USS Wisconsin (BB-64) facts for kids

USS Wisconsin at sea, around 1990
Quick facts for kids History
United States
Namesake	The State of Wisconsin
Ordered	June 12, 1940
Builder	Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
Laid down	January 25, 1941
Launched	December 7, 1943
Sponsored by	Mrs. Goodland, wife of Walter S. Goodland
Commissioned	April 16, 1944
Decommissioned	July 1, 1948
Recommissioned	March 3, 1951
Decommissioned	March 8, 1958
Recommissioned	October 22, 1988
Decommissioned	September 30, 1991
Stricken	March 17, 2006
Motto	Forward for Freedom
Nickname(s)	"Wisky" or "WisKy"
Honors and awards	6 Battle Stars
Status	Museum ship at Nauticus
Notes	Homeport Norfolk Virginia
Badge
General characteristics
Class and type	Iowa-class battleship
Displacement	45,000 long tons (46,000 t) light 57,500 long tons (58,400 t) full load
Length	887 ft 3 in (270.43 m)
Beam	108 ft 2 in (32.97 m)
Draft	37 ft 9 in (11.51 m) (full load)
Speed	33 kn (38 mph; 61 km/h)
Complement	1,921 officers and men
Sensors and processing systems	AN/SPS-49 Air Search Radar AN/SPS-67 Surface Search Radar AN/SPQ-9 Surface Search / Gun Fire Control Radar
Electronic warfare & decoys	AN/SLQ-32 AN/SLQ-25 Nixie Decoy System 8 × Mark 36 SRBOC Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Chaff Rocket Launchers
Armament	1943: 9 × 16 in (406 mm)/50 cal Mark 7 guns 20 × 5 in (127 mm)/38 cal Mark 12 guns 80 × 40 mm/56 cal anti-aircraft guns 49 × 20 mm/70 cal anti-aircraft guns 1988: 9 × 16 in (406 mm)/50 cal Mark 7 guns 12 × 5 in (127 mm)/38 cal Mark 12 guns 32 × BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles 16 × RGM-84 Harpoon Anti-Ship missiles 4 × 20 mm/76 cal Phalanx CIWS
Armor	Belt: 12.1 in (307 mm) Bulkheads: 14.5 in (368 mm) Barbettes: 11.6 to 17.3 in (295 to 439 mm) Turrets: 19.5 in (495 mm) Decks: main 1.5 in (38 mm) second 6.0 in (152 mm)
USS Wisconsin (BB-64)
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location in Virginia Show map of Virginia Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	1 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, Virginia
Built	1941
Architect	Bureau of Construction and Repair
Architectural style	Iowa-class battleship
NRHP reference No.	12000178
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	March 28, 2012

The USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is a famous battleship that served in the United States Navy. It's named after the state of Wisconsin. This powerful ship was built in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was launched on December 7, 1943. This date was special because it was exactly two years after the Attack on Pearl Harbor.

During its long career, Wisconsin played a big role in World War II and the Korean War. It fired its huge guns to support soldiers on land and protect aircraft carriers. Later, it was updated with modern weapons and took part in the Gulf War in 1991.

Wisconsin was officially taken out of service in September 1991. It earned six battle stars for its service in World War II and Korea. Today, you can visit the Wisconsin as a museum ship at Nauticus in Norfolk, Virginia. It's a great way to learn about this amazing ship and its history.

Building a Battleship

The Wisconsin was designed to be a "fast battleship" in 1938. It was the third of four Iowa classs ever built. Its construction started on January 25, 1941, at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. The ship was launched on December 7, 1943, and officially joined the Navy on April 16, 1944. Captain Earl E. Stone was its first commander.

Powerful Weapons and Armor

The main guns of Wisconsin were nine huge 16 in (406 mm)/50 caliber Mark 7 guns. These guns could shoot 2,700 lb (1,200 kg) armor-piercing shells up to 20 mi (32 km) away! It also had 20 smaller 5 in (127 mm)/38 caliber guns for targets up to 10 mi (16 km) away.

To protect against air attacks, Wisconsin had many 20 mm and Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft guns. When the ship was updated in 1986, these older guns were removed. New weapons were added, like Phalanx CIWS for defense against missiles and aircraft. It also got Armored Box Launchers for Tomahawk missiles and Harpoon missiles.

The Wisconsin and its sister ship Missouri had thicker armor on their bulkheads (walls inside the ship). This made them even stronger. Wisconsin is the highest-numbered US battleship ever built. It was also the last battleship on any navy's list when it was removed in 2006.

