How Many US Battleships Are Left?
As of August 2023, there are no active U.S. battleships in service. The last battleships of the Iowa-class vessels, USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, USS Missouri, and USS Wisconsin, were decommissioned in the 1990s. These ships, though preserved as museum ships, are no longer operational. The U.S. Navy has shifted its focus to modern vessels such as aircraft carriers and submarines.
Historical Context and Decommissioning
Several U.S. battleships played significant roles in World War II, including the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and the former USS Utah, which were sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Unlike these vessels, most of the U.S. battleships that survived the war were eventually decommissioned, scrapped, or preserved as museum ships.
The USS Iowa, the last battleship used in combat by the U.S. Navy, saw action in the Persian Gulf in 1990 during the Gulf War. Following her service, she was decommissioned, aligning with the broader trend of the U.S. Navy discontinuing its reliance on battleships in favor of more modern and versatile assets.
Current Status of U.S. Battleships
Ten U.S. battleships, including USS New Jersey and USS Missouri, are now preserved in museums across the United States. These ships, though no longer active, continue to serve as important historical landmarks and educational resources.
As of now, none of these ships are expected to be returned to active service. The technological and strategic shifts in naval warfare have rendered their modern counterparts more suitable for contemporary military needs.
Global Perspective
As for the global landscape, many other navies have similarly decommissioned or museumized their battleships. Only a few countries, like Japan, have preserved one or more battleships in museum form. However, they serve as monuments rather than tools for active military service.
The U.S. Naval Museum in Washington D.C. and the Indiana-class battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) in Pearl Harbor are two notable examples. The latter is often referred to as 'Big Mo' and attracts thousands of visitors each year for its historical significance and educational value.
Conclusion
In summary, while the U.S. no longer has any active or operational battleships, there are indeed eight U.S. battleships preserved as museums. These vessels continue to play a crucial role in educating the public about naval history and the evolution of military technology.