USS Wisconsin - The last Battleship

A complete history of the vessel, this program chronicles the life of the USS Wisconsin, defines its unique place in history and profiles the courageous men who went to war on its decks.

[@OmegaTou]

I'm glad all four of the Iowas were able to become museum ships instead of getting sent to the breakers.

[@redram5150]

OmegaTou unlike the USS Pennsylvania; sitting on the bottom of the Pacific, an irradiated and shelled hulk. That was such a beautiful ship

[@hunterburchevy8670]

My grandpa was on the uss wisconsin he passed away tho after a snowambile assident 1988 to 1991

[@allanr6132]

My uncle served on the New Jersey during the Vietnam war. I hope to tour it one day.

[@darklordchris]

Only Thing I hate about them doing that, is when they strip it down and reconvert it back to WWII standard. Because of them doing that, people have a hard time understanding that they were used in Desert Storm, and had a whole host of modern equipment on them them including phalanx guns & cruise missiles. I wish at least one was kept as its Desert Storm configuration.

[@viper2165]

@@darklordchris didnt they leave the Missouri in the desert storm configuration?

[@CharmsDad]

My dad served on the Wisconsin in Korea. When the battleship was first put on display (then still officially in reserve) we took him to see her. His Alzheimer’s was becoming more apparent and his health was failing. It was the last trip we were able to take him on, but it clearly meant a lot to him. We lost him in 2009. That beautiful battleship will always be very special to me because of what it meant to my dad.

[@c.vonsohn9566]

may eternal light shine upon him

[@susanbagnall4339]

We took my Dad too … in his stages of Alzheimer’s. The trip was incredible!

[@tylersoto7465]

The USS Texas battleship is just 30 minutes away from me and everytime I see it In awe of it and I Know the love of battleships how beautiful and powerful they are and mad they couldn't use them anymore like the USS Missouri with all the heavy guns, cruise missiles, cwis guns, SAM Anti-aircraft missiles and antiship missiles it has basically being a OP heavy destroyer it is and can be useful as a secondary type capital ship or a lone ship doing alot of damage

[@collierdodson9806]

Thank You and your dad.

[@user-ln4zr4pz4f]

My old man had a picture of BB-64 offering a full broadside on the wall in his office forever. Sorry for your loss.

[@shawnp6744]

At first you hate them. Then you tolerate them. Finally as the hair turns gray and you age. You miss them and those glorious days of youth you spent on them.

[@calvinnickel9995]

Shawshank Redemption?

[@awesomeaiden5218]

That is so inspiring

[@DreadnoughtHvor]

I love my last command and I just got out recently. There's something about ship life that changes your forever, and never really leaves ya. As a Gunner's Mate. I would have loved to work with those guns.

[@crystalmatthew5649]

Battleships have the same properties. Very true.

[@gregroberts3183]

Thank you to every sailor that served on her. The nation and the free world owes you a debt of thanks.

[@stevengiroud4035]

I served on the Wisconsin from 1988 to 1991 . It was a great privilege to serve with those sailor's and on that beautiful ship . GO NAVY !!!!

[@dustinpatlyek1987]

You look at the comment 4 above yours? Someone who was on it with you

[@hisaddle]

Wasn't the Whiskey, technically firing the first shot of Desert Storm? a long range missile......

[@stevengiroud4035]

@@hisaddle yes

[@neubauerjoseph]

@@stevengiroud4035I heard a story that BB64 took out so many targets that the pentagon brass was like what’s going on because they was hitting 97% of its targets unheard of rate….. your capt responded with what can I say sir we have a good ship and a good crew.

[@neubauerjoseph]

By the way mad respect 🫡 from a CS from uss Nimitz cvn68 2009-2013. I hope I get to see Nimitz before she get scrapped people say one of the most important navy ships will get scrapped so sad if so.

[@orange70383]

The Wisconsin was using it's smaller guns at the time it was hit, the Wisconsin then replied with it's 16 in guns. After firing it's big guns a nearby US ship sent a message to the Wisconsin saying, temper, temper.

[@73Trident]

I was wondering if someone would bring up the Wiskys reply to the North Koreans. Great story and reply.

[@rayat895]

As a Wisconsin resident, I'm so proud of that ship and those that served on her. Rest well, USS Wisconsin. You've certainly earned it.

[@adventureanglingpnw1821]

I'm proud to live in a state where our battleship still is in port. And is about 20 miles from my house. Long live the USS North Carolina

[@LordOfNothingham]

I visited it twice. Once as a child and then as an adult. Great ship great piece of history.

[@matthewwest8569]

Same here. I’m about 10 miles away from it

[@DannyAllen10271966]

Can any of you tell me where any movies of bb 55 can be found. I can only find a few things on KZbin but i would love to see her in a movie or document.

[@gregorywomack9416]

Go visit it fool!!!

[@buttslayer699]

My states battleship has been long gone but i live only 45 minutes from the USS Alabama (The Lucky A) Btw no, i dont live in Florida i live in Mississippi.

[@merclb56]

"It was the airplane that eclipsed battleships and after Pearl Harbor everyone realized that right away..." CIWS - Heavy breathing

[@nathanielgreeneoncod5030]

If they were to ever recommission the Iowa class they should definitely turn it into a floating cwis platform. Slap some tomahawk missles on it too.

[@DreadnoughtHvor]

CIWS are last methods of defense...literally the last line...just because they're so cranky.

