Big WisKy - USS Wisconsin (BB-64)
Forward turrets 1 and 2. 16 inch (406 mm) 50-caliber Mark 7 guns.
The USS Wisconsin (BB-64), or Big WisKy, an Iowa-class battleship, holds a distinguished place in naval history. It symbolizes American naval power and technological prowess. Commissioned in 1944, Wisconsin played a crucial role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War before decommissioning in 1991. Its legacy continues to be celebrated as a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia.
World War II
Laid down on January 25, 1941, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the USS Wisconsin was launched on December 7, 1943, coinciding with the second anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship was commissioned on April 16, 1944, with Captain Earl Everett Stone in command.
Wisconsin's primary role during World War II was to support fast carrier task forces in the Pacific Theater. The battleship provided significant firepower with nine 16-inch guns and many anti-aircraft weapons. In December 1944, Wisconsin joined the 3rd Fleet, participating in operations against Japanese forces in the Philippines and the South China Sea. In February 1945, it supported the invasion of Iwo Jima, providing naval gunfire to soften enemy defenses.
The bow of USS Wisconsin (USS Kentucky).
The battleship's formidable presence was felt during the Okinawa campaign from March to June 1945. Wisconsin's 16-inch guns bombarded Japanese positions, aiding ground forces and protecting Allied ships from kamikaze attacks. The vessel earned five battle stars for its service in World War II, a testament to its significant contributions.
Post-War and Korean War
After World War II, Wisconsin was decommissioned in 1948 but was quickly reactivated in 1951 due to the Korean War. The battleship provided naval gunfire support for United Nations forces, conducting shore bombardments and serving as a command ship for maritime operations. Its 16-inch guns delivered destructive firepower against enemy positions, supply lines, and infrastructure.
The USS Wisconsin earned another battle star for its service in the Korean War. Following the armistice in 1953, the battleship continued to serve in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in various NATO exercises and showcasing American naval strength during the Cold War.
In 1956, the USS Wisconsin collided with the destroyer USS Eaton, severely damaging its bow. The battleship's bow was replaced with the unused bow of the incomplete USS Kentucky. This swift repair allowed Wisconsin to return to service in short order, showcasing the Navy's efficiency in maintaining its Fleet.
Modernization and the Gulf War
Decommissioned again in 1958, Wisconsin was reactivated in 1986 as part of the Navy's 600-ship fleet initiative under President Ronald Reagan. The battleship underwent significant modernization, receiving Tomahawk cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and advanced electronics. This refit transformed Wisconsin into a formidable asset capable of modern naval warfare.
Wisconsin's most notable service during its final active years was during the Gulf War 1991. The battleship launched Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets and provided naval gunfire support for coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm. Wisconsin's presence demonstrated the continued relevance of battleships in modern conflict scenarios.
Decommissioning and Legacy
Following the Gulf War, the USS Wisconsin was decommissioned on September 30, 1991, and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 2006. The battleship was then donated to Norfolk, Virginia, and opened to the public as a museum ship. Today, the USS Wisconsin is part of the Nauticus Maritime Museum, where visitors can explore its storied history and learn about its contributions to American naval heritage.
The USS Wisconsin's legacy is marked by its versatility and longevity. From World War II to the Gulf War, the battleship served with distinction, adapting to the evolving demands of naval warfare. Its storied past is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the United States Navy.
The Iowa-class battleship USS Wisconsin symbolizes American naval power and innovation. Its service across three major conflicts highlights its critical role in 20th-century maritime history. As a museum ship, Wisconsin continues to educate and inspire, preserving the legacy of a remarkable era in naval warfare.
Sources:
The Battleship Wisconsin, Nauticus Museum, n.d.
USS Wisconsin (BB-64), Naval History and Heritage Command - National Museum of the U.S. Navy, n.d.
USS Wisconsin BB-64, The Battleship New Jersey Museum, 2020.
USS Wisconsin (‘Temper, Temper’): How the BB-64 Battleship ‘Lost Her Temper’ in Korea, warhistoryonline.com, 2023.