USS Wisconsin (BB-64)

• 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.