NOVEMBER 13, 2024
Fall Events Wrap Up
Freedom of the Seas Awards Weekend
Every year, our Freedom of the Seas Awards Weekend grows and becomes more impactful. We have the honor of recognizing the work of outstanding recipients and this year’s group was impressive.
- Freedom of the Seas Award: USS Gravely as a representative of all Navy vessels patrolling the Red Sea to protect our sea lanes
- Gravely Leadership Award: CMDCM Octavia Harris, USN (Ret.) – the first enlisted female on a combatant vessel, whose final tour in the Navy was as Command Master Chief of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, leading 10,000 men and women in support of the command’s vision and mission.
- Humanitarian Service Award: Lisa Argyros, co-chair of the Argyros Family Foundation, is making a difference with philanthropic efforts on education, veterans, health care, the arts, and the environment.
- Commerce & Communication Award: ILWU Local 13 prioritizes service to community and country is emblematic of the working spirit of America.
Besides the four major awards, we also presented scholarships to deserving student winners of our Gravely Essay contest.
Add in fascinating speakers, great food, and excellent company and you get a memorable evening we’re looking forward to repeating next year to celebrate the Navy’s 250th birthday and the opening of the National Museum of the Surface Navy!
Halloween STEMebration
Freedom of the Seas wasn’t the only big weekend we had in October. Our annual Halloween STEMebration drew more than 1,000 trick-or-treaters to the ship on Sunday the 27th.
From a “trunk or treat” on the dock – thanks to local first responders – to a marionette show on the fantail and games, a good time was had by all.
Thanks for making this event possible to our generous education sponsors and community partners, including: Marathon Petroleum, Crail-Johnson Foundation, Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris Foundation, the Port of Los Angeles, Boeing, Black Knight Patrol, Port of Los Angeles Police, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, and more.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next Halloween!
Veterans Day West
And that’s not all! Saturday, November 9th we held our annual celebration of veterans.
Featuring performances by Geffen Playhouse Veterans Writing & Performance Project, Pamela Clay, Bruce Bermudez, and Lindsay Gillis of the Catahoula Band, this event was free to the public and included free battleship admission plus a hot dog and soda for all veterans & current service members,
We even had two World War II veterans in attendance!
L to R: Lloyd Glick, age 100, and Dale Freeberg, age 98.
Keep an eye on our website calendar for more upcoming events you can attend.
There’s Still Time
…to get your Freedom of the Seas PAVER before for the holidays.
Preserve your legacy with a paver in our Walk of Honor. Order by November 14th and your complimentary keepsake paver will arrive just in time for you to surprise a loved one with it.
Order your paver and share your story today!
A Date Which Will Live In Infamy
Join us aboard Battleship IOWA to remember December 7, 1941 – the “date which will live in infamy.” The ceremony will feature:
- The 300th Army Band Brass Quintet
- An Andrews Sisters Tribute
- Speech by 100-year-old WWII veteran Lloyd Glick
- Special appearance by H. Delano Roosevelt – grandson of FDR
Free admission to the fantail for the ceremony and a bonus for attendees:
- Show your program from the event at ticketing and get $10.00 off adult admission
- Show the program at Vicky’s and get a regular hot dog, chips, and a soda for $10.00
Sign up on EventBrite to let us know you’re coming.
Naming Contest
Did you hear we got a barge to help with hull maintenance?
Well, the “fleet” just grew. A second barge was donated and is currently en route from the Army Corps of Engineers in Troy, NY.
Volunteer security manager Bob Watkins flew back east to work the logistics of getting it moving our way and came back with fun stories of having to maneuver the wide load through the narrow streets of the town.
So we’re about to have two maintenance barges… and that’s where you come in. These majestic (?) vessels need names.
Suggestions so far include: Rocky Barge-boa and Barge Pitt & Raftelina Jolie. Think you can do better? Click the button below and submit your ideas.
We’ll collate the funnest answers, then get back to you with a list to vote on.
Reminder: Discounted Rates For Overnights
There are still exclusive discounted dates available for our popular Camp Battleship overnight program:
- Saturday, November 16, 2024 – Rate $100 per person
- Friday, November 22, 2024 – Rate $95 per person
- Friday, December 6, 2024 – Rate $95 per person
- Friday, December 13, 2024 – Rate $95 per person
- Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Rate $95 per person
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!
How to Book:
- Visit our website
- Fill out and send the request form with your preferred date to overnights@labattleship.com
- Place $250.00 deposit
For more information and registration, click below.
Secure your place in the Walk of Honor today.
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.
