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.
Newest Updates
Kelcey Brown
MidAmerican Energy
Community Programs Inquiry
Inquire about community programs Thank you for your interest in partnering with us to build a stronger, more connected Los Angeles. Whether you're looking to host a community event, request support, explore volunteer opportunities, or collaborate on public safety and resilience efforts, we're here to help. Please complete the form below, and a member of our team will follow up with you shortly.
Battleship USS Iowa Named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Winner for 2025
Los Angeles, CA – July 21, 2025 – Pacific Battleship Center is pleased to announce today that Battleship USS Iowa has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2025, ranking No. 7 of Things to Do in Los Angeles. Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award winners are among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor. As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine...
Birthday Parties Aboard IOWA
Celebrate your birthday aboard Battleship IOWA with great food, fun, and an unforgettable waterfront experience at Vicky’s!
STEM Lesson: Weather Prediction Activity
Weather prediction Activity Objective: Students will be introduced to antique techniques mariners used to predict weather while at sea. Students will observe most of the natural phenomena sailors monitored in the past (wind, sky color, halo around the moon, and clouds) over a one to five day period to determine how accurately weather can be predicted relying on these techniques. Grades: 2nd – 6th grades. Supported NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas: ESS2.D and ESS3.B Download Lesson...
Lesson Plan: Mini Water Cycle Activity
Mini Water Cycle Activity Objective: Students will learn how thermal energy is transferred and how this transfer of energy establishes and drives the water cycle. Grades: 3rd - 8th grades. NGSS Core Disciplinary Ideas: ESS2.A, ESS2.C, PS1.A, PS3.A, and PS3.B. Download Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: A Battleship’s Vocabulary
A Battleship’s Vocabulary The language used to describe parts of a large Naval ship can be difficult to learn. Using some sort of topic information as chosen by the teacher (internet, encyclopedia, or other literature), students fill in the crossword to learn the names of a ship. Grades: 6-8 Disciplines: Reading Download Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: The Story of Victory the Dog
The Story of Victory the Dog Learn how to write a professional letter using the real story of the USS Iowa’s ship’s dog. Grades: 4-6 Disciplines: Reading, Social Studies Download Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: Where in the World?
Where in the World? This lesson teaches the concepts of latitude and longitude with relation to the globe. Grades: 4-6 Disciplines: Geography, Math Download Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: Where in the World War?
Where in the World War? As an introduction to World War II in the Pacific, students will use classroom reference materials to learn the basic geography of the Pacific Theatre of Operations. Grades: 6-8 Disciplines: Geography, Reading, Social Studies Download Lesson Plan
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