Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:57:21-2:58:58

Iowa BB-4 replaces Iowa BB-61 in the Second World War

The old Iowa BB-4 would probably be scrapped, with a museum or war-bond role as the alternative.

Alternate HistoryBattleshipsUS NavyUSS Iowa BB 4USS Iowa BB 61
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Question

What if USS Iowa BB-61 were replaced by Iowa BB-4 during the Second World War?

Short answer

The old battleship would probably be scrapped, or perhaps used as a museum or war-bond attraction, because it could not replace Iowa's combat value.

Notes

Replacing Iowa BB-61 with the old Iowa BB-4 would leave the US Navy without a useful substitute for its modern battleship. The pre-dreadnought would probably be scrapped for its metal. A museum or war-bond display is the more optimistic alternative. Neither proposal gives the old ship a combat role equivalent to Iowa's.