Summary and Key Points: The reactivation of the Iowa-class battleships in the 1980s under the Reagan administration was driven by the need to counter the Soviet Navy's expansion, particularly the Kirov-class battlecruisers.
-The Iowas were seen as a cost-effective and quick solution to bolster U.S. naval power, offering heavy firepower and the ability to engage Soviet ships at long ranges with Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles.
-Although they received significant upgrades, including modern electronics and missile systems...