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Leaks, 2025, CONCERT!!!, and more

January 30, 2025

Dear Friends,

This week begins with rain, marking the annual “find the leak” challenge for our crew. True to form, the team sprang into action Monday morning, cleaning up water and tracking the sources of the leaks.

Fortunately, thanks to funding provided by the State of Iowa for 2024/2025, we’ll be able to repair approximately 4,500 square feet of the 01-level deck, addressing the most vulnerable and thinnest areas of steel.

We are deeply grateful to Governor Reynolds for including additional deck repair funding in her proposed 2025/2026 budget for the Iowa legislature. This critical support will help seal leaks and prevent internal corrosion, safeguarding the ship for years to come.

 

Signal Flags
December and January are pivotal months, filled with planning meetings and events that align our initiatives with our mission: igniting curiosity, connecting communities, and enhancing understanding of America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity. Looking back, 2024 was a record-breaking year as our team focused on growth, operational efficiencies, and mission alignment.

On Monday morning, we presented the 2025 plan and budget to our board of directors for approval. Highlights of our 2025 focus areas include:

  • Enhancing participant-driven experiences with new museum exhibits and immersive tours
  • Advancing career pathways programs that mobilize networks to support youth, military, veterans, and our community
  • Strengthening capacity through improved efficiency and strategic investments in our structure, processes, and programs

The board expressed enthusiastic support for the plan and praised the team for our extraordinary growth in a relatively short time. Stay tuned for details about our upcoming State of the Organization event in March, where we will share more about these plans and goals for 2025.

For many years, our community pillar has served as a vital resource for first responders, offering a venue for gatherings, training, and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. We are excited to announce that these efforts have been formalized under a new initiative, which will be unveiled at the Rock for Responders concert on Thursday, February 27th. Join us for 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:

  • Sammy Hagar
  • Robin Zander (Cheap Trick)
  • Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple)
  • Steve Stevens (Billy Idol | Top Gun Anthem)
  • Orianthi (Alice Cooper | Michael Jackson)
  • Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses | Velvet Revolver | The Cult)
  • And more!

Proceeds will benefit the LA Disaster Recovery and Resilience Collective (LADRRC), a program of the Pacific Battleship Center dedicated to building a more resilient Los Angeles through relationships, resources, and knowledge for effective disaster recovery.  This concert is possible due to the generosity of supporters including Port of Los Angeles, Princess Cruises, Friends from the Great State of Iowa, Outlier Group, and others.
As we look ahead, our team remains committed to our mission and to being responsible stewards of your trust and support. With extraordinary growth and transformational impact on the horizon, we will continue to collaborate with our partners to ignite curiosity, connect communities, and enhance understanding of America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we are making a difference!

Jonathan Williams
President & CEO