NORFOLK — Battleship Wisconsin, also known as America’s last and largest battleship, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Battleship Wisconsin is best known as being the legendary vessel that played a key role in World War II, the Korean Conflict and Operation Desert Shield, according to Nauticus.
In tribute to the Battleship Wisconsin’s distinguished history, Nauticus will be honoring the brave men who served aboard the ship with a year-long anniversary celebration entitled, “Their Stories. Our History.”
The vessel earned five battle stars for service and was once home to nearly 3,000 men.
Since arriving in Norfolk in 2000, the battleship has become an integral part of the city’s landscape.
“The Battleship Wisconsin is a national treasure,” said Stephen E. Kirkland, executive director of Nauticus. “It’s Nauticus’ extraordinary privilege to be the steward of the ship, but it belongs to the great country for which it served for so many years.”
Beginning April 16 (the date of the battleship’s commissioning in 1944) and continuing through Oct. 2 (the date on which the Wisconsin reported for duty with the Pacific Fleet in 1944), Nauticus will share the stories of the sailors who served during World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Gulf War.
Kirkland said videotaped accounts of life aboard the ship from those who called it home, as well as the opening of interior spaces never seen by the public, will be among the many ways visitors will be able to fully experience the vessel once called “A City at Sea.”
There will be numerous opportunities for the public to participate in the celebration.
A complete calendar of 75th anniversary events will be available at battleship75.org.
