USS Iowa Takes Off on Her Final Journey

The USS Iowa, one of the most powerful battleships of all time, headed to her final journey on June 9 through the main channel of the Port of Los Angeles to her permanent home, Berth 87, near the World Cruise Center in San Pedro, Calif. Crowley Maritime Corporation will use four of its Harbor class tugs to tow the 887-foot-long ship, which will be escorted by fire boats.

After departing Berth 51-52, where it was previously docked, the tugs and ship will head bow first up the main channel, bypassing Berth 87 and then transiting under the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Next it will pivot in the turning basin and cross under the bridge again. Then it will travel down the main channel and dock on its starboard side at Berth 87. The ship’s final voyage will cover 3.4 nautical miles in an estimated 1.25 hours.

Crowley’s 7,200-HP tugboat Warrior recently completed the safe tow of the historic USS Iowa to Los Angeles from San Francisco after passing under the historic Golden Gate Bridge amid a festive celebration of the bridge’s 75th birthday. The Pacific Battleship Center, which owns the ship, will celebrate its public grand opening as an interactive naval museum on Saturday, July 7.

Approximately 800 guests have been invited to be aboard the ship as she is shifted to her final destination. Invitees are early financial supporters (Plankowners) and other donors, USS Iowa veterans, news media and elected officials, such as Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

“I look forward to welcoming the USS Iowa battleship to Los Angeles as it is towed to its final berth at San Pedro’s Terminal 87 on June 9th,” says Mayor Villaraigosa. “We are honored to be the home of the USS Iowa and are eagerly anticipating its opening as an interactive naval museum. The ‘Battleship of Presidents’ will have a place of honor in our city.”

“We are pleased to assist in the safe delivery of this historically significant vessel to its final berth in Los Angeles,” said Andrew Gauthier, port captain, Crowley. “It is an honor for our team and company to have the privilege of caring for the USS Iowa on her journey to her new home.”

Before the ship headed on her way, Pacific Battleship Center President Robert Kent welcomed the guests, the crew manned the rails and the lines were cast off. Upon USS Iowa’s arrival at her new home, there will be a welcoming program on the aft flight deck. Guests will then depart from the ship, which is known as the Battleship of Presidents because it hosted Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

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Source: Crowley, June 11, 2012