World War II Service (1944–1945)

First Missions in the Pacific

After its first tests and training, Wisconsin left Norfolk, Virginia, on July 7, 1944. It sailed to the British West Indies for more training. Then, it went through the Panama Canal and joined the United States Pacific Fleet on October 2.

Wisconsin during its first sea trials in mid-1944

Wisconsin joined Admiral William F. Halsey's 3rd Fleet on December 9. It arrived in the Pacific when the fight to take back the Philippines was already well underway. The ship helped protect the 3rd Fleet's Fast Carrier Task Force during air raids on Manila. These attacks were meant to weaken Japanese defenses.

Wisconsin next to the old Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor in November 1944, before joining the 3rd Fleet.

Facing a Typhoon

On December 18, 1944, the ships of the 3rd Fleet faced a huge challenge: Typhoon Cobra. The storm hit while the ships were trying to refuel. Three destroyers sank, and many other ships were damaged. About 790 sailors were lost. Wisconsin was lucky, reporting only two injured sailors and no serious damage. It proved how strong and seaworthy it was.

After the typhoon, Wisconsin helped with the invasion of Luzon in the Philippines. It protected the fast carriers during air strikes on Formosa, Luzon, and the Nansei Shoto. These strikes aimed to weaken Japanese forces and help the Allied landings.

In January 1945, Wisconsin's carrier group launched air strikes in the South China Sea. They sank 41 enemy ships and damaged many facilities. Wisconsin also protected carriers during raids on Hong Kong, Canton, Hainan Island, and Okinawa.

Joining the 5th Fleet

Wisconsin then joined the United States Fifth Fleet under Admiral Raymond A. Spruance. On February 16, the task force surprised the Japanese coast near Tokyo. They shot down 322 enemy planes and destroyed 177 more on the ground.

The ship then moved to Iwo Jima on February 17 to support the landings there. It returned to Tokyo on February 25 and hit Hachino off Honshū, causing heavy damage.

On March 14, Wisconsin sailed back to Japan to help clear the way for American forces off Okinawa. Its planes attacked Japanese fleet units at Kure and Kobe. On March 19, an enemy attack hit the carrier Franklin. Wisconsin helped protect the damaged carrier, shooting down 48 enemy planes.

On March 24, Wisconsin used its 16 in (406 mm) guns to bombard Japanese targets on Okinawa. This prepared the way for the landings. Japanese resistance was strong but failed due to fewer planes and pilots.

Wisconsin escorting USS Essex-class aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.

Japanese kamikaze attacks were a big threat. On April 11, many kamikazes attacked TF 58. Wisconsin and other ships fired heavily to protect the carriers. They destroyed many planes before they could hit their targets.

On June 4, another typhoon hit the fleet. Wisconsin survived without damage, but several other ships were badly hit. On June 8, Wisconsin helped rescue a downed pilot from the carrier Shangri-La.

Bombarding Japan's Homeland

After repairs, Wisconsin sailed back to Japanese waters on July 1. On July 10, carrier planes destroyed 72 enemy aircraft and industrial sites near Tokyo. Wisconsin and the other ships did not hide their location, as Japanese resistance was weak.

On July 16, Wisconsin fired its 16 in (406 mm) guns at steel mills and oil refineries in Muroran, Hokkaido. Two days later, it attacked industrial sites near Hitachi Miro on Honshū. British battleships also joined in these attacks. By this point, Allied warships could shell Japan almost whenever they wanted.

TF 38's planes then attacked the Japanese naval base at Yokosuka. They put the battleship Nagato out of action. On August 13, the last air attack was made on Tokyo. Two days later, Japan surrendered, ending World War II.

Wisconsin arrived in Tokyo Bay on September 5 as part of the occupying force. During its time in World War II, it traveled 105,831 mi (170,318 km), shot down three enemy planes, and helped refuel its escort destroyers many times.

After World War II (1945–1950)

After the war, Wisconsin helped bring soldiers, sailors, and marines home from the Pacific as part of Operation Magic Carpet. It left Okinawa on September 23, 1945, and arrived in San Francisco on October 15.

In January 1946, Wisconsin went through the Panama Canal to the East Coast. It visited several South American ports later that year. In 1947, it became a training ship for naval reservists and midshipmen.

In January 1948, Wisconsin was prepared to be taken out of service. It was officially decommissioned on July 1, 1948, and placed in the reserve fleet.

The Korean War (1950–1952)

Buck, Wisconsin, and Saint Paul sailing together off the Korean coast in 1952.

Wisconsin's time in storage was short. When North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950, the ship was needed again. It was recommissioned on March 3, 1951. After training, it took midshipmen on cruises to Europe and North America. On August 23, 1951, Wisconsin accidentally got stuck in mud flats in New York Harbor but was freed without damage.

