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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

Assemblymember Mike Gipson Secures $6.7 Million for the National Museum of the Surface Navy

by | Oct 4, 2022 | , ,

Taking a break from our usual fare to bring you some incredible news: Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson, 64th District stopped by this morning to officially deliver a check for $6.7 million to the National Museum Of The Surface Navy at Battleship IOWA to build the Freedom of the Seas Park Pavilion. Here is the check presentation ceremony in its entirety. It was a great event hosted by Battleship IOWA board of trustees chairman Bruce DD Mac Rae and featuring speeches from Senator Steven Bradford,...

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Ben Poucher & Warrior Sailing: Healing & Strengthening Veterans Through Sailing

by | Sep 27, 2022 |

Battleship IOWA is proud to be a safe haven for veterans as well as a resource and connection to programs dedicated to their well-being. Today, we're highlighting a truly special one:Warrior SailingWe chatted with Warrior Sailing director Ben Poucher to find out all about this life-changing program that gets wounded and injured veterans back into life by teaching basic sailing concepts. Using specially-designed adaptive gear where necessary, the program offers warriors a place where they can...

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Dave Way & Jim Kurrasch: A Curatorial Conversation Part II – “Artifact #1”

by | Sep 20, 2022 |

The second half of our conversation with Dave Way (Battleship IOWA historian and curator) and Jim Kurrasch centers on "Artifact Number 1" - which is the ship itself.When you have a ship that has served during three different eras, what ethos do you choose when deciding how to preserve it? How do you keep it relevant and interesting to future generations?Find out what we did in the beginning and where we're going now.* * * *Want to- Support the ship?...

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Dave Way & Jim Kurrasch: A Curatorial Conversation (Part I)

by | Sep 13, 2022 |

Battleship IOWA is home to thousands of artifacts.  From the ship herself to a chair from NAGATO - the last Japanese battleship, from physical objects to digital images, all of these artifacts must be cataloged and stored.Dave Way is the ship's historian and curator, and ten-year volunteer Jim Kurrasch is his "hands and feet." These two are the core of the team that minds our collection. They are walking encyclopedias who can spout amazing episodes from the ship's storied past at will.Join us...

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National Museum of the Surface Navy Plank Owner certificate

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

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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.

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