[JREX53]

Originally Posted by Diopos

I think the Iowa class carried 2-3 small seaplanes. So in engagments in extreme ranges they would be used in the forward fire observation role. I don't know if they were ever used in an actual naval engagment though. And to be honest I'm not sure the USA BBs saw a lot of ship tp ship engagments but I will leave this the more knowledgeable.
BTW the original question was one of minimum rather tham maximum range.
I do not know which was the minimum (negative) inclination of their main guns, or if there were operational procedures that dictated a need for a certain minimum range. What I know (ok assume) is that no admiralty would accept the possibility of an enemy surface vessel being able to operate in close range to a BB!!!

How about Guadacanal.