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
Maritime Supply Chain and Logistics Careers: How Goods Move From Ship to Shore
Every product has a journey. Explore careers that plan and coordinate how cargo moves through ships, ports, warehouses, trucks, and rail networks – and how data keeps the entire system connected.
Port Operations Careers: How to Work in Ports, Terminals and Vessel Operations
Ports are working systems where ships, cargo, people and equipment have to move safely and on schedule. Learn about terminal operations, vessel coordination, and the many careers that keep a port moving.
Shipyard Careers: Welding, Pipefitting, Rigging, Electrical and Skilled Trades
Shipyards need skilled people who can build, repair and maintain complex vessels. Explore welding, pipefitting, rigging and other trades, plus the apprenticeship and technical-training routes into the work.
How to Become a Marine Electrician: Apprenticeships, Training and Shipboard Careers
Ships depend on electrical power, controls and communications. Learn what marine electricians do, how apprenticeship and technical training work, and where electrical skills can lead in the maritime industry.
Nuclear Engineering Careers in the Navy and Maritime Industry: Education, Training and Opportunities
Explore how nuclear engineering connects to naval propulsion, defense, energy and advanced technical careers, and learn what students should study if this demanding field interests them.
How to Become a Naval Architect: Education, Skills and Careers Designing Ships
If you are fascinated by why ships float, how they are shaped and how thousands of systems fit together, naval architecture may be for you. Learn what naval architects do and how students can prepare.
2027 Leadership Summit
The 2027 Leadership Summit will be during LA Fleet Week. The event is invitation only. Summit details and invitation information will be announced as planning continues.
2025: From Vision to Visible Transformation
In 2025, Pacific Battleship Center turned several long-planned ideas into operating programs and visible experiences. A new disaster-recovery network launched as Los Angeles faced devastating fires, major deck and hull work protected Battleship IOWA, the Great Ships experience opened for preview, and LA Fleet Week connected 1,000 service members with communities across the region.
2024: Building the Foundation for Battleship IOWA’s Next Chapter
In 2024, Pacific Battleship Center moved from long-range vision to visible construction. The organization strengthened Battleship IOWA, began transforming spaces for the National Museum of the Surface Navy, expanded education and veteran services, secured a long-term waterfront commitment, and helped bring an aircraft carrier to LA Fleet Week.
Did We Need Permission From The Navy To Turn A Turret?
Did we need permission from the Navy to turn a turret? What’s in our donation contract?
Limited time only beginning on September 5, 2026!
Kids Board Free
In the all-new Life of a Sailor experience, kids become sailor recruits, building their skills, following the story of a famous sailor, and joining Vicky the Dog on a scavenger hunt through Battleship IOWA.
Kids board free with a paid adult.