Intro
Explore the 10 battleships still afloat today, a testament to naval engineering and history. From World War II veterans to modern-day museums, these iconic warships showcase maritime power and nostalgia. Discover the USS Missouri, USS New Jersey, and others, highlighting battleship design, armament, and notable battles in this comprehensive guide.
The battleship, a symbol of naval power and dominance, has been a cornerstone of naval warfare for centuries. Although many battleships were lost in combat or scrapped after World War II, some of these magnificent vessels have been preserved and remain afloat today. In this article, we will explore 10 battleships that have survived the test of time and continue to fascinate naval enthusiasts and historians alike.
The USS Iowa (BB-61)
Commissioned in 1943, the USS Iowa is one of the largest and most iconic battleships in the world. This Iowa-class battleship served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, earning 11 battle stars for her service. Today, the USS Iowa is a museum ship and memorial in Los Angeles, California, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about her storied history.
The USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri, also known as the "Mighty Mo," is another Iowa-class battleship that remains afloat today. Commissioned in 1944, the USS Missouri played a significant role in World War II and the Gulf War, earning 11 battle stars for her service. Today, the USS Missouri is a museum ship and memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about her history.
The HMS Vanguard (23)
The HMS Vanguard was the last battleship to be built in the United Kingdom, commissioned in 1946. Although she never saw combat, the HMS Vanguard played an important role in the Royal Navy's fleet during the Cold War. Today, the HMS Vanguard is a museum ship and memorial in Portsmouth, England, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about her history.
The German Battleship Schleswig-Holstein
The Schleswig-Holstein was a pre-dreadnought battleship built in Germany in the early 20th century. Commissioned in 1908, the Schleswig-Holstein played a significant role in World War I and was later converted into a floating anti-aircraft battery during World War II. Today, the Schleswig-Holstein is a museum ship and memorial in Gdynia, Poland, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about her history.
The Japanese Battleship Mikasa
The Mikasa was a pre-dreadnought battleship built in Japan in the late 19th century. Commissioned in 1902, the Mikasa played a significant role in the Russo-Japanese War and was later converted into a museum ship in 1923. Today, the Mikasa is a popular tourist attraction in Yokosuka, Japan, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about her history.
The USS Texas (BB-35)
The USS Texas, also known as the "Big Tex," was a New York-class battleship commissioned in 1914. The USS Texas played a significant role in both World War I and World War II, earning five battle stars for her service. Today, the USS Texas is a museum ship and memorial in San Jacinto, Texas, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about her history.
The USS North Carolina (BB-55)
The USS North Carolina was a North Carolina-class battleship commissioned in 1941. The USS North Carolina played a significant role in World War II, earning 15 battle stars for her service. Today, the USS North Carolina is a museum ship and memorial in Wilmington, North Carolina, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about her history.
The Italian Battleship Conte di Cavour
The Conte di Cavour was a Conte di Cavour-class battleship built in Italy in the early 20th century. Commissioned in 1915, the Conte di Cavour played a significant role in World War I and was later modernized during the 1930s. Today, the Conte di Cavour is a museum ship and memorial in Taranto, Italy, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about her history.
The French Battleship Richelieu
The Richelieu was a Richelieu-class battleship built in France in the late 1930s. Commissioned in 1940, the Richelieu played a significant role in World War II, earning four battle stars for her service. Today, the Richelieu is a museum ship and memorial in Brest, France, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about her history.
The USS Alabama (BB-60)
The USS Alabama was a South Dakota-class battleship commissioned in 1942. The USS Alabama played a significant role in World War II, earning nine battle stars for her service. Today, the USS Alabama is a museum ship and memorial in Mobile, Alabama, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about her history.
Gallery of Battleships
Battleship Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest battleship ever built?
+The largest battleship ever built was the Japanese battleship Yamato, which was commissioned in 1942. The Yamato was 863 feet (263 meters) long and had a displacement of over 72,000 tons.
What is the fastest battleship ever built?
+The fastest battleship ever built was the Italian battleship Conte di Cavour, which had a top speed of over 28 knots (52 km/h). The Conte di Cavour was commissioned in 1915 and played a significant role in World War I.
What is the most heavily armored battleship ever built?
+The most heavily armored battleship ever built was the German battleship Tirpitz, which had a maximum armor thickness of over 12 inches (305 mm). The Tirpitz was commissioned in 1941 and played a significant role in World War II.
We hope you have enjoyed this journey through the history of battleships. From the USS Iowa to the Conte di Cavour, these magnificent vessels have played a significant role in shaping the course of naval warfare. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about these incredible machines, we encourage you to explore the many museums and memorials dedicated to the preservation of battleships around the world.