San Pedro, California — In April 1989, the USS Iowa (BB-61) experienced a devastating explosion during a live gun exercise in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 47 sailors. The explosion, which occurred in Turret 2, has been attributed to negligence regarding maintenance, hazardous experimentation, and pressures within the command structure to perform impressively.
On April 19, the battleship was engaged in a gunnery exercise about 260 nautical miles northeast of Puerto Rico when disaster struck at 9:53 a.m. The center barrel of the turret exploded, unleashing flames that reached temperatures between 1,400 and 1,600 degrees Celsius. The force of the blast compromised structural integrity, sending shockwaves through the ship and triggering another explosion just minutes later, fueled by combusting powder bags in the turret’s handling area.
The catastrophe led to a tragic loss of life, with sailors succumbing to various injuries. Seven died instantly from the blast, while others suffered fatal thermal and blunt force injuries. An investigation following the tragedy revealed a series of lapses in judgment and safety protocols that contributed to the explosion.
In the months leading up to the incident, warnings had gone unheeded. After taking command in May 1988, Captain Fred Moosally canceled a $1 million repair project intended to upgrade the gun turrets, opting instead to funnel resources into upgrading the ship’s power systems. Maintenance issues had severely limited training for the crew, leading to diminished morale and readiness, particularly among those responsible for operating the guns.
Despite these challenges, the crew undertook a risky experiment involving the use of outdated gunpowder, originally designed for lighter projectiles. This decision, encouraged by the ship’s master chief fire controlman and gunnery officer, led them to fire 2,700-pound shells using powder strictly labeled against such use. The desire to impress higher-ups outweighed concerns about safety.
The aftermath of this tragedy has led to heavy scrutiny of the Navy’s investigative processes, which many believe failed to adequately address the root causes of the explosion. Both Captain Moosally and chief fire controlman Stephen Skelley retired from the Navy without facing significant consequences. In a 2001 interview, Moosally lamented, “Only God knows what really happened in that turret.”
While the USS Iowa holds a prominent place in naval history, it follows an earlier incarnation of the namesake vessel, which had also seen its share of mishaps but without resulting fatalities. The legacy of these battleships is now interwoven with haunting events, contributing to a narrative steeped in both heroism and tragedy.
Today, the USS Iowa serves as a floating museum at the Pacific Battleship Center in San Pedro, where visitors can learn about naval history and honor the memories of those who lost their lives in the Turret 2 explosion. Each year, the location hosts memorial ceremonies to commemorate the fallen crew, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits that delve into the history of the battleships, the tragedies they endured, and the complex legacy they represent. As sailors pay tribute to their comrades, the Iowa remains a solemn reminder of the thin line between valor and disaster in military history.