The realistic-looking backdrop was actually a flat photo. However, your travel4seniors.com editor’s recent trip to the veteran battleship in San Pedro CA harbor was an exciting event.

Brief history: The USS Iowa (BB-61) was launched at Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1942. In 1943, she took President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic to the Tehran Conference with British Winston Churchill and Russian Josef Stalin. Then, in wartime 1944 and 1945, the Iowa was in active combat in Pacific campaigns with Army and Marine landings and shore bombardments.

In the 1950s, The Grey Ghost participated in Korean War campaigns and further assignments throughout the world until decommissioned in 1990. Since 2011, the Iowa has been anchored and on display at Berth 87 at the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro CA.

Going aboard the Iowa costs about $20 adults, $17 seniors, $12 for kids age six to 11 and free for kids five and under. For onboard programs, special event schedules and other info, go to  www.pacificbattleship.com