February 19, 2025

Dear Friends,

I recently celebrated my 50th birthday, and to my surprise, our crew gathered on a Friday morning to mark the occasion with treats and friendship. While I didn’t indulge in the treats, Cesar (Vicky’s manager) had me covered with egg whites, potatoes, and a couple of pieces of bacon—just the kind of thoughtful gesture that makes this community special.

Reflecting on a lifetime of memories, I’m struck by how they have shaped who I am today. It’s incredible to realize that I’ve been involved with Battleship IOWA for 25 years, and yet, I’m just as excited today as I was when I first started.

Over these five decades, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of life—building, growing, and restructuring organizations, battling lifelong unhealthy habits that continue to challenge me, and facing internal struggles that, at times, have led to anxiety and depression. So what does this have to do with the Pacific Battleship Center? Everything.

A person in a yellow shirt stands in a doorway inside a metal room, holding papers, with an expression of surprise. Yellow ventilation hoses and a ladder are visible. The environment appears industrial or ship-like.

This community of like-minded individuals has created a support system that has helped veterans transition, careers flourish, and people—even me—overcome personal struggles. It has led many, me included, to healthier, more fulfilling lives. Most importantly, it has made me a better leader and a better person for my family.

We often don’t realize how much we’ve grown until those around us recognize the change. In my case, I’ve had the privilege of seeing our team evolve, push boundaries, and take on new challenges. Each of us has the power to change lives through generosity and kindness.

Recently, we received a generous legacy gift from a crew member who described our impact on his life with a single word: "happiness." His legacy will live on as we continue to foster a people-first culture, setting the stage to become the nation’s museum of the future by 2035.

As we look ahead to celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday, along with the anniversaries of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army, let’s remember that each of us has the ability to make a difference. Every day, we choose how we show up for others.

Let’s choose kindness, generosity, and action.

Best wishes,

A blue cursive signature that reads J T Williams on a white background, featuring an elegant and modern update in its style.

Jonathan Williams
President & CEO

A man with light brown hair and a beard, wearing a gray short-sleeve polo shirt, stands outdoors in front of a blurred background with water and greenery, smiling at the camera with a hint of surprise in his expression.

P.S. Please join me in welcoming Hall Delano Roosevelt II as our new Sales & Marketing Director! Read about his family's incredible legacy and their connection to the ship in this recently published article.

A person with glasses and shoulder-length hair, wearing a plaid shirt, stands smiling in surprise on a blue ship deck with round windows and a railing visible in the background.

NOTES from the Editors

"State of the Ship" Address

Jonathan will be presenting a "State of the Ship" address on Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 AM in IOWA's Wardroom. You are welcome to attend either in person or virtually.

Click the button below to let us know if you're planning to come. If you'd like to join us virtually, be sure to leave an email address so we can send you a link to the meeting.

ATTEND THIS PRESENTATION

Rock for Responders

Join us for at the Rock for Responders benefit concert on Thursday, February 27th. It promises to be an unforgettable evening honoring Los Angeles' first responders, military, and emergency management partners.

Kings of Chaos will rock the LA Waterfront in front of the iconic Battleship IOWA, featuring legends like: