USS Iowa Leaves Port Of Richmond
RICHMOND (KCBS) – The USS Iowa, the country's last World War II battleship, sailed out of the Port of Richmond Saturday morning heading for Los Angeles, where it will become a museum.
The battleship has a rich history, serving in World War II and the Korean War, patrolling seas around the world.
Robert Kent, president of the Pacific Battleship Center in Los Angeles, said the delay in towing the ship south because of rough seas along the coast last week proved to be fantastic timing.
KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:
"We know that the delay was for a reason and what better day to leave than this beautiful Saturday, with the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge occurring at the same time," said Kent. "It couldn't be better."
Navy veteran Mike McEnteggart was on board the Iowa in the 80's and will work on it again as it's preserved to be an interactive museum in the Port of Los Angeles.
"I grew up on this ship. It was a big part of my life," said McEnteggart. "I served 49½ months on board this ship in active duty. It changed me, it did."
It will take 3-4 days for the battleship to be towed. It will first be anchored off the coast for cleaning before docking in Los Angeles on June 2.
The museum will include a tour of the captain's cabin, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt stayed for 33 days when he was on board.
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