There is excitement abounding aboard Battleship IOWA with momentum building for the National Museum of the Surface Navy. The progress wouldn’t be happening without your support and the dedication of our committed crew.

There is no doubt that the effects of the pandemic will continue to impact our ticket, overnight, and event revenue for the foreseeable future. We are still seeing approximately 10% of 2019 traffic on the weekdays and about 50% on the weekends. These numbers will probably not change until people are more comfortable traveling and visiting museums. This is why your support during the annual donation drive in 2020 will be so important! Your support will help us continue our progression into the future.

Stay tuned for more details on the annual campaign in the coming weeks. Our Development team led By Joleen Deatherage is putting together a great opportunity for 2020 to support our transition to the National Museum. We ask that you consider us in your annual giving during the holidays.I have been working closely with our Chairman of the Board, RADM Mike Shatynski and other members of our board(s) on our transition to the National Museum of the Surface Navy. We have participated in numerous exciting meetings, have pending annual and capital sponsorship proposals, and a new founding partner with the Arleigh Burke Foundation.

The team is also working on cleaning up the pierside arrival experience with the removal of the aging photo tent, more permanent fencing, and new signage (funded by some of our board members) that will be ordered this week. Thank you to everyone that has supported our efforts to clean up the pier!

In closing, get ready for a lot of fun and excitement as we press the accelerator on our National Museum transition efforts. Exciting times ahead and we are honored to have you as part of it.

Jonathan

P.S. Don’t forget to become a Plank Owner of the National Museum of the Surface Navy!  You can sign up here for free.