The USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-class battleship that served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1991. With a displacement of 45,000 tons and a length of 887 feet, the Wisconsin was one of the largest and most advanced battleships in the world at the time of its commissioning. The ship was named after the state of Wisconsin and was the second ship to bear this name.
Design and Construction
The USS Wisconsin was designed to be a fast and heavily armed battleship, with a top speed of over 30 knots and a main armament of nine 16-inch guns. The ship’s armor was designed to protect against enemy gunfire and torpedoes, with a belt of armor plate up to 12 inches thick and a deck of armor up to 6 inches thick. The Wisconsin was also equipped with advanced radar and fire control systems, making it one of the most technologically advanced battleships of its time.
Commissioning and World War II Service
The USS Wisconsin was commissioned on April 16, 1944, and began its service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The ship participated in several major battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Okinawa, and was awarded five battle stars for its service during the war. The Wisconsin was also involved in the Allied invasion of Japan, and was present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrender was signed on September 2, 1945.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 45,000 tons |
| Length | 887 feet |
| Beam | 108 feet |
| Draft | 29 feet |
| Top Speed | 30 knots |
| Main Armament | 9 x 16-inch guns |
Korean War and Vietnam War Service
After World War II, the USS Wisconsin was decommissioned and placed in reserve, but was recommissioned in 1951 to serve in the Korean War. The ship participated in several major battles, including the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, and was awarded two battle stars for its service during the war. The Wisconsin was also involved in the Vietnam War, and was used as a gunfire support ship to provide artillery fire for ground troops.
Modernization and Final Years of Service
In the 1980s, the USS Wisconsin underwent a major modernization program, which included the installation of new radar and fire control systems, as well as the addition of Tomahawk and Harpoon missile launchers. The ship was also equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems and a new propulsion system. The Wisconsin was recommissioned in 1986 and served for several more years, participating in several major exercises and operations, including the Gulf War.
Key Points
- The USS Wisconsin was an Iowa-class battleship that served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1991.
- The ship was designed to be a fast and heavily armed battleship, with a top speed of over 30 knots and a main armament of nine 16-inch guns.
- The Wisconsin participated in several major battles during World War II, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Okinawa.
- The ship was also involved in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and was used as a gunfire support ship to provide artillery fire for ground troops.
- The Wisconsin underwent a major modernization program in the 1980s, which included the installation of new radar and fire control systems, as well as the addition of Tomahawk and Harpoon missile launchers.
The USS Wisconsin was decommissioned for the final time on September 30, 1991, and was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on October 17, 1991. The ship is now a museum ship, moored in Norfolk, Virginia, and is open to the public for tours. The Wisconsin's legacy as a battleship is a testament to the evolving nature of naval warfare, and its service during several major conflicts demonstrates its effectiveness as a warship.
What was the USS Wisconsin’s primary role during World War II?
+The USS Wisconsin’s primary role during World War II was as a battleship, providing gunfire support for Allied troops and participating in several major battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Okinawa.
How many battle stars did the USS Wisconsin earn during its service?
+The USS Wisconsin earned a total of 13 battle stars during its service, including five for its service during World War II, two for its service during the Korean War, and six for its service during the Vietnam War.
What is the USS Wisconsin’s current status?
+The USS Wisconsin is currently a museum ship, moored in Norfolk, Virginia, and is open to the public for tours. The ship was decommissioned for the final time on September 30, 1991, and was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on October 17, 1991.
