Deck Project Update
Have you heard? Thanks to generous contributions to our preservation and maintenance fund, the deck on the wings of the 04 level navigation bridge has been restored! It doesn’t just look seriously ship shape, the steel deck beneath is protected for decades to come.
Ship’s carpenter and deck project manager volunteer Stan Sato supervised the good folks from Teakdecking Systems, who brought in the materials and did the actual installation. We caught up with him to find out more about the process and future plans.
IOWA: Tell us about the deck itself. What’s the material?
Sato: The tan material is Herculan and the dark seams that look like caulk are Esthec. Both are high quality synthetics made for marine environments. They’re durable and wear-resistant.
IOWA: What was it like working with Teakdecking Systems?
Sato: They’re a “dream team.” Ron, Jason, and Colt really know their business. We showed them where to work and that was all they needed. They had some challenges, including rain, but they handled them well.
The decking material came prefabricated like puzzle pieces. They had to haul the pieces all the way up to 04, then lay them out, and finally secure them in place. Everything went smoothly.
IOWA: What’s the next portion of IOWA’s deck that will be restored?
Sato: The 01 level – the admiral’s veranda and the captain’s veranda. The process will be a little different.
The decking will come as puzzle pieces for the margin boards – the parts around the edges – and the middle will be poured, which I think is pretty cool.
IOWA: What’s the timing for the next step?
Sato: It’s already in progress. We’re assessing that deck now, taking soundings and looking at rust. We’re hoping to get the actual work moving around August.
Thanks to Stan for all the work he’s done coordinating this effort and to all who have donated to make it happen.
If you’d like to support deck maintenance (or any sort of ship maintenance and/or restoration), please click the button below.
Attention Boxing Fans
Announcing… Battle at the Battleship!
Come watch your Los Angeles area first responders battle it out in a boxing ring to support education programs at Battleship IOWA. Join us Saturday, June 29 from 4-7 PM as LA Sheriff’s Department, LA Fire Department, and LAPD go toe-to-toe.
Click below for tickets and more info… including a special bonus!
Opportunities
While we were caught up in the busy-ness of LA Fleet Week, a disaster happened in our namesake state. A tornado ripped through Greenfield, Iowa, and in one minute caused five deaths, 35 injuries, and the loss of 153 houses.
Iowa does so much to help us. Now it’s our turn to help them. Click the link below to support disaster relief for Greenfield. Thank you.
Save the date for our Freedom of the Seas Weekend.
This annual event recognizes leaders in and representatives from the military, government, maritime, and industrial sectors, as well as awards scholarships to deserving 11th grade students.
Interested in becoming an event or table sponsor? Click the button below to contact our development team.
NOTE: If you prefer not to donate electronically, please mail your check to:
Attention: Development Department, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731
Thank you to our 2023 donors for their generosity and support. Want to know how your donations are making a difference? Check out our ANNUAL REPORT here.
Want to see your name on the 2024 donor list? There’s still time to make a tax-deductible contribution to our organization.
Fun Fact: Did you know… on average every one of our plank owners has contributed $150 to the National Museum of the Surface Navy?
Click below to learn more and join.
