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
How has innovation shaped Battleship IOWA?
Innovation has shaped Battleship IOWA throughout its history and continues to drive how its story is shared today.
Why is Battleship IOWA one of the most significant battleships in American history?
Explore why Battleship IOWA is one of America’s most significant warships—a living record of World War II, Korea, the Cold War, presidential history, technological innovation, sacrifice, and the generations of sailors who brought her to life.
What Can Students Learn From a Battleship?
Discover how Battleship IOWA brings STEM, history, engineering, leadership, and maritime careers to life through hands-on, real-world learning.
What Can A Museum Collection Tell Us That A Battleship Alone Cannot?
Battleship IOWA may be the largest artifact in the collection, but she cannot tell her entire story alone. Discover how photographs, personal objects, documents, and sailors’ stories preserve the human history behind the ship and the broader Surface Navy.
What Is It Really Like To Walk Through An Iowa-Class Battleship?
Step aboard Battleship IOWA and discover what it really feels like to explore an Iowa-class battleship—from steep ladders and tight passageways to massive guns, engineering spaces, and the everyday world of the sailors who lived and worked aboard.
Volunteering: Find Your Place Aboard Battleship IOWA
Volunteers are the heart of Battleship IOWA—bringing their skills, experience, and time together to preserve the ship, serve our community, and become part of a crew built on purpose and connection.
Public Safety Training
Battleship IOWA provides a unique real-world training environment where first responders can sharpen skills, test equipment, and prepare for complex emergencies.
LA Disaster Recovery and Resilience Collective (LADRRC)
LADRRC connects businesses, nonprofits, government, and community partners to strengthen preparedness, coordinate resources, and help Los Angeles respond and recover when disaster strikes.
LA Fleet Week
LA Fleet Week connects nearly 1,000 service members with more than 250,000 people across Southern California through ships, community events, service, and shared experiences.
Camp Battleship Overnight
Camp Battleship gives youth groups an unforgettable opportunity to experience life aboard the historic Battleship IOWA.
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.