April 16th marks the 70th anniversary of the USS Wisconsin’s commissioning into the U.S. Navy.
The Wisconsin began its service in 1944 after her commissioning at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
After sea trials, repairs and alterations, the Wisconsin eventually joined Admiral William “Bull” Halsey’s Third Fleet.
The ship served during World War II (1944-1945), the Korean War (1951-1952) and Operation Desert Storm (1991).
The Battleship Wisconsin was homeported in Norfolk for most of its active service and returned to the city permanently in 2000. The City of Norfolk officially assumed stewardship of the vessel from the United States Navy in December 2009.
