USS Iowa Gets Final Approval for L.A. Harbor Home

Byline: Taylor Hill SAN PEDRO — The Los Angeles Harbor Commission voted unanimously May 17 to create a new home for the historic battleship USS Iowa at the Port of Los Angeles’ Berth 87, along Los Angeles Harbor’s main channel. After 11 years in Northern California, spending most of that time resting alongside other warship relics in Suisun Bay’s “Ghost Fleet,” the 887-foot-long battleship will leave the Port of Richmond docks and be towed out under the Golden Gate Bridge. Soon, the ship will be anchored outside Los Angeles Harbor, as more repair and cleanup of the vessel is needed before the vessel can be moved into its new home. At the May 17 meeting, the Harbor Commission also approved the lease agreement and an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) necessary to bring the World War II icon to the San Pedro waterfront, where it will be converted to an interactive naval museum and living memorial. The floating museum is scheduled to open to the public July 7. “Los Angeles is thrilled to welcome a national treasure that has served our nation so faithfully, for so long,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “It is with great pride that our city, our port and our...