About this Unit
USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-class battleship of the United States Navy, commissioned in April 1944. She served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing crucial naval gunfire support during the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After being decommissioned post-war, Wisconsin was reactivated for service in the Korean War, again offering significant fire support for United Nations forces. Modernized in the 1980s, she saw action during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 before being decommissioned for the final time in 1991 and later becoming a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia.
Historical Facts
•
One of the Last Battleships: USS Wisconsin (BB-64) was the second-to-last battleship built by the United States, launched in 1943 and commissioned in 1944. Only the USS Missouri (BB-63) was completed after her.
•
Service in Three Wars: Wisconsin served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, making her one of the few ships to see active duty in three major conflicts.
•
Kamikaze Encounter: In April 1945, during World War II, a kamikaze plane crashed near Wisconsin, but she sustained only minor damage and no casualties, due to her heavy armor.
•
The Bow Replacement: In 1956, after a collision with USS Eaton (DD-510), Wisconsin's bow was severely damaged. The forward 68 feet of her bow were replaced with the bow from her unfinished sister ship, USS Kentucky (BB-66).
•
Record-Setting Speed: Despite her size, Wisconsin could reach speeds in excess of 33 knots, making her one of the fastest battleships ever built.
•
Firepower: Her main battery consisted of nine 16-inch (406 mm) guns, capable of firing 2,700-pound shells over 20 miles, making her a formidable force in naval gunfire support.
•
Decommissioned and Reactivated: Wisconsin was decommissioned in 1948, but was reactivated for the Korean War, and again modernized for service during the 1980s as part of President Reagan's 600-ship Navy plan.
•
Tomahawk Missiles: In the 1980s, she was outfitted with Tomahawk cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Phalanx CIWS, blending classic battleship firepower with modern technology.
•
Gulf War Service: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Wisconsin launched Tomahawk missiles at Iraqi targets and provided naval gunfire support, marking the last time a U.S. battleship fired in combat.
•
Museum Ship: After final decommissioning in 1991, Wisconsin was opened as a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia, where visitors can tour the massive battleship and learn about her storied past.
