Friends,

On Saturday, we witnessed a tragic day in American history. The horrific shooting in Pennsylvania will indelibly be etched in the minds of all Americans, regardless of our political beliefs. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected, as our nation works towards healing and unifying.

Preserving the ideals of freedom and connecting America to our maritime heritage are core fundamentals of our campaign for Freedom of the Seas. Earlier this year, our Board of Directors approved our Vision 2035 plan to set us on the pathway to becoming the nation’s museum of the future.

There are three goals outlined in this plan that our crew, supporters, and board remain steadfastly focused on accomplishing:

• Being recognized as the nation’s museum of the future
• Fostering a people-first culture
• Exemplifying professional excellence

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Each year, we set forth priorities to steadily build towards achieving these goals by focusing on smart risks, perseverance, results, and relationships with a growth mindset. Our team reviews the larger goals and parses them into department-specific priorities to advance the vision forward. I am proud of our team for embracing the challenge and remaining focused on achieving the overall vision of inspiring global awareness of freedom of the seas.

In preparing our Vision 2035, we held numerous discussions with our crew, board, supporters, and the community. We sought answers to some of the most pressing challenges facing museums, the Navy, and our nation. How do we engage the next generation? How do we raise awareness of the importance of free and open oceans? How do we influence the public to feel ownership of their Navy? How do we fulfill our vision of inspiring global awareness of freedom of the seas?

The feedback we received on these difficult questions drove our design process and ultimately the campaign. Very soon we will have detailed drawings and imagery of the museum experience, pavilion, and park.

The support to date has been significant, and continued support at this level will permit us to achieve the following objectives:

• September 1, 2024: Preparation of the entry and space for the installation of Phase 1 of the National Museum of the Surface Navy aboard Battleship IOWA
• Q1 2025: Groundbreaking on the Freedom of the Seas pavilion and park
• Q2 2025: Completion of the replacement of the 01 level exterior decking
• October 13, 2025: Opening of Phase 1 of the National Museum of the Surface Navy aboard Battleship IOWA
• Q2 2026: Opening of Phase 1 of the Freedom of the Seas pavilion and park
• The Battleship IOWA is the anchor of the complex, which includes the Surface Navy Museum aboard and the park and pavilion landside; all of them are programs of the 501c3 non-profit Pacific Battleship Center.

Please consider providing us feedback by taking a short survey:

• Help us name the Freedom of the Seas walkway, which includes sponsorable bricks
• Help us decide which ships we should feature in the Great Ships Gallery

In the coming weeks and months, we will be visiting with numerous supporters, including at the Iowa State Fair and Surface Navy Association West. On our path towards professional excellence, our team will be implementing solutions that make us efficient, resilient, and scalable. As the nation’s museum of the future, we embrace next-generation solutions to maximize our impact in programs, community connection, and America’s understanding of its role in maritime peace and prosperity.

We appreciate your interest and involvement. Your involvement makes it possible for us to continue making an extraordinary impact for our community and nation.

Jonathan Williams
President and CEO

Click below to learn more and join.