A Bright Sunny Wednesday

It was a very sunny, very beautiful day in Virginia Beach. Just after lunch, we were gathered into the the auditorium where the accident aboard USS Iowa was announced to us, and we were instructed as to what we could and could not say if we were approached by the media for comment. It went from a beautiful day to a somber reminder that the ocean is always trying to kill you and that going to sea is is dangerous. What I remember most of those next weeks is how few of us actually bought the Navy’s official story. I wasn’t in the Navy long enough to see the end of the other investigations, but there was a lot of sotto voce commentary vis-à-vis the original conclusions. This – in my own opinion – contributed to our refusal to accept the results of other Navy investigations that occurred during my time in other incidents. I never really forgot that day though.

A little over two decades later, I would stand on the bridge of USS Iowa just minutes after it had been reopened for the first time since her decommissioning, and I would look out over her forward turrets. I could feel the explosion, the screams, the pain and the flames. And I found myself emotional in that moment.

Today, USS Iowa is a memorial ship, but specifically not to World War II, but rather the Cold War, my war. And a reminder of the 47 men who gave their lives that April day for freedom.

On April 19, 1989, a devastating explosion occurred in Turret Number 2 aboard the USS Iowa, a World War II-era battleship. This tragic event led to the loss of 47 sailors and sparked a series of investigations that would challenge initial findings and ultimately reshape naval safety protocols.

The explosion happened as the USS Iowa was conducting a gunnery exercise near Puerto Rico. The immediate effect was catastrophic, killing 47 crew members instantly and destroying much of the turret’s interior. The intense fire and subsequent damage rendered the turret inoperable, marking one of the Navy’s deadliest peacetime accidents. The loss of life not only devastated families but deeply impacted the crew’s morale and the Navy’s public image.

The initial investigation by the Navy suggested that the explosion was likely caused by deliberate actions taken by one of the turret’s crew members, who they speculated might have been suicidal. This conclusion was based on analysis of the chemical residues and the positioning of bodies and equipment within the turret. However, this theory was controversial and led to significant backlash, both from the public and from family members of the deceased, who felt it unjustly blamed the victims without conclusive evidence.

Critics of the Navy’s first investigation pointed out several issues, including potential biases, insufficient evidence, and the ignoring of alternative explanations. Experts argued that the Navy’s focus on a supposed sabotage angle prevented a thorough examination of other more likely causes, such as mechanical failure or mishandling of the highly volatile powder used in the guns.

Amid growing criticism, the U.S. Department of Defense commissioned an independent investigation by Sandia National Laboratories. Sandia’s findings significantly differed from the Navy’s initial report. Their investigation suggested that the explosion could have been caused by an accidental over-ramming of powder bags into the gun breach. They found no evidence supporting the theory of deliberate action or sabotage. This conclusion was backed by experimental simulations that demonstrated how such an accident could occur under specific conditions.

Following the Sandia report, the Navy conducted a second investigation. This new investigation reconsidered the evidence and acknowledged that mechanical and procedural failures could have led to the accident. It notably did not support the earlier conclusion of deliberate action. The Navy revised its procedures for handling munitions and implemented stricter safety protocols to prevent similar accidents in the future.

After the explosion, USS Iowa returned to port with heavy damage and a grieving crew. The incident and its fallout hastened the battleship’s decommissioning. It was eventually turned into a museum ship, serving as a historical reminder of both its proud service and its tragic loss.

The legacy of the explosion in Turret Number 2 aboard USS Iowa is complex. It led to significant changes in naval procedures and raised awareness about the importance of safety in military operations. The event also underscored the need for transparency and thoroughness in investigative processes.

To honor the memory of the 47 sailors who lost their lives, a memorial was established. This memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the importance of safeguarding those who serve.

In remembering the USS Iowa explosion, the focus remains on respecting the victims, learning from past mistakes, and striving to ensure the safety and well-being of all military personnel in future operations.