On October 25, Wisconsin left Norfolk for the Pacific. It arrived in Yokosuka, Japan, on November 21 and became the flagship for Vice Admiral H. M. Martin, Commander of the 7th Fleet.

Supporting Ground Troops

From November 26, Wisconsin supported carrier operations and provided gunfire support for Republic of Korea (ROK) troops. It shelled enemy tanks, gun positions, and buildings. On one occasion, it fired star-shells to light up an enemy attack, helping ROK troops push back the North Koreans.

Wisconsin continued to provide gunfire support, hitting enemy bunkers and artillery positions. On December 14, it shelled coastal targets in the Kojo area. It also helped support the American 1st Marine Division.

Wisconsin shells North Korean targets during the Korean War.

On December 18, Wisconsin supported the 11th ROK invasion with night illumination fire, helping them repel a North Korean attack. On December 20, it joined a combined air and gun attack on Wonsan, hitting boats and small craft.

On New Year's Eve, Wisconsin returned to Yokosuka. On January 10, 1952, the President of South Korea, Syngman Rhee, and his wife visited the ship.

Wisconsin returned to the "bombline" on January 11, providing heavy gunfire support for the 1st Marine Division and 1st ROK Corps. It hit command posts, bunkers, and troop concentrations. On January 14, it shelled enemy troops in the open at the request of the ROK 1st Corps.

After rearming, Wisconsin rejoined the fleet off Korea on January 23. It continued to blast railway buildings and marshaling yards. On January 26, it hit the command post of the 15th North Korean Division.

A Direct Hit

On March 15, Wisconsin focused its fire on enemy railway transport near Songjin. It destroyed a communist troop train. That afternoon, the ship was hit directly for the first time in its history. One of four shells from a North Korean 152mm gun hit a 40mm gun mount. Three sailors were injured, but the damage was minor. Wisconsin quickly destroyed that enemy battery with its powerful 16-inch guns.

On April 1, 1952, Wisconsin was relieved by its sister ship Iowa. It then sailed back to the United States, arriving in Long Beach, California, on April 19, and then continuing to Norfolk.

After the Korean War (1952–1981)

Wisconsin off Norfolk during the 1950s.

On June 9, Wisconsin went back to being a training ship. It took midshipmen on cruises to Scotland, France, and Cuba. In August, it took part in NATO exercise Operation Mainbrace in Scotland.

Wisconsin continued its role as a training ship and participated in exercises throughout 1952 and 1953. On October 12, 1953, it became the 7th Fleet flagship again in Japan. It visited many Japanese ports and spent Christmas in Hong Kong.

In June 1954, Wisconsin began another midshipman training cruise, visiting Scotland, Denmark, and Cuba. It also took part in Atlantic Fleet exercises.

Collision and Repair

Damage to Wisconsin's bow after colliding with Eaton on May 6, 1956.

On May 6, 1956, Wisconsin collided with the destroyer Eaton in heavy fog. Wisconsin had serious damage to its bow. To fix it quickly, a 120-ton section of the bow from its unfinished sister ship Kentucky was brought by barge. This new bow was attached in just 16 days, allowing Wisconsin to continue its training schedule.

The bow of Kentucky, used to repair Wisconsin.

Wisconsin continued its training and exercises. On March 27, 1957, it sailed to the Mediterranean Sea for a NATO exercise. During this time, it rescued a pilot and crewman from a crashed plane.

On May 27, Wisconsin returned to Norfolk. On June 19, it began another midshipman training cruise to South America.

Retirement from Active Service

Wisconsin's active service was coming to an end. On November 8, 1957, it went to Bayonne, New Jersey, to prepare for inactivation. It was officially taken out of commission on March 8, 1958. This meant that for the first time since 1895, the United States Navy had no active battleships. Wisconsin joined the "Mothball Fleet" at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

The battleships Iowa (right) and Wisconsin (left) in storage at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1982.

Reactivation (1986–1990)

As part of President Ronald Reagan's plan to create a "600-ship Navy," Wisconsin was brought back to life on August 1, 1986. It was towed to Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans and then to Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, for major upgrades.

Modernizing the Battleship

During this modernization, all of its old 20mm and 40mm anti-aircraft guns were removed. New, advanced weapons were installed. These included launchers for 16 RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles and 32 BGM-109 Tomahawk missiles. It also received four Phalanx 20mm Gatling guns to defend against missiles and aircraft.

Wisconsin next to Saratoga during its 1990–91 Mediterranean cruise.

