USS Iowa Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 2012 |
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| Location | Port of Los Angeles, California United States |
| Type | Museum ship |
| Nearest parking | On-site |
The USS Iowa Museum is a cool place to visit in San Pedro, California. It's a special kind of museum called a museum ship. The main attraction is the amazing USS Iowa (BB-61) battleship. This ship was the first of its kind, known as the Iowa class of battleships.
Contents
History of the USS Iowa
Building and Service
The USS Iowa (BB-61) was the first ship in the last group of U.S. Navy battleships ever built by the United States. It was first put into service in 1943. The battleship served bravely during World War II, the Korean War, and even through the Cold War.
During its time, the Iowa earned 11 battle stars for its service. It also hosted three different U.S. Presidents! Because of this, it earned the nicknames "Battleship of Presidents" and "Big Stick."
Becoming a Museum Ship
The Pacific Battleship Center was given the Iowa on September 6, 2011. Their plan was to display it at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California. This port was once home to the United States Battle Fleet from 1919 to 1940.
On October 27, 2011, the battleship was moved from the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet. It went to the Port of Richmond, California, to be painted and fixed up. Then, on May 27, 2012, the Iowa was towed under the Golden Gate Bridge. This happened on the bridge's 75th birthday! It was the ship's final trip to Los Angeles.
Opening to the Public
The USS Iowa Museum officially opened in Los Angeles on July 4, 2012. More than 1,500 people, including many veterans, came to celebrate at Port of Los Angeles Berth 87.
Today, the USS Iowa Museum offers daily tours. They also have special programs for groups and educational visits for students. You can even hold special events or film movies on board. Military ceremonies are also held there. The museum is planning to start an overnight program too!
What You Can See on the Ship
When you visit the USS Iowa, you can explore many parts of this huge ship. You'll get to see the largest guns on any U.S. Navy ship. These are the powerful 16"/50 caliber guns.
You can also visit the officers' ward room and President Roosevelt's special cabin. The armored bridge, where the ship was steered, is also open. You can explore missile decks, where missiles were once stored. Visitors can also see where the sailors slept and ate, called enlisted berthing and mess decks. There's even a helicopter deck!
The ship is located at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center. There are over 2,100 parking spaces available for visitors.
Iowa in Movies and Events
The USS Iowa has been featured in many films and TV shows. Some of these include NCIS: Los Angeles, American Warships, Bermuda Tentacles, The Rookie, and Dark Rising.
The Iowa also hosts important annual events focused on American history. These include the City of Los Angeles Veterans Appreciation, a Memorial Day Celebration, and a September 11 remembrance.
See also
