Dozens Gather In San Pedro In Support Of USS Iowa

SAN PEDRO (CBS2/KNX1070) — A historic battleship could be sailing for San Pedro soon.

Supporters of a plan to bring the USS Iowa to the city say the Navy could make a decision as early as this summer.

KNX 1070’s Ed Mertz reports that dozens turned out for a rally Saturday in support of bringing the ship to Los Angeles. It included a fireboat display and a flyover by World War II aircraft.

Backers say the battleship could draw hundreds of thousands of tourists to San Pedro.

“I knew that this was really what we’ve been looking for, what we’ve been waiting for. Since I was elected in 2001 on the City Council, I’ve been wanting to read about this waterfront,” LA Councilwoman Janice Hahn said.

The USS Iowa served extensively in WWII and the Korean War.

It’s currently berthed near San Francisco.