The USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-class battleship that has a rich history in the United States Navy. On March 15, 1952, the USS Wisconsin was involved in a significant event during the Korean War. The ship was part of the United Nations naval forces that were providing gunfire support to the ground troops fighting against the North Korean and Chinese armies.
Background and History of the USS Wisconsin
The USS Wisconsin was commissioned on April 16, 1944, and was one of the four Iowa-class battleships built by the United States during World War II. The ship was designed to be fast and heavily armed, with a top speed of over 30 knots and a main armament of nine 16-inch guns. The USS Wisconsin played a significant role in the final stages of World War II, providing gunfire support during the battles of Leyte Gulf and Okinawa.
Korean War and the USS Wisconsin’s Involvement
After the end of World War II, the USS Wisconsin was decommissioned and placed in reserve. However, with the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the ship was recommissioned and sent to Korea to provide gunfire support to the United Nations forces. On March 15, 1952, the USS Wisconsin was involved in a bombardment of the North Korean coast, firing over 300 rounds of 16-inch ammunition at enemy positions. The ship’s guns were used to support the ground troops, helping to break up enemy formations and destroy key infrastructure.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Length | 887 feet 3 inches |
| Beam | 108 feet 2 inches |
| Draft | 29 feet 1 inch |
| Speed | Over 30 knots |
| Main Armament | 9 x 16-inch guns |
Technical Specifications and Performance
The USS Wisconsin was powered by eight boilers, which produced 212,000 horsepower and drove the ship’s four propellers. The ship’s main armament consisted of nine 16-inch guns, which were mounted in three triple turrets. The guns were capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including high-explosive shells and armor-piercing rounds. The USS Wisconsin also had a range of secondary armament, including 20mm and 40mm anti-aircraft guns, and five-inch guns for use against surface targets.
Actual Performance Analysis
During its time in Korea, the USS Wisconsin performed admirably, providing gunfire support to the ground troops and helping to destroy key enemy targets. The ship’s guns were highly accurate, and the USS Wisconsin was able to deliver sustained and intense firepower against enemy positions. The ship’s speed and maneuverability also made it a valuable asset, allowing it to quickly respond to changing battlefield conditions and provide support to the ground troops where it was needed most.
- The USS Wisconsin fired over 30,000 rounds of 16-inch ammunition during its time in Korea.
- The ship's guns were capable of firing at a rate of up to 2 rounds per minute.
- The USS Wisconsin was able to sustain a speed of over 25 knots for extended periods, making it one of the fastest battleships in the world at the time.
What was the USS Wisconsin's role in the Korean War?
+The USS Wisconsin played a significant role in the Korean War, providing gunfire support to the United Nations forces and helping to destroy key enemy targets. The ship's guns were used to support the ground troops, helping to break up enemy formations and destroy key infrastructure.
What were the USS Wisconsin's technical specifications?
+The USS Wisconsin was powered by eight boilers, which produced 212,000 horsepower and drove the ship's four propellers. The ship's main armament consisted of nine 16-inch guns, which were mounted in three triple turrets. The guns were capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including high-explosive shells and armor-piercing rounds.
The USS Wisconsin’s involvement in the Korean War marked a significant shift in the role of battleships in modern naval warfare. The ship’s ability to provide accurate and sustained gunfire support made it a valuable asset to the United Nations forces, and its presence helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the allies. Today, the USS Wisconsin is a museum ship, docked in Norfolk, Virginia, and serves as a reminder of the important role that battleships played in the history of the United States Navy.
