Remembering USS Iowa (BB 61)

"25 years ago today (19 April 1989) I was underway in USS Iowa for fleet exercises in the Caribbean. It was a beautiful morning. Standing above and aft the bridge I readied myself for the firing of Turret Two’s 16 inch guns. A moment later, the beauty of the day was lost as the turret suffered a horrific explosion and fire that killed 47 of our shipmates. The takeaways of that day once again illustrate the absolute wonder of our Navy, specifically our Sailors, and the criticality of the job you do.


* The 47 Sailors who died that day are Navy heroes we must always remember with great pride. While time eases pain, it should never erase the memory. These brave and wonderful Sailors were in the turret because duty called. They were in that turret to certify the ship ready for deployment. They were making the ship combat ready. They were at their watch stations
doing their jobs with inspiration, pride, and dedication. They were Sailors, on duty, in the defense of our great nation".