Exploring Uss Wisconsin: A Battleship Turned Museum Ship

The USS Wisconsin, also known as "Wisky" to her crew, is one of the most iconic battleships in the history of the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1944, the USS Wisconsin served in three wars, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, before being decommissioned for the final time in 1991. Today, the USS Wisconsin is a museum ship and memorial, docked at the Nauticus National Maritime Center in Norfolk, Virginia.

As a battleship, the USS Wisconsin was designed to be a formidable fighting machine, with a length of 887 feet, a beam of 108 feet, and a draft of 29 feet. She was powered by eight boilers and four steam turbines, which produced 212,000 horsepower and gave her a top speed of over 30 knots. The USS Wisconsin was also heavily armed, with nine 16-inch guns, twenty 5-inch guns, and a variety of smaller anti-aircraft guns.

One of the most notable features of the USS Wisconsin is her impressive armor plating, which was designed to protect her from enemy fire. The ship's hull was made of thick steel, with some areas featuring armor plating up to 12 inches thick. This armor plating, combined with her advanced fire control systems and powerful guns, made the USS Wisconsin a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

The USS Wisconsin saw extensive action during World War II, participating in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Iwo Jima, among others. She also served during the Korean War, providing gunfire support for United Nations troops. In 1991, the USS Wisconsin was deployed to the Persian Gulf, where she played a key role in the Gulf War.

After being decommissioned for the final time in 1991, the USS Wisconsin was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register and donated to the city of Norfolk, Virginia, where she was converted into a museum ship. Today, visitors can explore the USS Wisconsin's deck and interior spaces, learning about her rich history and seeing firsthand the advanced technology and armament that made her such a formidable battleship.

Exploring the USS Wisconsin

Visitors to the USS Wisconsin can take a self-guided tour of the ship, exploring her deck and interior spaces. The tour includes access to the ship's bridge, where visitors can see the captain's chair and the advanced navigation systems used to guide the ship. The tour also includes the ship's engine room, where visitors can see the massive boilers and turbines that powered the USS Wisconsin.

One of the highlights of the tour is the USS Wisconsin's gun turrets, which feature the ship's massive 16-inch guns. Visitors can also see the ship's armor plating up close, getting a sense of just how formidable the USS Wisconsin was on the battlefield.

In addition to the self-guided tour, the USS Wisconsin also offers a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can learn about the history of the USS Wisconsin and the role she played in various conflicts, as well as the daily life of a sailor on board the ship.

Interesting Facts About the USS Wisconsin

The USS Wisconsin was one of the largest battleships ever built, with a length of 887 feet and a beam of 108 feet.
The USS Wisconsin was powered by eight boilers and four steam turbines, which produced 212,000 horsepower.
The USS Wisconsin was armed with nine 16-inch guns, twenty 5-inch guns, and a variety of smaller anti-aircraft guns.
The USS Wisconsin saw extensive action during World War II, participating in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Iwo Jima, among others.
The USS Wisconsin was decommissioned for the final time in 1991 and donated to the city of Norfolk, Virginia, where she was converted into a museum ship.

Visiting the USS Wisconsin

The USS Wisconsin is located at the Nauticus National Maritime Center in Norfolk, Virginia. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the ship, exploring her deck and interior spaces. The USS Wisconsin also offers a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs.

The Nauticus National Maritime Center is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with extended hours during the summer months. Admission to the USS Wisconsin includes access to the self-guided tour, as well as the interactive exhibits and educational programs.

Plan Your Visit

Address: 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 664-1000
Hours: 10am to 5pm daily, with extended hours during the summer months
Admission: Adults $15.95, Children (6-12) $12.95, Children (3-5) $9.95, Children under 3 free

Conclusion

The USS Wisconsin is an incredible piece of American history, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the daily life of a sailor on board a battleship. With her impressive armor plating, advanced fire control systems, and powerful guns, the USS Wisconsin was a formidable fighting machine. Today, the USS Wisconsin is a museum ship and memorial, docked at the Nauticus National Maritime Center in Norfolk, Virginia.

Whether you're a history buff, a military enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and educational experience, the USS Wisconsin is a must-see attraction. So why not plan your visit today and explore the USS Wisconsin for yourself?

Share Your Experience

Have you visited the USS Wisconsin? Share your experience with us in the comments below! What did you learn about this incredible battleship? What was your favorite part of the tour?