Family:
Happy Mother’s Day! Yesterday we celebrated all mothers for their influence on society and for always being there.
Los Angeles entered the final tier of reopening (yellow tier) this past week, due to the continued decrease in cases and positivity rate. Our visitation continues to range between 50% and 60% of 2019 numbers. We are hopeful that the summer will be strong with a rebound in tourism and travel.
All three of our program pillars (education, veterans, and community) are picking up pace. The education team continues to host virtual field trips, but has also begun the process to accommodate the summer bookings for the Camp Battleship youth overnight program. If you or someone you know has a youth group that might like to participate in either a virtual field trip or youth overnight on board the ship, please reach out to Catherine at groupsales@labattleship.com.
On the veterans’ program front we are close to completing the work on the aft part of the ship to be utilized as the veterans’ resource center. We are looking at near term growth plans to accelerate peer-based programs which will build on our already existing organic support network. These programs will not only be hosted on board the ship, but we will also target community outreach to connect veterans to necessary resources. Stay tuned for additional developments on this front.
There is nothing better than combining two of our pillars for the benefit of the community. At 9am on May 10th, you will be able to show your support for Battleship IOWA and veterans by voting for the “San Pedro Fallen Veterans Memorial” through the Councilmember Buscaino Community Grants Program. Not only is this project veteran-oriented, but it is also community oriented: it provides a unique park-like location for families, friends, and neighbors to reflect upon the sacrifices of San Pedro service members. This memorial will be pier side with a spectacular view of the Port of Los Angeles Main Channel and the Battleship IOWA.
You can read more about this project on our blog. Click the button below to vote for IOWA!
Scroll down the page to find “San Pedro Fallen Veterans Memorial.”
Use “90731” zip code when voting – you are a stakeholder!
Work has begun in modifying the container that will be utilized for Vicky’s Dog House, our unique waterfront food and beverage experience. The operations team has put in window and door frames and began preparation work for wall surfaces.
On Saturday, we were excited to learn of Navy Supply Corps Foundation support of this project when they presented us with a sponsorship of Vicky’s! Along with this sponsorship, we will also be working with them to tell the story of the Supply Corps and food service when Vicky’s opens in late June.
We are already hearing rumblings of excitement locally about the ability to board the fantail of the ship for free to go to Vicky’s for a gourmet hot dog, enjoy the best view in Los Angeles, and shop at our retail store. We are looking forward to showing off our amazing view to both visitors and the community alike.
The development team continues to focus on the hull preservation campaign, but is also working closely with the board and leadership team on the Surface Navy Museum exhibit and experience capital campaign. We are well underway with proposals in process, commitments already made, and Plank Owners showing their support! You can read more about the campaign here. Please spread the message of the free Plank Owner program by sharing the sign up link at https://surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner/.
Our push continues on the hull preservation campaign through May. Thank you to those of you that have donated to or shared the hull preservation campaign to date, as your support has already made it possible for us to initiate repairs on our donated military lift. This lift is critical to moving the cofferdam and work boat to perform the maintenance. Once we raise an additional $50,000, we will be able to hire the employees necessary to begin the work. I hope that you consider supporting this campaign, so that we can preserve the most critical part of the Battleship IOWA. You can donate to this campaign online by clicking here or calling our Development Team at 877-446-9261 ext. 746.
In closing, thank you tremendously for your support and advocacy. Hope you had a happy Mother’s Day and have a blessed week!
Jonathan Williams
President and CEO