[@Elthenar]

One, the can't recommision the Iowa's. There hasn't been an infrastructure to make parts for them in 40 years. Two, if someone had a magic wand to make them battleready, they still would only have the one use. Shore bombardment. That's always been there forte every since they left the shipyard. BTW, the overpressure on the main guns was so extreme that they couldn't mount surface to air missiles on the Iowas. That's why all they had was some 20mm CIWS's and Tomahawks in armored box launchers.

[@SCHMALLZZZ]

That's assuming the CWIS is operational.

[@Grady4bobcats]

@@Elthenar sure they can. If we can rebuild steam locomotives we can rebuild a battleship. The 16” guns would destroy any ship afloat and as long as a CIWS and missile to missile defense system, it could be potentially unsinkable. While I agree they wouldn’t serve much purpose in today’s peacetime Navy, it would be an impressive feat of engineering to rebuild. If they rebuilt it, id serve on it.

[@johnlamb2333]

The Iowa class battleships, most beautiful battle ships ever built. At lest that's how I see it.

[@enrique88005]

Yamato was awesome as well

[@dochlldy]

There were many awesome ships built by many of the countries,both friend and foe.

[@atdfbttl15]

I like the Richelieu class better looking when I just compare their looks. I'm talking about their final versions though. It might be because I'm a french bb main in world of waships xd

[@antarisalduin_tv2806]

The Yamato is very cool too

[@belfast4893]

Scharnhorst class looks the best

[@pallegantzhorn3742]

even as a non american, you cant do anything else but respect these masterpieces. no doubt this ship has enough influence on our worlds history trough the years to justify its existence, no matter what ppl might think

[@combatvetroobz6396]

Served on her from Feb 1990 to May 1991 - If you aren't tough when you board, you will be. Battleship life isn't for everyone but those who have lived it have a brotherhood for life.

[@charleschapman6810]

But what with missile progress, the modern destroyers are the most powerful surface warships afloat!

[@EstorilEm]

Give the man some credit - this was a different era entirely It took 94 men to keep a 16" turret operational in combat. It takes one man to press a button to launch a tomahawk. The current destroyers are imposing vessels in their own right, but nothing will ever touch the presence of an Iowa-class battleship. Ever.

[@marktrouts4753]

U said it'll be the truth we fought drank fkd but when you get a chance fire on the fucker that are doing the same thing to you it's call war and it ain't pretty

[@vancewilliams1364]

My uncle was on the Constelleation during the late 70s and 80s. Aviaonics tech I believe is what he said he was doing at the time, he said he misses it from time to time.@FooBar Maximus

[@hunterburchevy8670]

My grandpa was on the the ship to 1988 to 199q

[@rogerrathbun444]

I served on her from 90-92 prior to wisconsin I served on the Iowa . What awesome ships they are

[@lightningphoenix7155]

@Commentor1 I'm not even going to explain. Sometimes ships don't always stay in drydock.

[@dustinpatlyek1987]

A few of your shipmates are in the comments

[@mikekopack6441]

If you've never toured one of these, and have the chance, DO IT! The engineering you see in them is amazing! The gun targeting systems are all mechanical analog computer mechanisms and as a Computer Scientist I found them utterly fascinating to look at. The tour guide said that when they were being pulled out of mothballs in the 80's and refit the Navy asked IBM to develop new digital targeting computers to replace the 1930's era mechanical systems for the 16" and 5" guns. They found that the new digital systems were only slightly more accurate but were much less likely to be repairable while underway and didn't save much space and used more power, so they decided to keep the original systems. Just blew my mind.

[@Joshua_N-A]

It's like the supercomputer of its time.

[@davidrutherford6311]

I heard that some newer systems were also more likely to fail during firing of the main guns as the ship shook and the computers would reset.

[@haukepowers8491]

A EM of the New Jersey told me those so-called "old " targeting systems beat new computers to hell when it came to power loss...Several times the Jersey guns hit targets nearly 2 miles away and only and 25 feet deviance !!! Like anything would survive a hit from a 16 inch shell !!! hahahahahaha !!

[@tylersoto7465]

I live half a hr from the USS Texas battleship and I viewed it multiple times and just love it

[@davy1458]

I'm so thankful to my government for not scrapping these beautiful ships. As an American these ships mean so much much to me. They remind me of my grandfather and his generation and their struggle against tyranny. My heart beat surges Every time I see a picture or video of one and when I see one in person I am so overcome with multiple emotions that I feel my eyes trying to make tears. These ships mean as much to me as any person. I'd lay my life down to protect one from harm or vandalism. Another thing that amazes me is that they belong to me and every other American citizen....they belong to us and thanks to our government and several great men and women these mighty war ships have been preserved and handed over to us to cherish and show to our children. I hope they never see another war or fire their guns in anger ever again. I couldn't bear the thought of them being put at risk. These ships are my favorite items of american history. There isn't a building or monument or national park that I find more beautiful or majestic than these ships along with uss constitution also. Thank to everyone who has helped to care for and preserve them and an extra special thanks to everyone who lived and fought on them. Your as amazing as the ships it's self....they are a part of you and you are a part of them and together you make me proud and grateful to be an american....god bless our veterans and these beautiful ships. May they forever sit atop the waves and never under them.

[@waynevreeland3141]

Very well said, sir. Thank you.

[@ampatriotsmith9545]

I agree; that was very well said. You are a patrior

[@johnwayne4217]

Stayed overnight on this ship when I was about 12 and at night they took us off the ship to a theater and put this on, with some of the veterans and it was one of the best times of my life.

