The Big Stick

USS Iowa arrives at its final home, San Pedro, California where it will become a museum
AP photo.  -  click to enlarge

  The Big Stick will now speak softly at rest and as a museum of a bygone era.  Built at the New York Navy Yard and commissioned in 1943 she took part in World War Two, Korean War and was re-activated again to shell targets in Vietnam.  A Big Stick indeed at 58,000 tons.
  My uncle Phillip Grant was on the first crew, a Navy Electricians Mate fresh from duty in Point Barrow, Alaska.  When the war was over Uncle Phil gave me, then 5 years old, his grey wool Navy blanket.  I used and used and used that blanket.  I don't think it lasted quite long enough until I got my own.

Iowa fires a broadside during a test in 1984.
If you look carefully you can she she slipped sideways.
www.wikipedia.org

 

Working with a "round" or bullet for the 16 inch guns.

The rounds fired by the 16 inch guns weigh about the same as a Volkswagen Beetle and be fired at target up to 24 miles away - that's a lot of power and a lot of powder.

Another look at a broadside firing.  Look at the shock waves in the water!
www.wikipedia.org

Iowa passes under the Golden Gate Bridge on her final trip.
She had been mothballed near Vallejo, California
AP News