Scuttlebutt: Official Podcast of the National Museum of the Surface Navy

What's It Like To Recommission A Battleship Part 2

National Museum of the Surface Navy Season 2 Episode 9

What's it like to go aboard a ship that's been closed up for nearly thirty years and help bring it back to life? Bob Lemmond and Marty Palmiere know.

They spent years preparing USS IOWA to rejoin the US Navy's active roster in the early 1980s, were there when then-Vice President George HW Bush recommissioned her, and along with Scott Williamson, took her back to sea.

In the second half of our conversation with them, they reminisce about seeing the trademark rooster tail behind the ship at 36 (yes, you read that right) knots, what it sounded like aboard at speeds that high, the feeling of pride to sail on this grand grey lady, and their gratitude at being able to return to the ship they love.


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