April 24, 2025
Dear Friends,
As spring unfolds, we continue full steam ahead on a journey that is as much about the people as it is about steel and sea. Battleship IOWA, once a mighty warship, is now a powerful community anchor—a platform for education, remembrance, connection, and transformation.
In Memory of the Iowa 47 – April 19, 1989
This month, we solemnly honor the forty-seven sailors who lost their lives in the Turret II explosion aboard USS IOWA on April 19, 1989.
Their memory is not just part of our past—it is the foundation of our mission. Much of what we do today—inspiring future generations, connecting Americans to those who serve, and helping youth discover career pathways—is done in remembrance of the Iowa 47.
We remember them not only as sailors, but as a reminder of the cost of service, the power of purpose, and the responsibility we carry to preserve and share their story.
We will never forget.
1980s crew members pose on IOWA’s foredeck following this year’s April 19 memorial
From Warship to Community Anchor – Our People Story
This month, we’ve placed renewed focus on the transformation at the heart of the IOWA’s journey: from warship to community anchor. This isn’t just a museum. It’s a movement — one in which veterans find purpose, youth discover career pathways, and visitors connect with the legacy of service that defines our nation’s maritime strength.
LA Fleet Week 2025 – Planning Underway
Planning is in full swing for LA Fleet Week 2025, and our team is committed to creating the most impactful celebration yet. From meeting active-duty sailors to inviting the public aboard for unforgettable experiences to honoring those who gave all, this annual tradition continues to grow as a national model for community connection and patriotic pride.
National Museum of the Surface Navy – Phase 1: Life of a Sailor
Construction is underway on Phase 1 of the National Museum of the Surface Navy, featuring the immersive Life of a Sailor Experience. Visitors will step into the shoes of a sailor and connect deeply with the journey of service.
Highlights include:
- The Hub – welcome center, chapel, environmental exhibits, and interactive media wall
- What’s My Rate? – connecting civilian jobs with Navy roles
- P-Days & Forging a Sailor – simulating a recruit’s transformation
- Great Ships Gallery – exploring the stories and legacies of approximately 300 iconic vessels
- Shipyard & Destroyer Preview – showcasing naval innovation and engineering
- Mission Assignment – preparing guests to understand the role of a sailor in safeguarding freedom of the seas
As with any bold endeavor, we’ve navigated headwinds. Recent tariff fluctuations added approximately $200,000 to our construction costs, and the Great Ships Gallery saw a temporary 25% cost increase—though signs point to a return to budget. With your support, we’re committed to adapting while delivering a museum experience worthy of its mission.
Get Involved – Be Part of the Journey
There are many meaningful ways you can join us in honoring the past and building the future:
- Sponsor a Great Ship in the upcoming gallery.
- Adopt a Sailor to be featured in our “Life of a Sailor” experience.
- Purchase a Legacy Paver and memorialize your service or a loved one’s in the Walk of Honor at our Freedom of the Seas Park.
- Interested in something more? We’d love to explore custom opportunities with you. Reach out to our Development Team.
Your involvement today helps shape tomorrow’s stories.
You Make This Possible
From remembering the Iowa 47 to guiding students toward meaningful futures, your support powers our purpose. You help us preserve stories, recognize service, and build a museum that links America to those who serve.
Together, we are transforming history into hope—ensuring the legacy of service continues to inspire generations to come.
Jonathan Williams
President & CEO
