On 19 April 1989, Battleship IOWA (BB61) was steaming at 17 mph approximately 300 miles northeast of Puerto Rico. At 0953 local time the number two 16-inch gun turret exploded. The explosion in the center gun room killed 47 of the turret's crewmen and severely damaged the gun turret itself. Since acquiring the IOWA, the … Continue reading “IOWA 47” MEMORIAL →