USS Illinois (BB-65)

The USS Illinois (BB-65) was a planned Iowa-class battleship of the United States Navy. She was the third ship to be named in honor of the state of Illinois. Her keel was laid down on December 6, 1945, at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, but construction was suspended on August 12, 1945, just days before the end of World War II, when she was only 22% complete.

Like other uncompleted or mothballed Iowa-class battleships, several proposals were made to complete or convert the Illinois during the late 1940s and 1950s, including proposals to convert her into a large guided missile battleship. However, none of these plans were ultimately approved due to cost concerns and changing naval strategy favoring aircraft carriers and submarines.

The incomplete hull of the USS Illinois (BB-65) was eventually scrapped in September 1958. No parts or components of the ship survive to this day. She never saw active service.