Norfolk, Virginia – Naval Station Norfolk held a solemn ceremony to honor the lives lost aboard the USS Iowa. The event took place at Iowa Point, the location of the USS Iowa Memorial, where the Navy hymn was sung. Although this was not the first time a ceremony had been conducted to remember the tragic events that occurred on the USS Iowa.
On April 19, 1989, a devastating explosion in gun turret two on the ship resulted in a fire that claimed the lives of Mary Messina’s brother and 46 other sailors. The emotional impact of the tragedy was evident as Messina shared her experience of hearing about the explosion while pregnant, feeling her daughter’s first movements.
During the ceremony, family members of other sailors who perished spoke, highlighting the bond that has formed among those affected by the tragedy. Iowa veterans, including one who responded to the explosion in the turret, also shared their reflections on the somber event.
The USS Iowa, a battleship with a storied history including service in World War II and the Korean War, was decommissioned for the final time in 1990. In 2012, it found a new purpose as a Navy ship museum in California. A 2023 restoration effort led to the relocation of a gun barrel from the battleship to Fort Story, where it now stands as a permanent memorial.
Amidst the ongoing efforts to honor the memory of the fallen sailors, one woman read a letter from an Iowa veteran expressing frustration with the Navy’s response to the tragedy and calling for continued support for affected crew members and their families. Other veterans echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of never forgetting those who made the ultimate sacrifice aboard the USS Iowa.
The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served on the USS Iowa, leaving a lasting impact on their families and fellow veterans. As the community gathers to pay tribute to their legacy, the memory of the Iowa 47 lives on, ensuring that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.