Gov. Hospitalized After Choking at USS Iowa Dedication

The governor of Iowa was hospitalized after choking on food during a rededication ceremony for the former battleship USS Iowa at the Port of Los Angeles on Independence Day.

Gov. Terry Branstad was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital after choking on a carrot and vomiting during the event, according to his spokesman, Tim Albrecht. Branstad, 65, was then treated and released. He later returned to the ship for a 4th of July fireworks display, Albrecht said.

The 45,000-ton USS Iowa is scheduled to open to the public as a floating museum July 7 at the Port of LA’s Berth 87, directly south of the World Cruise Center.

The ceremony was attended by former USS Iowa crew members, other veterans and various elected officials, including Branstad, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin.

During its heyday, the USS Iowa took part in every major military conflict from World War II until the post-Cold War period. It was decommissioned in 1990 and donated to the Los Angeles-based Pacific Battleship Center in 2011.

The 887-foot ship arrived in Southern California in May after being based in Northern California for a time after being decommissioned as a warship in 1990.

The new museum’s operator, the non-profit Pacific Battleship Center says it will offer guided tours and educational programs, including overnight stays and youth camps. About 400,000 visitors are expected to visit the ship annually at its new home in the LA harbor.

USS Iowa Arrives in Southern California

After initially having its departure date delayed about a week, the former battleship being moved from Northern California to Southern California for a new role as a floating museum has arrived at its destination.

The 887-foot ship USS Iowa was originally scheduled to depart the Port of Richmond May 20 for a four day trip south, but was delayed six days due to rough seas in the San Francisco Bay area. It arrived at a temporary berth several miles offshore from Seal Beach, California, during the early morning hours of May 30.

The vessel was delivered by the 7,200-HP tugboat Warrior, which is operated by Crowley Maritime Corp. On June 9, Crowley’s harbor tugs are scheduled to move the ship up the main channel to its new permanent home in Berth 87 at the Port of Los Angeles.

“It is an honor for our team and company to have the privilege of caring for the USS Iowa on her journey to her new home,” Crowley port captain Andrew Gauthier said.

The 45,000-ton USS Iowa is scheduled to open to the public on July 7 at Berth 87, directly south of the World Cruise Center. The museum’s operator, the non-profit Pacific Battleship Center says it will offer guided tours and educational programs, including overnight stays and youth camps. About 400,000 visitors are expected to visit the ship annually.

During its heyday, the USS Iowa took part in every major military conflict from World War II until the post-Cold War period. It was decommissioned in 1990 and donated to the Los Angeles-based Pacific Battleship Center in 2011.

Floating Museum’s Move to Port of LA Delayed

Rough seas have delayed the arrival of the floating museum USS Iowa at its new permanent home at the Port of Los Angeles.

The retired battleship, which was commissioned in 1943 and decommissioned 47 years later, was expected to begin a journey this week to LA’s Berth 87, but the trip has been stalled by rough offshore waters in the San Francisco Bay area.

The 887-foot ship was originally scheduled to depart May 20 on the three-to-four day trip, but as of May 24, the departure is expected to come no sooner than Memorial Day Weekend, according to ship operations director and chief engineer Mike Getscher.

When it eventually arrives, the 45,000-ton vessel is scheduled to open to the public on July 7 at Berth 87 along the Main Channel, directly south of the World Cruise Center. The Pacific Battleship Center will offer guided tours and educational programs expected to include overnight stays and youth camps.

During its heyday, the USS Iowa took part in every major military conflict from World War II until the post-Cold War period. It was decommissioned in 1990. In 2011, it was donated to the Los Angeles-based non-profit Pacific Battleship Center.