[@metaknight115]

I’ve been on her sistership, Iowa, and it’s amazing

[@johnwayne4217]

I’ve also stayed on New Jersey, I want to visit all four but la and pearl are a little far

[@DeDerpyDerp_]

" *What would be the most powerful ships in some countries navies. And we use them as museums* "

[@rustykilt]

At least you saved them... they were getting tired and had done great service.. still would love to see one on service.

[@jcjcjunk1881]

@@rustykilt why not create schematics for a modern battleship

[@traveller4790]

The unfortunate truth is that the battleship - including the Iowas - are no longer the most powerful warships afloat. With the advance of modern technology and weaponry, a destroyer can now pack as much punch as a battleship did, maybe even more. The range of the 16" guns was 20 miles; a destroyer armed with Tomahawk missiles can reach out and touch a target from as far away as 1,550 miles depending on the model of the missile. And yes, you can mount Tomahawks on the Iowas as the Navy did, but you can also do that with a destroyer at a much, much lower cost. The sad truth is that the time for the battleship of any navy is long past, and will never return.

[@allianzsaint4336]

@trf12567 if you want something that can defend itself I rather take the russian kirov class battlecruiser These ships have enough firepower to demolish anything on the receiving end While having a shit ton of defence and can take a okay beating if anything gets tough its defence It's a shame but the iowa class battleships have no place in today's naval warfare

[@traveller4790]

@trf12567 If you were talking conventional shells, that would be correct. However, times have changed, and there are missiles in existence now that will rip ANY ship apart with one hit.

[@Eyes-of-Horus]

My uncle was on the Wisconsin. I remember many years ago seeing a documentary about the ship and there were a group of sailors sitting at a long table. I have no idea what they were doing. But across the back of one of the sailor's t-shirts was his last name.

[@Polarcupcheck]

My grandfather was a Korean War USMC vet. He said they sent the Navy before the Marines were brought ashore. He said there wasn't much fighting to do, initially, because the battle ships tore the place apart. I can add testiment to the man's story at 11:45 of how cold Korea was. My grandfather said the same thing; absolutely brutal cold.

[@rbarger71]

@ 4:05 The only time the Iowa, New Jersey, Missouri, and Wisconsin were ever together at the same time.

[@admiralprince7925]

That's just sad.

[@Ch3wyz_z]

Imagine if they pulled up to Japan like that

[@patrickkelly8095]

What were they gathered for?

[@rbarger71]

@@patrickkelly8095 I think just a photo someone took of them on June 7, 1954 as part of Battleship Division 2 out of Norfolk since it was the only time they had been together. I think somewhere in the Atlantic. I don't know if they knew the significance of the photo when they took it or not as that ended up being the only time they were together. It's sad they never got them together one more time after they were refitted in the '80's. I love these ole girls.

[@jlawsl]

I saw them all together in mothballs at Bremerton Naval Yard in Washington in the late 90's. What a treat it would be to get all of the remaining battleships together for a sailing of a "Great White Fleet", but of this century. Iowa, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Missouri, Alabama, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Texas. Oddly enough, every ship sailing together, would be the strongest battlefleet assembled in history outside of Task Force 57. It would be an great site, even if it was their last voyage.

[@timandshannon03]

I have been aboard the USS Missouri, seen the USS Iowa, and I would love to see the USS Wisconsin and the USS New Jersey. Beautiful ships.

[@wisdomleader85]

The New Jersey is an absolute bad ass, being the most decorated battleship.

[@Superman-sg4cq]

@@wisdomleader85 the most recognized by the ship is the USS Missouri did in fact that's where they ended War was signed for their surrender. I was a boiler technician on the USS BB 63

[@jusmaxjust]

USS North Carolina is the only one I've seen, I always almost crash driving past it each year on the way to the beach.

[@jackdundon2261]

Awesome bucket list plan! GO FOR IT! -- did you "stand" on the concrete pier beside the USS UTAH? (back side of Ford Island). -- for me that was sobering, seeing her wreckage 50' out there. On December 7th 2041, I plan on being there.

[@kenwhitfield219]

Wisconsin was actually taken out of mothballs in the 1980s when the Soviet Union put the largest surface action ship in service, the Kirov class nuclear power battle cruisers.

It was being repurposed to help add mobility to the strategic nuclear capability as well as to add global visibility. Too many weapons capable of a retaliatory strike were fixed targets.

[@scottklocke891]

Was on her in 81 while she was still in mothballs so never got inside her. She has beautiful lines.

[@BeardBeerCigar]

I'm going soon...my dad was on board during the Korean War...he passed while living in Va. Bch...his ship now rests with him. LOVE YOU DAD!!

[@yourvietnamraifu4663]

@@warlord_time315 how much did your mother eat snow to make such a snowman. ....

[@warlord_time315]

@Rusty Shackelford go to hell

[@klol3369]

Kariagi no, ur just a dickhead

[@imapopo2924]

@@warlord_time315 You first. I bet the demons just love ripping assholes like you apart for all of eternity.

[@warlord_time315]

@@imapopo2924 do u mean ur dad?

[@sunk5244]

The Iowas were beautiful pieces of technology. I'm so happy it still remains as an artifact of the innovation of the United States Navy in the Second World War.

[@HANGTIMEV]

Holy shit, when i was 5 years old i was on a tour of this ship in virginia, 20 years sure does fly by.

[@lkgrave4959]

I would have loved to have seen the Montana-Class Battleships.

