IOWA Family:
We begin this week optimistic on potentially reopening in the coming weeks. Last week, the Governor announced outdoor museums would be in the next part of Phase 2 and L.A. County authorities announced museums would be in their next part of Phase 2. We are optimistic that the City of Los Angeles will concur with these recommendations.
A limited reopening as outlined below will help generate much needed revenue, but it will be far from closing the gap. We need to remain focused on limiting expenses and generating donor support from people like you and your friends to help close the gap. Thank you tremendously for your support!
Our team has been working on a reopening plan since our closure with a focus on important measures to ensure our guests and crew remain safe. These measures may appear extreme to some, but we take our responsibility seriously when it comes to protecting our community.
There is no doubt that the Battleship IOWA Museum will operate differently on a daily basis. We have had to rethink our program offerings to take into account safety, sanitation, and distancing measures. Below are our proposed policies and we are anxiously awaiting published guidelines from local authorities on what may need to be adjusted.
- Limited capacity physical distanced guided outdoor tours of no more than 10 people. All indoor spaces will be closed to the General Access tour until further notice.
- Reserved timed passes with touch-less check-in. Passes must be purchased online or on your mobile device. To redeem vouchers or purchase via telephone, please call 877-446-9261 ext. 1 between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
- Guides will not only provide you a memorable experience but will also ensure continued physical distance.
- Face coverings are required for all Guests and Crew.
- All non-essential crew will continue working remotely.
- Designated signage promoting 6′ of distance and hand washing.
- Deployed hand sanitizer and/or hand washing stations through the venue.
- Increased our disinfecting routine throughout the day (utilizing a hydrostatic disinfecting tool) to include frequently touched surfaces, handrails, restrooms, etc.
- Mandatory no-access for Guests or Crew that have experienced flu-like symptoms in the prior 72 hours.
- If you are in a high-risk group, we encourage you to remain safe at home.
- It is possible that we may need to implement touch-less temperature checks for all Guests and Crew boarding the vessel.
Our operation has changed for the foreseeable future and I am certain these policies will have a profound impact on both guests and crew. I have complete confidence in our crew and supporters to come together to continue battling this crisis.
Unfortunately, these adjustments will have an impact on paid staff. Our remaining paid staff will be expected to be cross-trained in numerous departments, remain flexible, and be ready to adapt at a moment’s notice. This includes the potential for leadership to be at the deck plate performing maintenance work, securing the ship, providing tours to our guests, or answering phones. This will be an all-hands on deck evolution!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the crew and paid staff that may be affected by this change in operation. Jobs will be eliminated, high-risk crew members may need to remain safe at home, and functions will undoubtedly change. On behalf of the entire crew, we will remain focused and vigilant because of your sacrifices for the future of the Battleship IOWA.
I am proud of the work that our crew has accomplished over the past several weeks. The crew continues to remain focused on maintaining the ship, obtaining additional resources, tightly managing cash-flow, introducing new education programs, growing our veteran’s resources, providing customer support, preparing for reopening, reaching out to each other, and the list goes on. I am awe-inspired to watch how quickly this team has adapted to the circumstances and is focused on an amazing future!
Personally, I continue to remain focused on our future and the National Museum of the Surface Navy evolution. In the coming weeks our Education Team will be announcing a new program in support of the National Museum. The board(s) remain focused on this important transition and we will begin picking up a head of steam in the coming months.
On behalf of our board(s) and crew, thank you tremendously for your support and commitment to the future.
Stay safe.
Jonathan Williams
President & CEO