The USS Iowa came home Sunday, and those who survived the explosion that ripped through one of her gun turrets were welcomed with smiles, hugs and feelings of relief.

The scenes on the news were riveting. Lady Luck shined on those who survived, but she bowed her head in tribute to those who did not make it home.

When tragedy strikes, people reflect on the necessity and plausibility of dangerous weapons of war and instruments of technology. This accident has proven to be no different, with opponents of the reinstatement of the Iowa-class destroyers claiming the ships are obsolete and unnecessary. Proponents claim the ships are indeed necessary, citing the state-of-the-art craftsmanship of the World War II battleships, their enormous fire power and their capabilities to serve as a deterrent off the coasts of Central America and the Middle East.

Last week, on ABC’s Nightline, Sen. Gary Hart said ships like the Iowa should permanently be docked so accidents such as last week’s explosion do not reoccur. He argues that the ship is too old and dangerous.

His argument was well-presented, but the fact remains that the Iowa is one of the most highly-sophisticated and better maintained ships in a naval arsenal rated as the best in the world.

The construction of the Iowa-class battleships cannot be duplicated. The propulsion system installed in the ship is one of the most economical and efficient of its kind.

The loss of human life is always more important than the life of an instrument of war. However, this editorial is dealing with a different issue.

The U.S. Navy has placed a moratorium on all firings aboard ships equipped with Iowa-class 16-inch guns. When the investigation into the incident is complete, and when adjustments are made, the ship should continue serving in the U.S. fleet as long as it can function safely.