IOWA CLASS Inspiration
Our IOWA CLASS hoodies were inspired by the IOWA-Class ships ordered by the United States Navy in 1943–44. Just like the legendary battleships they pay tribute to, these are 100% made in the USA, designed for maximum durability, and are officially licensed by the U.S. Navy.
Here’s an overview of the IOWA class and a snapshot of each ship that provided the inspiration.
A Need for Speed
The Iowa class was a class of fast battleships ordered by the United States Navy in 1939 and 1940. They were initially intended to intercept fast capital ships and fought in four major U.S. wars. The design and dimensions of the Iowas were strongly influenced by speed. They were built to have a double bottom hull, and at the time of commission, they carried twenty quad 40 mm AA gun mounts, used for defense against enemy aircraft. These ships were technological marvels of their time, and their construction was a testament to the advanced shipbuilding techniques and engineering prowess of the United States during World War II.
USS Iowa (1943-1992): The lead ship of her class, the USS Iowa was commissioned in 1943, serving in World War II, the Korean War, and later reactivated in the 1980s. She participated in numerous naval bombardments and served as a presidential transport. Decommissioned multiple times, the Iowa's long service life reflected the changing needs of the U.S. Navy.
USS Wisconsin (BB-64) "Big Wisky": Affectionately dubbed "Big Wisky," this ship is known for her heavy firepower and served as a powerful symbol of American naval might. The USS Wisconsin earned five battle stars and played crucial roles in both World War II and the Korean War. Reactivated in the 1980s, it also played a significant part in Operation Desert Storm. Today, as a museum ship docked in Norfolk, Virginia, it stands as a testament to the Iowa-class battleships' resilience.
USS New Jersey (BB-62): Known as "Big J," the USS New Jersey was commissioned in 1943 and served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and was reactivated in the 1980s. She earned more battle stars than any other U.S. battleship, a testament to her extensive and varied service across multiple conflicts.
USS Missouri (BB-63) "Mighty Mo": Commissioned in 1944, the USS Missouri is most famous for being the site of the Japanese surrender, officially ending World War II. She also served in the Korean War and was reactivated in the 1980s. "Mighty Mo" symbolizes the end of one global conflict and the continued strength of the U.S. Navy.
A Tribute to Legacy & Values
When we created the IOWA CLASS hoodie, we wanted to make something more than an article of clothing, but something symbolic that pays tribute to these incredible ships and also to American craftsmanship and innovation at an important time in our country’s history. You can check out the full Iowa Class Hoodie collection and the details that went into their construction here.
As we marvel over this historic naval era technology, we also think about all the military personnel who served on them at a time when so much was at stake in our world.
With gratitude.
— RiserUnited