[@TrueCourse]

I was so glad to have seen the Wisconsin in all her glory from another ship (USS Elmer Montgomery) while underway with the Saratoga battle group heading home after Desert Storm was over. Ships pass but memories live on. Thanks to all those who have served aboard her.

[@mecate818]

As a Filipino, I thank the Iowa class battleships for bombarding the Japanese with their mighty 16-inch guns.

[@klol3369]

I am glad too

[@LINK-is3oc]

@Produl iwo?

@@LINK-is3oc He meant Iowa, obviously.

[@t.gojirafanstudios5853]

Salamat sa mga Americano Na Tinulungan tayo

[@MrJceOfficial]

Mga paborito kong pandigmang pandagat, maraming salamat sa serbisyo ♥️

[@anonymousanonymity2815]

Watching clips of them being re activated one last time in the late 80s and early 90s is really moving to me for some reason

[@yomommasc]

19:53 seeing those guns turning makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. just imagine how excited the crew must have been just to turn those guns

[@Tyrunner0097]

I have this same exact documentary on tape as well. Such a neat story about such a great ship that I still want to go see, being from Wisconsin. What's even better is I've gotten to meet two former crew members from the Wisconsin. One from WWII and the other from just after the Korean War. The conversations I got to have with them was amazing, seeing their eyes light up in memory of the ship. I feel so privileged to have met them.

[@hudsonball4702]

I went go visit the Whiskey Last March with my dad (2022). She is a beautiful ship indeed. My Dad passed recently (January 22, 2023) and so visiting the Wisconsin on our vacation was one of the last places he visited before being diagnosed with cancer. I miss him already and I hope to visit the Wisconsin again someday.

[@dillonpatterson129]

My Dad retired from the navy after 21 years, he had his retirement on the ship and let me tell you...it was a gorgeous retirement

[@ghosttimm420]

My grandfather served on the USS Wisconsin during the "Battle of Midway". He was one of the sailors operating the 40mm guns, I remember him telling me stories of shooting down kamikaze planes during an ambush they got caught in while helping escort other ships/ vessels. Rest in peace grandpa ❤and to all veterans who served and have now passed. *Salute*

[@Chillyscott]

He might have been in the attack on Okinawa, but The Battle of Midway took place from 4-7 June 1942, six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. USS Wisconsin was completed in 1944.

[@ghosttimm420]

@@Chillyscott i got my facts mixed up, i was only 7yrs old when hearing these stories but yes! you're 100% right i asked my grandmother, it was Okinawa and one of the last bombing raids they did on Japanese soil. But she did confirm he was on one of the 40mm guns. WWII vets were/ are so badass 🤘

[@Chillyscott]

@@ghosttimm420 That’s great, I bet he had some great stories to tell!

[@JasonBlack66]

I am Australian. Thank you for your service! Long Live the Men of the United States Armed Services!

[@beachcomber39553]

I worked at Ingalls Shipbuilding during the renovation and I was amazed at the craftsmanship that was performed decades ago. Close by the USS Stark was under repair after a missle attack that left many dead.

[@MountaintravelerEddie]

Just imagine..... If you were around in the 1990’s and served on the ship.... You could be standing where your grandfather and father once did when they were aboard that ship... These are iconic pieces of American history. I truly believe we still need battleships to protect the fleet. An aircraft carrier can have its aircraft shot down, then that aircraft carrier is just a dead. The battleship is too expensive for the Navy, that’s why they stricken them off of the registry in 2005. They said it costs too much and has too many personnel.... But....a battleship can withstand a missile hit....it has thick belt armor. But you can’t stop a round fired from a battleship..!!

[@adraen5942]

nope, the very idea of a battleship has been obsolete for quite some time now, they are overpriced, slow, non-maneuverable, basically useless. What rules the seas now are carriers, destroyers and frigates.

[@DerpyTurtle0762]

@@adraen5942 Tell me how fast an Iowa-class can go compared to other naval ships in current service.

[@adraen5942]

@@DerpyTurtle0762 Well yes, the iowa class is a type of fast battleship, at a respectable 33 knots, but it doesn't change the fact that it's an oversized, overpriced lump of useless metal whose only successful role was to serve as an incredibly expensive mobile artillery piece against far less advanced militaries. So in short, a huge waste of space and metal

[@1madcanuck]

weapons come and go, tech evolves as time goes on but the "battleship" will always be in a class of its own in history.

[@axysdnyd]

I intend to tour this beautiful ship in July. Wisconsin is my home state and I love WWII history. I've been aboard the USS North Carolina, USS Yorktown, USS Laffey and the USS Clamagore. I plan to visit Pear Harbor to see the USS Arizona and tour the USS Missouri as well as tour the USS New Jersey and USS Iowa. I think everyone should tour these amazing ships, gives you a real sense of history.

[@davidwhitsett1268]

i thought the youk town sunck at midway

[@axysdnyd]

+David Whitsett Whitsett yes, the original USS Yorktown was sunk at the Battle of Midway, the one now in display in Charleston SC is the second Yorktown. And the Japanese didn't sink the Yorktown, rather it sustained too much damage and it was decided that rather than tow it back to Pearl Harbor, the captain scuttled the ship

[@davidwhitsett1268]

o

[@Nightdare]

Matt B Yorktown wasn't scuttled It was hit at Midway by aerial torpedo and abandoned, the next day she was still afloat and they sent in a repair party Later in the day, she was hit again, but this time by a Japanese sub, again repairs were suspended and the crew evacuated, she floated for another night only to sink early next morning She was a definite Japanese kill, the damage that led to her sinking was all theirs, there was no scuttling, or a coup de grace by accompanying destroyers

[@duke258200]

one problem USS Iowa is in the the mothball fleet now

[@gentlegiantboy16]

I toured the old girl in Norfolk at the Nauticus museum last summer. It was truly amazing

[@waywardlion3706]

Great ship I love seeing her when I drive though Norfolk at night.

