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 Battleship USS Iowa Museum is a special maritime museum in San Pedro, Los Angeles. It is located at the Port of Los Angeles in California, USA. The main part of this museum is the USS Iowa (BB-61). This ship was the first of its kind, known as the Iowa class of battleships.
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The Amazing History of USS Iowa
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. This powerful ship served in three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War.
Iowa's Battle Stars and Famous Visitors
During its time in service, the Iowa earned 11 battle stars. These stars show how well it performed in different battles. The ship also hosted three U.S. Presidents. Because of this, it earned the nicknames "Battleship of Presidents" and "Big Stick."
Moving to its Museum Home
On September 6, 2011, the Pacific Battleship Center received the Iowa. They planned 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 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 its 75th anniversary. Its final stop was the Los Angeles Waterfront.
Opening Day and What You Can See
The USS Iowa Museum officially opened in Los Angeles on July 4, 2012. More than 1,500 people, including many veterans, came to celebrate. The museum is at Port of Los Angeles Berth 87.
When you visit, you can take daily tours. You will see the largest guns on a U.S. Navy ship. These are the 16"/50 caliber guns. You can also visit the officers' dining area and President Roosevelt's cabin. Other areas include the armored bridge, missile decks, and sleeping areas for the crew. You can also see the helicopter deck. The ship is located at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center. There are over 2,100 parking spaces available for visitors.
Iowa's Role in Movies and Events
The Iowa has been featured in many films and TV shows. Some of these include NCIS: Los Angeles, American Warships, and The Rookie. The ship also hosts important yearly events. These include the City of Los Angeles Veterans Appreciation, a Memorial Day Celebration, and a September 11 remembrance.
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