Friends:
Happy 10th Anniversary! As we reflect on a decade since we opened the ship as a museum at the Port of Los Angeles, we have the opportunity to show appreciation for those who have been instrumental in leading the IOWA to become a top 5 museum and a national museum.
These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment and perseverance of a nationwide team of proud American Patriots. To name a few of the essential groups that have made it possible…
Our crew
You have made dreams come true for so many with your generosity, commitment, and support. You have made the world a better place and I will be forever in awe of what we have accomplished as a team.
A special thank you to the significant number of staff and volunteers that are celebrating a decade of service!
Our board(s), past and present
Your visionary leadership and commitment have made our organization stronger, more efficient, and incredibly effective. I have had the opportunity to work alongside many of you over the years and I am proud to call you a friend.
Thank you to our founding board for your support and visionary leadership to pave the way for the museum we have today.
Our friends and supporters
Your advocacy and generosity are essential in motivating the crew to achieve incredible things. Thank you for your commitment and support over more than a decade.
USS Iowa Veterans Association
You have stood by your ship through thick and thin. Your support and service to our nation is extraordinary and honorable. On behalf of our crew, friends, supporters, and board – thank you! Everyday, we are proud to honor the service of you and your shipmates in all that we do.
To the community of San Pedro and greater Los Angeles
Thank you to each of you for believing and supporting the ship and the waterfront. Thank you for the leadership and friendship of our elected officials (Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, Senator Stephen Bradford, Assemblymembers Mike Gipson and Patrick O’Donnell, Supervisor Janice Hahn, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Councilman Joe Buscaino) and the partnership with the City and Port of Los Angeles, business, residents, and veterans.
Together we have improved the quality of life and made our community more resilient. The future is brighter than ever and we are looking forward to the next decade!
Our families
Thank you to our families for supporting us on this exciting and challenging adventure. You have stood by our side through long days, trying situations, and working through vacations. Your support has been essential in bringing us to where we are today.
The citizens of the State of Iowa
Thank you for your visionary leadership and support of the ship every step of the way. That leadership was crucial and we are humbled by your generosity.
Our friends in the armed forces (especially the US Navy)
Thank you for participating and believing in the IOWA, LA Fleet Week, and the National of the Surface Navy. Your advocacy helps us lead the way in raising awareness on the importance of what you do everyday for our nation. We look forward to telling your story to a broader audience in the coming years.
My sincere appreciation to those who led the way and took the risk over the years, including the efforts in San Francisco, Mare Island, and Stockton. Thank you to Bryan Moss, Robert Kent, and the rest of the board for your perseverance and leadership in the early years of Pacific Battleship Center. Your efforts were critical in pushing the envelope and establishing the museum we know today. You have inspired our crew to be extraordinary in all that they do.
To our detractors, naysayers, and sideliners: I respect your opinions and thank you for your willingness to share them. Your words continue to motivate a team that believes in the American spirit.
As we forge ahead with the National Museum of the Surface Navy, we look forward to sharing very exciting news over the next couple of months. Progress is significant and my deepest appreciation to each of you for believing and supporting.
Happy Independence Day and 10-year anniversary!
Jonathan Williams
President & CEO
P.S. Last week, staff from USS Hornet stopped by for a visit. COO Laura Fies and Marketing & Outreach Manager Russell Moore were kind enough to join us for a fun podcast episode about the challenges we share and the innovations we make to keep our vessels relevant for years to come.
Click the photo below to access the episode or find it wherever you get your podcasts.
