Friends,

Twenty-four years ago, I took my grandfather to visit his ship, USS MISSOURI. Seeing him transform into his younger self from the moment he stepped aboard altered the course of my life. It was the catalyst that sparked my involvement with Battleship IOWA.

It blows my mind to think of where we were thirteen years ago – shivering on board the “armored ice box” at a dock in Richmond, CA, with volunteers coming out of the woodwork and doing all they could to help us prepare the ship to serve as a museum. We had very little money, but an unlimited amount of grit, determination, and heart. And we had no clue where our efforts would lead us.

Today, we are poised to dive into the ship’s next improbable chapter: becoming the home to America’s Surface Navy Museum. From welcoming a carrier to LA Fleet Week, to seeing actual work start on restoring the 01 level deck, to “breaking ground” on building the national museum, 2024 has been a game-changing year.

What made it all possible? You.

Thank you for all you do for this organization. Thank you for spreading the word, for your monetary contributions, for your enthusiasm, and for your genuine care for this extraordinary community.

I ask you to take just 3 minutes and watch the video linked below to hear about the amazing things coming in 2025.

I wish you a happy and blessed New Year and look forward to seeing you at the National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA soon!

Sincerely,

Jonathan Williams
President & CEO