USS Iowa (BB-61) was the lead ship of the last class of U.S. Navy battleships to be built by the United States.

Iowa was awarded to the Pacific Battleship Center on September 6, 2011 for display at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California – home to the United States Battle Fleet from 1919 to 1940.

On October 27, 2011, the battleship was relocated from Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet to the Port of Richmond, California for painting and refurbishment.

Iowa has played various roles in films and television series including NCIS: Los Angeles, American Warships, Bermuda Tentacles, The Rookie, and Dark Rising.

Iowa is home to annual American-focused events including the City of Los Angeles Veterans Appreciation,[6] a Memorial Day Celebration,[7] and September 11 remembrance.