[@Diomedes01]

I'm planning a road trip to Virginia soon and I am looking forward to touring the mighty Wisconsin. Battleships like the Wisconsin honestly have a soul of their own. Majestic and powerful at the same time.

[@gentlegiantboy16]

+Diomedes01 you won't forget it. one of my favorite parts was the war room.

[@waywardlion3706]

+Charlie Riser I haven't been on her for so long I didn't know they opened the much of her. Last time I was on her you couldn't go below decks

[@gentlegiantboy16]

+nerdy godzilla this wasn't below decks bud. the war room is right below the bridge. above the Captain and Admiral's cabins

[@anonimosu7425]

"From the end of world war 2, to Korea and the gulf war. These guns were the largest." R.I.P Yamato

[@metallikyle6798]

Don't forget Musashi too

[@spectarviana220]

he probably means guns that actually did something usefull

[@crazyeyez1502]

He probably meant largest still in service, and not at the bottom of the ocean, like the Yamato

[@negan_lq9499]

@@crazyeyez1502 yamato is flying in the skies

[@arilwibisono9]

Well he did say "the end of WW2". Yamato and Musashi didn't survive till the end of the war so i guess he's right

[@jamesr6497]

The USS Wisconsin... a symbol of Honor, Respect, and American Sea Power. I know it costs dollars to keep her going, but she represents history and prestige wherever in the world she goes. And besides that... you never know when those big guns will come in handy!

[@stevehenrichs5091]

100% TRUE YOU NEVER KNOW!

[@robotbjorn4952]

James R It was already obsolete when completed in the 1940's. Look at Yamato and Musashi; the most advanced battleships ever built... sunk by propeller planes.

[@jimbotheassclown]

They weren't obsolete just ask the Iraqis in 1991 when they were getting hit with shells and Cruise missiles fired from Iowa's .

[@73Trident]

@@robotbjorn4952 They were the largest not the most advanced.

[@silverbullet7434]

My father was one on her when first commissioned. Clarence A. Wills seaman 1st class. Somewhere were supposed to have plank papers . Pop couldn't swim and paid someone to take his swimming test. At least that's what my uncle told us. Mark E Wills was on a transport ship , took the men to the beach. I miss them.

[@donaldschleicher1184]

I know the guy that was the producer of this program and have an autographed copy of the video. His son got his Lt bars pinned onboard a few years ago too. I had the chance to tour the ship 5 years ago when I was in Norfolk for my old ships reunion. I loved my tin can because it was a small ship but would have loved to have been ships company on Wisconsin! I am also from Wisconsin. And they even had a donut shop on board!! Now that was cool!

[@dynjarren5454]

To all of you out there wherever you are, who served on this mighty ship at any time...I salute and thank you. You are a great American! And have one hell of a story to tell. What a beauty she is

[@andrewyaden5209]

My uncle is the seaman in the middle at 19:31 he went on to do 22 years in the navy and 4 in the army retiring as a senior chief.

[@tylersoto7465]

Thank him for his service

[@rockvaletn]

Mr Blahnik, from Coloma Michigan, a real hero, is interviewed. Was lucky to have known him.

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Excellent video and thank you for posting it!!

[@fionawimber1028]

Thank you so much for posting this!

[@xagentofchaos_8783]

Been on her sister Missouri, glad they were saved so future generations can visit an pay there respects.

[@BrianOlmstead]

All I can say is God Bless The US Navy- And all the Iowa class Battleships. An era that will never be needed a again

[@slapeters2004]

Probably one of the best documentaries I’ve seen. Kudos! Go Navy!

[@richardcline1337]

I was honored a few months ago to have met a plank owner of this great ship. We stood and talked for quite a while and I felt like I was standing in the presence of greatness. He thanked me for my service as a Vietnam era vet but it was me that should have, and did, thank him for his service to our country.

[@haukepowers8491]

The Wisky is a fine ship..all of Virginia loves her...as a member of a community band who performs on her hallowed decks at least twice a year, I am honored...we have two members of the band who served on the Wisky in various times of their careers in the US Navy...Great men, gentle hearts with strong steel in their spine. God bless the Battleship sailors and their families.

[@hisaddle]

would October still be good weather for visiting this ship in VA?

[@parislikesliners]

@@hisaddleit’s still relatively warm here so I’d say go for it.

[@kentthepistol]

GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU.....SO VERY VERY MUCH.

[@lawyers9]

I was honored and fortunate enough to to have a short tour of this great ship in 2001 just a few months before 9/11. It was awe inspiring to say the least! It’s something I will remember the rest of my life.

[@rikijett310]

Endless thanks to all who serve!! May God bless you all, always!!! 🇺🇸

[@Odin029]

If the US and Canada had agreed to expand the St. Lawrence seaway then I'm sure Wisconsin would be a museum ship in Wisconsin.

[@FlorenceSlugcat]

Odin029 Canadian here living on coast of that river with family that are pilots for the ships going to Great Lakes coming from usa(to avoid incidents( local pilots must board and take control of ships over captains between sea and lakes), Seeing the massive ships that undergo there every day, in 100% sure the battleship would fit

[@Odin029]

@@FlorenceSlugcat The battleship would easily on the river, but she won't fit through the locks that connect the St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario or the canal that connects the shipping lanes to Lake Erie. She's too long and too wide.

