Battleship USS Iowa BB-61
Built in 1940, the USS IOWA served our country for over 50 years. Designated the "World's Greatest Naval Ship" due to her big guns, heavy armor, fast speed, longevity and modernization, she kept pace with technology for more than 50 years. During her more than 50 years in service, IOWA has welcomed and escorted our nation's Commander in Chief on many occasions. No other battleship in our nation's history has been host to more U.S. Presidents than the IOWA.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt USS IOWA had a bathtub installed for use by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during his transit for the Tehran Conference with Churchill, Stalin and Chiang Kai Shek. The bathtub is still present aboard IOWA and visitors will be able to view this unique feature during select tours.
On 12 November 1943, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt boarded the USS Iowa from the Presidential yacht (USS Potomac) at the mouth of the Potomac River. The President's party included Secretary of State Cordell Hull and the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a secret meeting with Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin and Chiang Kai-shek at the Tehran Conference. On 14 November 1943, at Roosevelt's request, the USS Iowa conducted an anti-aircraft drill to demonstrate her defensive capabilities. Escort ships also participated in these activities, one of which was the destroyer William D. Porter.
The warship was performing a torpedo drill, when #3 torpedo was accidently discharged from its tube and was headed directly towards the IOWA. After numerous attempts to signal the IOWA via blinker light, William D. Porter crew decided to break radio silence to inform the IOWA of the mishap. IOWA turned hard right to avoid the torpedo, which exploded in the wake of the battleship. During this event, Roosevelt had learned of the incoming torpedo and asked the Secret Service to move his wheelchair to the side of the battleship for a better view. On 16 December 1943, IOWA returned President Roosevelt back to the United States. His departing address to the crew stated, "...from all I have seen and all I have heard, the IOWA is a ‘happy ship,' and having served with the Navy for many years, I know, and you know, what that means."
President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan in front of Turrett 1 during the centenary of the Statue of Liberty in New York City. On 4 July 1986, President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan boarded USS Iowa for Liberty Weekend, the celebration of the restoration and centenary of the Statue of Liberty in New York City. That morning numerous ships from different eras participated in the naval revue, which President Reagan viewed from USS Iowa. He saw the ships as a personification of freedom and liberty: "Perhaps, indeed, these vessels embody our conception of liberty itself: to have before one no impediments, only open spaces; to chart one's own course and take the adventure of life as it comes; to be free as the wind - as free as the tall ships themselves. It's fitting, then, that this procession should take place in honor of Lady Liberty."
Numerous countries, ships and performers participated in this event and the evening was capped off with a 30 minute fireworks display. The Beach Boys performed that evening on top of turret 3 for the battleship's crew, their families and several i
Explore Related Categories