Wisconsin also got eight RQ-2 Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These are remotely controlled drones that replaced helicopters for spotting targets for its 16-inch guns. Its radar, fire control systems, and electronic warfare abilities were also improved.

Wisconsin was officially recommissioned on October 22, 1988, under Captain Jerry M. Blesch. It was based in Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

Teak deck piece from the USS Wisconsin reactivation 1987–1988.

In 1989, Wisconsin conducted training exercises in the Atlantic and off Puerto Rico. In mid-1990, it took part in a large fleet exercise.

Gulf War (January/February 1991)

Wisconsin launches a BGM-109 Tomahawk missile at a target in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.

When Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, Wisconsin and its battle group were sent to the Persian Gulf. They arrived on August 23. On January 15, 1991, Operation Desert Storm began. Wisconsin served alongside its sister ship Missouri, just like in Korea. Both ships launched Tomahawk Missile attacks against Iraq, being among the first to fire cruise missiles in the war. Wisconsin directed many of these missile launches.

Wisconsin fires its big guns on Iraqi positions in Kuwait during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

On February 6, Wisconsin began providing gunfire support for the first time since 1952. It fired 11 shells to destroy an Iraqi artillery battery in southern Kuwait. Using a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as a spotter for the first time in combat, Wisconsin pounded an Iraqi communications compound on February 7. Its main guns fired 24 shells at Iraqi artillery sites and missile facilities. That evening, it fired 50 rounds at naval targets, damaging or sinking 15 Iraqi boats.

On February 9, Wisconsin's guns blasted bunkers and artillery sites near Khafji. On February 21, one of its UAVs spotted trucks resupplying an Iraqi command post. Wisconsin then destroyed 10 buildings in the complex. Wisconsin and Missouri took turns shelling the Kuwaiti coastline to prepare for a possible amphibious assault.

A technician moves a Pioneer RPV across the back of Wisconsin.

First Surrender to a Drone

On the night of February 23, Missouri and Wisconsin shelled Kuwait's Faylaka Island to support the ground offensive. They were trying to make Iraqi forces think an amphibious invasion was coming. As Wisconsin's drone approached Faylaka Island, the drone pilot flew it low over Iraqi positions. Iraqi troops heard the drone's buzzing sound and, seeing the effects of the shelling, began waving makeshift white flags to surrender. This was the first time enemy troops ever surrendered to an unmanned aircraft controlled by a ship!

By February 28, when President George H. W. Bush ended the fighting, both Wisconsin and Missouri had fired over a million pounds of ordnance. Wisconsin fired the last naval gunfire support mission of the war, making it the final battleship in history to see action. It returned home on March 28, 1991. During the Gulf War, Wisconsin flew 348 UAV hours, fired 319 16-inch rounds, 881 5-inch rounds, and launched 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Museum Ship (1992–Present)

Crewmembers on Wisconsin during its decommissioning ceremony.

After the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s, the United States reduced its defense spending. It became too expensive to keep battleships active. So, Wisconsin was decommissioned on September 30, 1991, after 14 years of service. It joined the Reserve Fleet at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

On December 7, 2000, the battleship was towed to Nauticus, The National Maritime Center in Norfolk. On April 16, 2001, its decks were opened to the public as a museum ship. The Navy still owned the ship and kept it ready in case it was needed again.

USS Wisconsin docked in Norfolk, Virginia.

Wisconsin was one of two battleships the US Navy was required to keep ready for shore bombardment. However, the ship was over 60 years old and would have needed huge updates to return to service. Its technology was mostly from World War II, and its missile and electronic warfare equipment were outdated. Modernizing it would have cost billions of dollars.

USS Wisconsin at its berth in Norfolk in 2007.

On March 17, 2006, the Navy decided to remove Iowa and Wisconsin from the active list, allowing them to become permanent museums. However, Congress was worried about losing the battleships' powerful gunfire support. They passed a law requiring that Wisconsin be kept in a state where it could be reactivated if needed. This meant:

• It could not be changed in a way that would stop it from being used militarily.
• It had to be preserved carefully.
• Enough spare parts and unique equipment (like the 16-inch gun barrels) had to be kept.
• The Navy had to plan for its quick reactivation in an emergency.

On December 14, 2009, the US Navy officially gave Wisconsin to the city of Norfolk. This ended the requirement to keep it ready for active duty. A ceremony took place on April 16, 2010. Wisconsin was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 28, 2012.

Awards and Honors

Wisconsin earned many awards for its service. It received five battle stars for its actions in World War II and one for the Korean War. It also got the Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Unit Commendation for its service in Korea and the 1991 Gulf War. In total, it received over a dozen awards.

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See also

In Spanish: USS Wisconsin (BB-64) para niños