War II. The battleships’ 16-inch guns were used to bombard Japanese positions on various islands, including Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Their firepower was instrumental in softening enemy defenses before amphibious assaults.

During the Korean War, the Iowa-class battleships were reactivated to provide naval gunfire support for United Nations forces. Their 16-inch guns were used to bombard North Korean and Chinese positions along the coast.

The battleships’ ability to deliver precise and powerful artillery fire made them a critical component of the naval blockade and bombardment strategy.

The battleships were again modernized and reactivated in the 1980s as part of the Reagan administration’s 600-ship Navy program. They participated in various operations, including the Lebanon crisis 1983 and the Gulf War 1991. Their ability to launch Tomahawk missiles made them valuable assets in the era of modern naval warfare.

Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

The Iowa-class battleships are preserved as museum ships, serving as a testament to their historical significance and technological prowess. USS Iowa is berthed at the Pacific Battleship Center in Los Angeles, the USS New Jersey at the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial in Camden, the USS Missouri at the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor, and the USS Wisconsin at the Nauticus Museum in Norfolk.

These ships symbolize American naval power and innovation, representing the last generation of battleships before the advent of the aircraft carrier-dominated fleet. Naval historians and enthusiasts continue to study their design and operational history, ensuring that the legacy of the Iowa-class battleships endures.

About the Author: Isaac Seitz

Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.