“All freedom … depends on the freedom of the seas — for our own shipping, for the commerce of our sister Republics, for the right of all nations to use the highways of world trade, and for our own safety.”
— President Franklin D. Roosevelt, May 1941
More Than a Ship. More Than a Museum.
Pacific Battleship Center is a donor- and visitor-funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring global awareness of freedom of the seas and strengthening America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity.
Through Battleship IOWA, anchor of the National Museum of the Surface Navy, Maritime Pathways, LA Fleet Week, and the Freedom of the Seas campus, we change lives by inviting people to explore the Life of a Sailor, connect with America’s maritime story and industry, and chart their path toward service, workforce, volunteering, and community impact.
Millions have explored. Hundreds of thousands have connected. Tens of thousands have charted their path — creating outcomes beyond a visit: connection, purpose, workforce pathways, stronger communities, appreciation for maritime service, and a deeper understanding of America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity.
Along the way, our work has generated more than $130 million in economic impact for our community, helped transform the LA Waterfront, and positioned Pacific Battleship Center as a leader in the future role of museums as community platforms.
Vision
To inspire global awareness of freedom of the seas.
Mission
Ignite curiosity and connect communities to strengthen America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity.
Brands
Battleship USS IOWA, National Museum of the Surface Navy, LA Fleet Week, LA Disaster Resilience and Recovery Collective, Vicky the Dog, Freedom of the Seas.
Program Pillars
Education, Veterans, Community
Location
LA Waterfront at the San Pedro / Long Beach Harbor
Our Team
From saving a ship to building a movement — together, we make it possible.
At the Pacific Battleship Center, our story is one of commitment, perseverance, and purpose. As one crewmember said, being part of this organization is like living in a docuseries — with a new episode unfolding every day.
Our team is led and advised by all-volunteer boards, including the Board of Directors, National Leadership Council, Chairman’s Flag Council, and President’s Advisory Board. These leaders provide governance, strategic insight, and national advocacy.
At the operational level, the "crew" of the museum is approximately one-third staff and two-thirds volunteers, keeping us deeply connected to the volunteer roots that built this organization from the ground up. Founded in 2008 and hiring our first employee after saving the ship in 2012, we've grown to nearly 100 employees and welcome over 50,000 hours of volunteer service annually.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life — veterans, students, professionals, retirees — and contribute across every department and function. They are united by a shared purpose to serve, connect, and honor those who came before, while inspiring those still to come.
Financial Stewardship
A clear look at our finances, our impact, and the supporters behind the mission.