Wife and I went aboard the Missouri a year ago at Pearl. She had just come out of a repaint and dry dock.
The last four BBs are magnificent but really belong in museums...
The Iowas in My opinion are still unmatched in their construction. Aircraft carriers are too big with too little Protection (see U.S./U.K. Aircraft Carrier Armor during WW2) Same thing with the Cruisers and Destroyers today. Alot of firepower, not enough armor.
I have Seen the Iowa up close and personal, she is truly a sight to behold.
I still contend they had alife in the U.S. Navy, but penny pincher did them in (don't they always)
Never the less they are still among the Best Capital Ships ever to have graced the seas.