Uss Wisconsin Bb-64 Photos And History

The USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-class battleship that served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1991. The ship was built by the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and commissioned on April 16, 1944. During its nearly five decades of service, the Wisconsin participated in three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War.

The USS Wisconsin was designed to be a fast and heavily armed battleship, capable of reaching speeds of up to 33 knots and carrying a crew of over 1,500 sailors and officers. The ship was equipped with nine 16-inch guns, twenty 5-inch guns, and numerous anti-aircraft guns. Its armor was designed to withstand even the most intense enemy fire.

During World War II, the Wisconsin played a key role in several major battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The ship also participated in the Allied invasion of Okinawa, providing gunfire support to troops ashore.

After the war, the Wisconsin was decommissioned and placed in reserve. However, with the outbreak of the Korean War, the ship was reactivated and played a key role in several battles, including the Battle of Inchon. The Wisconsin's gunfire support was instrumental in helping United Nations forces secure key objectives and defeat enemy troops.

In the 1980s, the Wisconsin underwent a major modernization program, which included the installation of new radar and missile systems. The ship was reactivated and participated in several NATO exercises, demonstrating its continued relevance in modern naval warfare.

During the Gulf War, the Wisconsin played a key role in the Allied coalition's victory. The ship's Tomahawk cruise missiles and 16-inch guns were used to devastating effect, striking key enemy targets and helping to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.

After the Gulf War, the Wisconsin was decommissioned for the final time and is now a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia. The ship's legacy as one of the most powerful and effective battleships in U.S. Navy history continues to be celebrated by naval historians and enthusiasts.

USS Wisconsin BB-64 Technical Specifications

Length: 887 feet 3 inches (270.54 meters)
Beam: 108 feet 2 inches (33 meters)
Draft: 29 feet 1 inch (8.86 meters)
Displacement: 45,000 tons (standard), 52,000 tons (full load)
Speed: 33 knots (61 kilometers per hour)
Crew: 1,521 officers and enlisted personnel
Main Armament: Nine 16-inch guns (three triple turrets)
Secondary Armament: Twenty 5-inch guns (ten twin turrets)
Anti-Aircraft Armament: Numerous 40mm and 20mm guns
Armor: 12 inches (305mm) belt armor, 6 inches (152mm) deck armor
Propulsion: Eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, four General Electric turbines

USS Wisconsin BB-64 Service History

Commissioned: April 16, 1944
Decommissioned: July 1, 1948
Reactivated: March 3, 1951
Decommissioned: March 8, 1958
Reactivated: August 22, 1986
Decommissioned: September 30, 1991
Struck from Naval Vessel Register: January 17, 2006

USS Wisconsin BB-64 Awards and Decorations

American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Navy Occupation Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Navy Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Southwest Asia Service Medal

USS Wisconsin BB-64 Museum Ship

Moored: Norfolk, Virginia
Open to the public: Yes
Guided tours available: Yes
Museum hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (April to October), 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (November to March)