Unmatched Fury

The Iowa-class is a series of fast battleships built for the US Navy during World War II. Initially, it consisted of six units, four of which were completed. These ships played a crucial role in the Pacific campaigns and were the scene of Japan's surrender aboard the USS Missouri. They also served in the Korean War and, for some, in the Vietnam War. Modernized in the 1980s, they were re-enlisted in the Lebanon War and the Gulf War before being definitively retired in 2006.

Designed to escort aircraft carriers, the Iowas were built without tonnage limitations, far exceeding the limits of international treaties. Their design was based on the elongated hull of the South Dakota-class, allowing them to reach 33 knots. Armed with 406 mm guns, they were designed to rival the Japanese Yamato-class battleships. Their construction was rapid, with a timeframe of two to three years between keel laying and launch.

Compared to other battleships of the time, the Iowas stood out for their heavy armament and armor. However, their role as capital ships was overshadowed by aircraft carriers. Despite this, their guns remained useful for amphibious operations and land attacks.

The Iowa-class ships were named after American states. The USS Iowa, the first of the class, served in World War II and the Korean War, and was eventually converted into a museum ship. The USS New Jersey, the only ship to participate in the Vietnam War, also served in the Gulf War. The USS Missouri is famous for hosting the Japanese surrender. The USS Wisconsin participated in the Gulf War before becoming a museum ship.

Post-World War II refit projects considered converting the Iowas into missile ships or helicopter carriers, but neither was realized due to costs and technical challenges. In the 1980s, they were modernized to meet the threat of Soviet Kirov-class combat ships, with the addition of missiles and close-in defense systems.

In 1995, their final retirement was controversial, particularly due to concerns about their lack of firepower for future amphibious landings. Two ships were retained in the reserve fleet until 2006, but their reactivation was deemed too costly and complex. The Iowas remain symbols of 20th-century American naval power.