[@rustykilt]

Credit to the Yanks for the pride they show and effort in preserving their Ships. It speaks of people power and my respect for that commitment to preserve History.

[@camojoe83]

Never heard of the USS Texas, I reckon..

[@rustykilt]

@@camojoe83 Sorry, forgot Texans are not Yanks!!!.. I do include those Southern States Sir.. love the TEXAS, last surviving Dreadnought ..I understand they hope to set it up in dry Dock display to help preserve it..

[@cyclonebuzz8172]

@@rustykilt The Texas is finally getting a restoration after a long delay. As far as dry dock is concerned. She might be on tour for a bit afterwards but her final destination is not for certain. San Jacinto and Galveston are fighting over her resting place at the moment.

[@rustykilt]

@@cyclonebuzz8172 really pleased to see the old girl being restored...

[@nogoodnameleft]

@@camojoe83 You mean the same USS Texas that in the 2010s received $35M from Texas taxpayers to fix the frames holding those gigantic original 1913 triple-expansion engines (if those were not fixed the engines would have crashed into the bottom, sinking her, and Texas would have been dead forever) and later received $70M in Texan taxdollars from 2021-24 to go to drydock and get her torpedo blisters and hull below the waterline completely replaced for the first time since the 1920s? Nice try with your failed attempt to tarnish USS Texas, btw.

[@Lucillestfu]

I’ve seen all 4 Iowa class battle ships and the Midway and I can say they are all beautiful and amazing in there own ways

[@metaknight115]

I’ve seen Iowa multiple times and Midway once

[@shrimpshot1581]

“We are being reinforced with a dreadnought”

[@lanuyangerjamir3852]

“Last of her kind” makes me sad😔😔😔

[@brandonproductions8401]

Technically the Vanguard was the last of BB kind

[@mcduck5]

@@brandonproductions8401 Not much technical about it lol that said, the iowas can claim last battleships to be used in anger...

[@ditackett]

Let me tell u about a sight to see. When my husband was on the USS Pelilu LHA5 in “85” It was in dry dock in Long Beach CA. The year after he was stationed there, the Navy had just recommissioned the USS Missouri and it was in dry dock on one side of the Pelilu. The Pelilu is just a bit smaller then a aircraft carrier it’s a Marine Helicopter Carrier. Then a few months later they brought the USS New Jersey to dry dock. And put her on the other side of the Pelilu. So on one side was the mighty Mo and the other was the Great Jersey. What a sight. We got to keep a piece of wood from the Jerseys deck. When she was built it was built from wood then when she was redone they put fire proof flooring on her. Those were the days. I wish I would have known then what I know now about History. The Jersey may have came to dry dock first now that I’m thinking about it, but I can’t remember exactly. I just know there was 2 great battleships side by side then a few years later the Mighty Mo was sent to protect us in the first Gulf War

[@dutchman7216]

That was wonderful thank you for making that. This is the only Iowa-class Battleship I haven't seen with my own eyes.

[@russell5078084]

I'd like to see them build a truly modern battleship. With hulls as thick as the Iowa's but with modern alloys. Should be a lot stronger but lighter. So with modern propulsion it would be more energy efficient and faster. It would probably have to be almost as big as a modern carrier. Fitted with the most up to date weapons systems. It would truly be the monster on the sea.

[@kaijuslayer3334]

And a sitting duck

[@Knight_Kin]

We might see something similar whenever railgun technology fully matures or directed energy weapons. It would need to be able to resist hypersonic missiles though, which i would imagine would require the maturing of directed energy weapon laser cannons to achieve.

[@Loli4lyf]

make sure it also came up with 50 anti air and missile system like the phalanx

[@Goeisha1]

I love the fact that they parked The Mighty Mo next to the Arizona. The beginning and the end

[@nogoodnameleft]

That was honestly the only place Mighty Mo could have been stationed. Poetic.

[@louiswager2629]

I stood on Her Deck - loved the History of it!

[@carvalhinhoZ777]

Excellent history, excellent ship, excellent crew.

[@ginaizzo7714]

I've been on that ship about 10 times because it's in downtown Norfolk Virginia it is a spectacular vessel I love that battleship it's AWESOME I love in Norfolk and I was recently at the 75th anniversary of the Battleship Wisconsin I'm proud to have been able to walk on and in that ship.I'm 13 and I hope all younger generations can experience these awesome ships.HISTORY IS AWESOME!!!!👍😁😄😄😆😆🇺🇸⛵❤

[@das3491]

Growupinwi

[@reddevilparatrooper]

I had the privilege of being on board the USS Iowa at San Pedro harbor last month. People have to see this fine battleship. It was an awesome experience.

[@frankdeegan8974]

I live about 6 miles from the Iowa. Been on the tour.

[@metaknight115]

I've been on her many times, as I live about a 20 minute drive away from her. I love her. I recently became one of the very few people in this world who has stepped foot inside a battleship turret when I went on her gun tour. So far, she's the only battleship I've ever been on (although I am planning a trip to Boston Massachusetts to visit, well USS Massachusetts), and she is my favorite of the four Iowas, not just due to nostalgia, but also due to her career as well.

