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

American Legion Riders Chapter 61

by Jonathan Williams | Jul 20, 2025 | [Internal] [Slider Feed] Veterans Groups & Posts

American Legion Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children’s hospitals, schools, veterans homes, severely wounded service members and scholarships. Since 2006, Riders nationwide have participated in The American Legion Legacy Run to annually raise money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, established to provide scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed since Sept. 11, 2001. Learn more about...

STEM Adventure Summer Camp

by Jonathan Williams | Jul 20, 2025 | Education, [Internal] Posts that act like pages with full-width slider as first section

Join us for another fun summer with the Battleship IOWA STEM Summer Camp. Scholarships available.

What USS Iowa Means to the 1989 Crew

by Jonathan Williams | Jul 19, 2025 | History, [Internal] Posts that act like pages with full-width slider as first section

Reflections from CIO David CanfieldRemembering And Returning As a nineteen-year-old, Battleship IOWA Vice President and Chief Information/Technology Officer David Canfield experienced the worst day in the ship's history. He's given us permission to share a personal blog he wrote in 2011 to describe his perspective of the April 19, 1989 explosion of Turret 2, as well as a second reflection on what it was like to return to the ship years later as a member of the team that saved...

Touring Battleship IOWA During LA Fleet Week

by Jonathan Williams | Jul 13, 2025 | Visitor Information, [Internal] Posts that act like pages with full-width slider as first section

LA Fleet Week at Battleship IOWA Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Battleship IOWA will be open during regular hours – 10:00 AM till 4:00 PM – for tours as usual. Parking near the ship will only be available in the north end of the lot. Please enter via Swinford Avenue near the Vincent Thomas Bridge. You will have to walk a short distance to board the ship. Wednesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21 Same parameters as above – enter via Swinford Ave for parking near the ship. Be advised that load-in...

Rock for Responders 2025

by Jonathan Williams | Jul 13, 2025 | Announcements, News & Announcements, [Internal] Posts that act like pages with full-width slider as first section

The EventWhat is Rock for Responders? Rock for Responders is a powerful live concert event hosted by the National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA, created to honor the unwavering dedication of first responders and veterans. More than just a concert, it’s a tribute to service, sacrifice, and resilience—a moment to come together as a community and show our collective gratitude. Many of our emergency and military professionals face invisible battles, including the lasting...

National Museum of the Surface Navy Announces 2025 Freedom of the Seas Award Recipients

by admin | Jul 1, 2025 | News & Announcements, News

National Museum of the Surface Navy announces its 2025 Freedom of the Seas award recipients

Preserving the Watch: Purpose, Connection, and the Future of the Surface Navy Legacy

by Jonathan Williams | Jun 10, 2025 | SITREP

Preserving the Watch: Purpose, Connection, and the Future of the Surface Navy Legacy By Jonathan Williams, President & CEO, National Museum of the Surface Navy In an era where headlines often divide us, we believe that shared purpose and human connection are what make America strong. For 250 years, the Surface Navy has stood as a quiet guardian of both. At the National Museum of the Surface Navy, we’re building more than a museum. We’re creating a national institution - anchored aboard the...