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USS Iowa BB-61

Discussion in 'WWII Today' started by Gromit801, Jan 7, 2012.

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  1. Gromit801

    Gromit801 Member

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    While they're cleaning up the USS Iowa at Port Richmond (right next to the old Kaiser Shipyard) for her tow to San Pedro, they're allowing visitors. Unfortunately at this time, they're only letting people on the main deck, from the #2 turret forward. Too much work being done aft of #2 turret to allow visitors. Felt a little ripped off because that little detail was omitted from all the press releases, and we drove about an hour and a half to see it. Oh well. Here's what we saw...

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    My wife, Becky

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    Me

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    If you look on the side of the ill-fated #2 turret, between the ladder and the range finder, you will see a small circular depression, and a bit of red tape pointing to it. That's a hit from a Japanese 4.7" shell.


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    We're hoping in another month or so, the rest of the main deck will be open to visitors.
     
    Gromit801, Jan 7, 2012
    #1
    rkline56, syscom3, LRusso216 and 6 others like this.
  2. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Great pictures! I hope to visit one of the Iowa Class BB's someday. Toured the USS Massachusetts back in the 80's, (self guided) and was amazed at the size! One question: if you go back ask about the bunting display. I think the blue should be on top / Blue-White-Red.
     
    Biak, Jan 8, 2012
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  3. George Patton

    George Patton Canadian Refugee

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    Thanks for the pictures. Its nice to see the Iowa finally getting some attention.
     
    George Patton, Jan 8, 2012
    #3
  4. brndirt1

    brndirt1 Saddle Tramp

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    Great pics my man, thanks for sharing!!
     
    brndirt1, Jan 8, 2012
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  5. Poppy

    Poppy grasshopper

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    Cool. Cheers.
     
    Poppy, Jan 8, 2012
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  6. Gromit801

    Gromit801 Member

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    I've seen bunting and rosettes in both color orders.
     
    Gromit801, Jan 8, 2012
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  7. brndirt1

    brndirt1 Saddle Tramp

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    I don't believe there are any "rules" for bunting display, not like the American flag which has certain directions to hang or be displayed.
     
    brndirt1, Jan 8, 2012
    #7
  8. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Actually there is a protocol with bunting display = Blue-White-Red. But it seems to be rather lax in usage. I've seen pictures of ships with the bunting both ways. Military Medals/Ribbons display the same Blue on top Red on bottom. I think bunting just doesn't carry the same weight as the Flag etiquette.
    "The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top."
    The U.S. Flag Code & Protocol

    I still think the pictures are great!
     
    Biak, Jan 8, 2012
    #8
  9. brndirt1

    brndirt1 Saddle Tramp

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    Now that is interesting Biak, I painted my son's '85 Honda 750 Interceptor that we rebuilt with a "red" half tank, a "white" (pearl) mid-section, and a "blue" lower 1/3 in the "red-white and blue" (top to bottom) look.

    I did this knowing that the French flag goes from blue through white to red from the fly and didn't want my paint job to be interpreted as anything but "red/white/blue" the usual way Old Glory is described. From the top to the bottom, "red/white/blue". That is the way most people read things after all, from the top to the bottom.
     
    brndirt1, Jan 8, 2012
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  10. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Well Clint you actually have the Netherlands national flag there :) Cool no matter which order!
     
    Biak, Jan 8, 2012
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  11. formerjughead

    formerjughead The Cooler King

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    As magnificent as the Iowa's are in their current state, they were simply spectacular while in active service. Spent a lot of time around the Missouri in 1989 and I am glad to see the Iowa go to a loving home.
     
    formerjughead, Jan 8, 2012
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  12. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Great pics. I had the pleasure of visiting the USS New Jersey (BB-62) a number of years ago. Unfortunately, it was before my interest in WW2 and thus, no pictures. It was as magnificent as you show. Thanks.
     
    LRusso216, Jan 8, 2012
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  13. brakemaker

    brakemaker Member

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    As a Iowa Veteran, who was there on that fateful day in 1989, these pictures bring back alot of memories. Thank You for posting them.
     
    brakemaker, Jan 12, 2012
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  14. namvet

    namvet Member

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    the Jersey served with us in Nam. here she's coming alongside for ammo down in the corp area
     
    namvet, Jan 12, 2012
    #14
    rkline56 likes this.
  15. rkline56

    rkline56 USS Oklahoma City CG5

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    [FONT=&amp]The Iowa will arrive to LA Harbor 23 May under tow and the Lane Victory will get underway to rendevous and escort this historical ship to her final berth as a museum. Passengers are welcome.[/FONT]

    [FONT=&amp]You can board Lane Victory 0900-1000 and underway at 1100 for the rendevous point, Santa Monica, and escort Iowa on her final at sea.
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    [FONT=&amp]You can make arrangements by calling Lane Victory at 310-519-9545. Website at www.lanevictory.org[/FONT]

    [FONT=&amp]She is one of the last Battleships (4) of her class. The Missouri (BB-63) is in Pearl Harbor; New Jersey (BB-62) is in Camden, N.J.; Wisconsin (BB-64)is in Norfolk, VA. Iowa is the last BB to find a home. All are currently museums.[/FONT]

    [FONT=&amp]Just thought you'd like to know.



    I cruised on the lane Victory ten years ago out of Long Beach. Saw a Los Angeles Class submarine surface and cruise alongside us on her way to Bremerton. Mock Dogfights too 190 Focke Wulf v. Mustang. She sails once a month with USN and Kriegsmarine re-enactors aboard. [/FONT]

    Courtesy BMC D. Campbell
    Frequent Wind Flight Deck NCO, USS OKC, CG-5


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    rkline56, May 10, 2012
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  16. rkline56

    rkline56 USS Oklahoma City CG5

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    Ah yes. Unreps I loved 'em, especially in heavy seas.
     
    rkline56, May 10, 2012
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  17. namvet

    namvet Member

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    the Iowa was scheduled to get underway yesterday, the 20th at 2:30pm PST. but because of bad weather its now a day to day decision

    Pacific Battleship has provided tracking info if your interested

    link

    also streaming vid

    link which is right now inactive till she sails
     
    namvet, May 21, 2012
    #17
  18. brndirt1

    brndirt1 Saddle Tramp

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    brndirt1, May 27, 2012
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  19. namvet

    namvet Member

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    you can track the Iowa here from Pacific Battleship:

    Track USS Iowa

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    this is from the streaming vid I watched. she's being towed by a tug called warrior
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    the trip will take about 3 days
     
    namvet, May 27, 2012
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  20. tomflorida

    tomflorida Member

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    In an article that I read it mentioned the 16" guns were removed and the ship has a "modern" look rather then the WW2 look. On the first pics the guns were there but on the last pics, I don't see them.
     
    tomflorida, May 27, 2012
    #20
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