[@nogoodnameleft]

@@metaknight115 RIP Turret 2 crew of Iowa

[@latshiofficial6650]

Im glad iowa and missouri are aleays together while fighting in WWII

[@peachtreeflock821]

I slept on the USS Wisconsin and the New Jersey for a Boy Scout overnight, They are amazing ships!

[@jjwall8071]

august of 1990 i retired in NORFOLK WISCONSIN was moored directly astern of the tiny FRIGATE i served on.MY best friend served on her SMC RON SMITH

[@DirkDiggler6903]

thanks for sharing

[@balboymunez2653]

This my 2nd time to watched this story about this amazing ship..

[@djo9941]

My wife and I visited this magnificent ship and were totally awestruck by not only the sheer enormity and engineering, but the sense of raw power it displays just sitting there! I highly recommend visiting at least one.

[@vaughnmojado8637]

I’m so grateful for all those men who served our Armed Forces especially for the Navy. I have a soft spot for the ships and crews. My favorite Uncle was a Navy man. God bless you all.

[@davewinter7776]

I went aboard USS New Jersey in 1967, when she was at Pier 7, Long Beach just before her deployment to WestPac. I wish when they had brought the BB back in the late 80's they had installed Nuke power. That would have made such a big difference.. And since they are the safest reactors on the ocean... They'd just about be do for a fuel change...

[@constipatedcookie6110]

HAHAHAHA hell yeah imagin making all the battleships recommissioned and making them nuclear

[@davewinter7776]

Harsh to call me a lier, because I got dates mixed up The New Jersey was in Long Beach in 1969, at Pier J, which is next to were the Queen Mary is birthed now. And yes we did go aboard the ship. That was June of 1969.

[@charleschapman6810]

Uncle Billy-Bob could hardly wait to give them away as museum ships!

[@linuxgurugamer]

Nuclear reactors need to be built into the ship. You would have to build a new ship, you can't retrofit a nuclear reactor into an older ship

[@zgambler1]

He told me when they fired a full broadside it moved the ship 10 feet sideways miss the old man..

[@jimsonbrown9768]

Nope. That's a myth.

[@lookeywho1287]

Myth. Ten feet is more like it.

[@jakefinato5087]

I believe it

[@jonnyblayze9443]

No, it didn't. The WHOLE purpose of a battleship is to be a STABLE gun platform. The ship didn't rock nor move in the slightest from gunfire

[@montagistkacke7431]

@@jonnyblayze9443 The purpose of a battleship is to carry and be able to fire many large guns without sinking themselves. Not to be a stable gun platform.

[@peterbrost5249]

Was on her decks for her 75th, very moving, became teary-eyed will never forget our brave sailors

[@connormacleod7010]

Thank you for the Great video

[@j.fraley6862]

I never served on any of the battleships, because I was in the Army instead. We knew the effects of these great ships. In Gulf One, they were completely right. We had Iraqi troops surrendering in droves. Our interpreters were told they were surrendering because of the battle ships. We couldn't help but laugh. These massive ships were my favorite of all the ships. The awesome firepower just from the guns, and then they go and put Tomahawks on them.. OH MY GOD! To all those who sailed the sea's on the great ships, I envy you and I am sorry they are no longer in service. If I had of served in the Navy, I would have requested the battleships. The Missouri now stands guard over the USS Arizona. She is still on duty protecting those who died in Pearl.

[@mikeschmid4841]

If there was ever a real life version of the Battlestar Galactica, this is how I imagined it.

[@nogoodnameleft]

Enterprise is the real life version of BSG. She really should have been sunk so many times in WWII. She was the sole survivor of the 7 aircraft carriers that participated in the Battle of Midway (The 4 Japanese carriers were sunk at Midway and Yorktown was also sunk there and Hornet was later sunk at Guadalcanal).

[@kingofpropain7493]

Truly amazing piece of equipment.

[@dougclark9407]

My father served on the Wisconsin and on December 22, 1956 we went to Portsmouth, VA where she was berthed to attend the ship's Christmas party to have lunch and meet Santa. Next time that I am in Norfolk I need to donate the ceremonial folded with my picture with Santa.

[@waltershumate5777]

The new Jersey, and the Missouri are still out there! Not at sea on duty anymore, of course... last time that happened the Jersey was shelling Beirut in the early '80s. Even today, the power of" the Big guns" in a bombardment is hard to conventionaly replace. Only the MOAB comes close!

[@apieceofdirt4681]

I really wish these mighty ships were still in commission. The armor and speed alone are unprecedented. 35.2 knots for a 58,000 ton battleship?? That's hauling ass!! But eventually, they all would become worn out if they were in use and would be in no condition to fight even IF she was recommissioned. They ALL are the zenith of U.S. Navy battleship design!!!

[@kentthepistol]

+apiece ofdirt WELL SAID SIR.

[@TheUsmc0802]

+apiece ofdirt Not true my friend. When they were put away again they were rated from 1-4 on their condition. The Wiconsion and Iowa even with its injured turret were rated the best and could comeback. Heck they all could. Their Reagan era refit did alot in reversing the clock.

[@apieceofdirt4681]

+TheUsmc1488 True. But what I meant was if we kept those big beautiful beasts in service eventually they would get worn out from service and then what? It's not like the Navy would build more but I wish they would. The USS WISCONSIN has the least amount of service time under her belt out of all 4 (I think) and I'd soil myself if they brought just one of them back. I remember seeing her leave Norfolk in August 1990 and thought to myself how I'd love to serve on her. She was the epitome of awesomeness!!! Thanks for your comment!!

