The United States is a Maritime Nation.

Most Americans Don't Realize It.

Every opportunity starts with discovery. Discovery leads to exploration. Exploration creates connections, and connections help people discover where they belong and how they can contribute.

Maritime Pathways is the unifying framework behind all of the Pacific Battleship Center’s programs and services. Whether someone engages through the Battleship IOWA Museum, National Museum of the Surface Navy, education programs, veterans initiatives, workforce development, volunteer service, or community engagement, each experience is designed to help people discover opportunities, build relationships, and strengthen America’s maritime future.

Start Exploring Watch Our Story

What is Maritime Pathways?

Opportunity Begins with Discovery.

Every opportunity starts with awareness—a social media post, a story in the news, a podcast, seeing a ship, watching cargo move through a port, attending an event, or simply landing on this website.

Maritime Pathways is our answer—a journey through which people discover America’s maritime opportunities, explore possibilities, build connections, and find their place within them.

90%

of Global Trade Moves by Sea.

250k+

Skilled workers needed.

1 in 10

Students have discussed a Maritime career.

20%

of Americans see the Navy as critical.

Your Maritime Pathway

Every journey starts somewhere.

1. DISCOVER

You found us. That’s a good start.

An ad, social media, online search, seeing a ship, hearing a story, attending an event, or simply landing on this website ignited a spark to learn more.

2. EXPLORE

Learn more about the possibilities.

Explore ships, ports, careers, sea services, technology, leadership, and opportunities through experiences, resources, programs, and hands-on learning.

3. CONNECT

Meaningful connections happen here.

Build relationships through shared experiences, events, programs, and resources that create opportunity.

4. FIND YOUR PLACE

Turn opportunity into impact.

Pursue education, service, leadership, volunteerism, community involvement, or a maritime career that aligns with your interests and goals.

Explore

Follow your curiosity. Come aboard.

Battleship IOWA is the anchor of Maritime Pathways and where many journeys begin.

. Step aboard a Navy ship. Experience Life of a Sailor. Stay overnight. Attend an event. Hear a story. Explore maritime roles. Watch cargo move. Meet someone new.

You never know where a simple moment of exploration might lead.

IN PERSON

ONLINE

Connect

Meaningful connections and opportunities happen here.

We create environments where meaningful connections occur—bringing people together through shared experiences, programs, events, and resources that strengthen relationships and create opportunity.

Relationship Development

Career Interest

Gravely Student Experience & Essay Contest ➜
Career Engagements
Internships (MVA transition & student)
Job & Resource Fairs

Social Interest & Support Groups

Surface Navy Association ➜
Marine Corps League ➜
American Legion
Big Stick Social Club
Volunteer & Skill Building Opportunities ➜

FIND YOUR PLACE

Discover how you can contribute.

Every journey is different. Some people discover a career. Others find community. Some choose service. Others become volunteers, leaders, advocates, supporters, or lifelong learners.

Through the experiences you explore and the relationships you build, you begin to discover where you can contribute and how you can make a difference.



WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Explore pathways to careers, internships, apprenticeships, certifications, education, and workforce opportunities throughout the maritime industry.



COMMUNITY & RESILIENCE

Become part of something bigger. Build relationships, strengthen communities, support resilience, and contribute to causes that matter.



SERVICE & LEADERSHIP

Lead through action. Serve your community, support others, develop leadership skills, and create positive impact through involvement and service.



STRENGTHEN AMERICA'S MARITIME FUTURE

Help shape what comes next. Support maritime awareness, workforce development, education, national security understanding, and the future prosperity of our maritime nation.

Your pathway is unique.

Whether you find purpose through a career, service, leadership, community involvement, or supporting the mission, Maritime Pathways helps people discover where they belong and how they can contribute.

Maritime Pathways transforms curiosity into exploration, exploration into connection, and connection into opportunity. The result is workforce development, stronger communities, and a stronger maritime nation.

Start Exploring

Explore Ship

Explore Resources

Pathways in Action

Tens of millions discovered America’s maritime opportunities.
3M+ explored, with 94% leaving with a deeper understanding of the Navy and its mission.
300,000+ connected, leading to careers, service, community, resilience, and advocacy.
$130M+ in economic impact generated through tourism, programs, events, and outreach.

Stronger individuals. Stronger communities. A stronger maritime nation.

Your path is unique.