Khaberni - From the late 19th century until World War II, battleships dominated the seas, carrying their massive guns and asserting their power over the oceans, but by the 1940s, these giant ships had become outdated in style due to the rise of aircraft carriers and precision-guided missiles.
By the end of the 1980s and 1990s, the last four American battleships were decommissioned, marking a new chapter in their history as they were transformed into floating museums that recreate the experience of life aboard these iron beasts for future generations.
Today, visitors can wander among the huge gun turrets, narrow corridors, and cramped crew quarters, imagining how the sailors lived in a state of high alert during the World Wars, the Korean War, and beyond.
According to "jalopnik," these ships are no longer just historical artifacts, but living museums preserving the memories of their crews and the daily experience of sailors.
1. USS Texas... The last dreadnought in the world
Launched in 1914, it served in both World Wars, the North African Invasion, and Normandy, then moved to the Pacific for the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. It was decommissioned in 1946 and has been a memorial in Texas since 1948.
Currently, the ship undergoes extensive restoration in Galveston to ensure its safety, expected to open to the public by late 2026 or early 2027.
2- USS New Jersey.. The most honored in the American Navy
Launched in December 1942, it served in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Middle East.
Today, the ship is displayed in the Camden Museum, New Jersey, where visitors can tour the bridge and gun turrets, and experience interactive programs such as firing some small guns or overnight camps for children.
3- USS Massachusetts.. The star of "Battleship Cove"
Launched the first and last American 16-inch naval shells during World War II and participated in the fiercest battles across both oceans.
Today it is displayed in Fall River, Massachusetts, within "Battleship Cove," where visitors enjoy interactive tours that include the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the submarine USS Lionfish, and a collection of warships.
4- USS North Carolina.. 15 battle stars
Launched in April 1941, it participated in all major campaigns of the Pacific theater; it was saved and moved to Wilmington in 1961, becoming a memorial to the victims of World War II, with tourist educational programs and interactive historical displays.
7- USS Iowa.. The ship of presidents and wars
Served in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, transporting President Franklin Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference, and participated in the Korean War.
After being updated with modern armament, it was transformed into a museum in San Pedro, California, featuring interactive tours and special events like the "Iowa Experience."
8- USS Missouri.. The site of Japan's official surrender
Launched in 1944, participated in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and served as the platform for Japan's official surrender in September 1945.
Today, anchored in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, it offers permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational and community events, as well as special parties and STEM educational programs for children.