[@apieceofdirt4681]

+TheUsmc1488 Out of all the WW2 ships that were preserved....I can't understand WHY the USS WEST VIRGINIA wasn't saved!! She was the ultimate middle finger to Japan so maybe that was one of the reasons she was scrapped. I mean the USS ALABAMA was a great ship but WeeVee stood for why the US went to war in the first place. Being a part of Oldendorfs battleship force during the Surigao Strait engagement and drawing Japanese blood on the first salvo or hitting 5 out of 6....should've really cemented her spot in the history books or at least a museum spot somewhere but it was not meant to be. The same thing with CV-6. 2 ships that represented what American determination was all about and yet none were saved. I don't mean the WW2 ships we did save don't have an important place in American Naval history but the WeeVee and The Big E represent so much about WW2, I just can't imagine why the American government didn't just donate BOTH ships to a qualified home port!!!

[@TheUsmc0802]

Yep the Alabama and her sister ship were used for one war and put away. A HUGE waste. Alabama gave up some of her parts for the Iowa's reactivation. Unlike airframes ships take alot longer to use up. The BBs have alot of life left. All we need is a non-wingnut SecNav to see the light.

[@natefmx]

I have stood on the decks of the iowa and the 16 inch guns are breath taking to see

[@richlewis205]

Outstanding

[@avsundevil1]

I was on the decks of the Missouri in the late 80's in Long Beach. I never thought the battleships should have been taken out of service. The new roll is the same as the old to protect the carriers. The current ships can not absorb the punishment that a battleship can. The good news is the ships could be reactivated in a realitive short time. Look how much punishment the Yamato absorbed before being sunk. There is a roll for the battleship I just hope we don't realize to late.

[@deathhog]

Modern warfare is just too much for the old girls. Modern missiles just carry too big of a payload. Screen ships need to protect against submarines and missiles. The days of getting within shelling distance are just simply over for the modern fleet. No amount of armor is reasonable, a modern missile will take the ship regardless. May as well keep the hull as cheap as possible, light as possible, and give the best ECM suites and active defenses we can.

[@patriotamerican3426]

They should be our flagships they can destroy any smaller ship we have with those 16in Triple Quad Artillery

[@isak7026]

they shouldn't be active because they'll get sunk quickly by aircraft and anti-ship missiles

[@isak7026]

Ryan Luebker it’s just too risky because it can get sunk to easily

[@DrMikkel_yz54]

@@isak7026 well yes, but a destroyer is easier to sink

[@isak7026]

DrMikkel_yz54 that’s cause no ones firing at them cause there trying to protect aircraft carriers

[@randoperson3596]

Patriot American even if we had them we would never have a chance to use the. Most of our enemies are camel riders or they have nukes, so at the end of the day it wouldn’t matter.

[@handymandev03]

I was born early 80s, and have always been very fascinated with the 4 iowas. NOTHING can compare to the beautiful old ladies. And wished i was born in a different era to witness these girls in action.

[@larrytinsman3229]

I can't wait to go to Norfolk this summer and see this magnificent ship first hand

[@klaaskomvaak1816]

These will come back to live sooner or later. Charisma is a weapon much needed.

[@duradim1]

That is like saying sailing vessels will be used by the Navy again to fight wars. Not going to happen.

[@user-tq1tf6hh9w]

In fact, BB 64 is not the last battleship, that honor goes to BB 63, the Missouri. Both ships were ordered on June 12, 1940, however, the official life of a U.S. Navy ship begins on the day that it receives its commission. Wisconsin was commissioned April 16, 1944, and Missouri, two months later on June 12. Also, Wisconsin was decommissioned for the final time on Sep 30, 1991. Missouri remained in commission for an additional six months until Mar 31, 1992. Therefore, she was the final U.S. battleship to be have served as an active Man of War, and as such is America's last battleship. This is also the reason that Missouri, not Wisconsin, hosted the WWII surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay on Sept 15, 1945, and why Missouri, not Wisconsin, stands guard over the U.S.S. Arizona (BB 39) at Pearl Harbor, the two ships representing the Alpha & Omega (Beginning and End) of the war, as well as the then modern era of the battleship.

[@scottsmith4612]

President Truman was from Missouri. Not a coincidence the surrender was on the Missouri. Also, the Arizona represents the beginning of the war for us, and the ship the surrender was accepted aboard, the end.

[@chaosacsend9653]

The two reason Missouri was used to sign was getting to tokyo first and being Truman's home state nothing else and while Missouri may have been the last to be decommissioned she wasn't the last to see combat or the last to be striken from the navy's register.

[@richardcline1337]

I can NEVER accept the idea of the USS Missouri being berthed at Pearl Harbor. That ship has NO history there. That honor SHOULD have gone to either the USS Enterprise, The USS Nevada, The USS Pennsylvania or one of the other Pearl Harbor surviving battleships. To this day I have nothing but pure loathing for those that made the decision to destroy all of those great survivors and to put the USS Missouri where she has NO right to be!

[@steven2212]

You are all invited to Norfolk, VA to tour this mighty ship...now a beautiful museum.

[@connerhenson8742]

Man...i love these videos...what a blessing to b an american

[@jynilles555]

The battleship would say: "Last dance my old friend"

[@stephaniebooth6169]

Now that's a battle ship

[@wildcolonialman]

Fabulous.

[@vernonfindlay1314]

Watching this again,maybe I wrote this before, God bless all these men and women, their families 🙏from 🇨🇦. Dark and trying day's, 2020.happy Thursday.