Pacific Battleship Center
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A man in a suit and orange bow tie stands at a podium labeled USS IOWA, speaking into a microphone, with blue curtains and a small trophy visible in the background.

CEO Corner

Updates from Jonathan Williams

Jonathan Williams is the President & CEO of the Pacific Battleship Center, home of the Battleship IOWA, LA Fleet Week, and the National Museum of the Surface Navy. A purpose-driven leader and storyteller, he shares updates and insights from one of the nation’s most innovative nonprofit organizations. His writing explores leadership, community, and culture — connecting lessons from the deck plate to the boardroom while highlighting the people, progress, and purpose that continue to drive the mission forward.

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Newest Updates

Important: Policy Reminders & Leadership Changes

Team, It’s a busy and exciting October as we celebrate the Navy’s 250th birthday today with a special Chairman’s Reception unveiling Great Ships and prepare to head into Freedom of the Seas Weekend. I trust your department managers and leadership have already connected with you regarding recent policy changes and reminders, but I want to take a moment to reinforce a few important points for all staff and volunteers: Policy Reminders Schedule: The majority of our operations occur over the...

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From Great Ships to What Comes Next

Team, This week, we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Navy — a milestone that reminds us of our shared mission to honor service, inspire purpose, and build community. Here aboard IOWA, we’re marking the occasion with the launch of our special invite-only Great Ships Experience receptions. We’ll be scheduling a crew open house in late October or early November, so stay tuned for your special invitation. With the completion of the Great Ships Experience, our focus now shifts to...

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Shifting into Off-Season: Building, Aligning, and Moving Forward

Team: School is back in session, vacations have ended, and we are now shifting into the off-season. During this period, we will focus on deepening donor, veteran, and student engagement opportunities. One of the key highlights is the Freedom of the Seas Awards on October 25th. More information, including ticket purchases, can be found at: https://surfacenavymuseum.org/fos/. This week, I will be attending the LA Tourism Market Outlook Forum, my first event as a board member. Hall will be...

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Hull Preservation

Since 2012, retired Battleship USS IOWA has served as a popular attraction and community platform, proudly representing the ships and sailors that have served in America's Surface Navy since 1775. If this iconic vessel is to continue creating connection to their legacies and the importance of Freedom of the Seas, ongoing crucial preservation and maintenance must be addressed. To ensure the ship and her mission endure, our annual campaign champions efforts to preserve and maintain Battleship...

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National Museum of the Surface Navy Plank Owner certificate

LIMITED TIME ONLY! Receive a digital commemorative Plank Owner certificate.

Join Free. Earn Points.

Become a Surface Navy Museum and Battleship IOWA Patron and, for a limited time, receive a free digital commemorative Plank Owner certificate.

Stay connected with special updates and invitations, earn points for your support, and redeem them for experiences, apparel, and more.