Friends,
It’s been a while since my last personal note, and I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the team for their ongoing communication and updates.
As we prepare for the opening of Phase 1 of the National Museum of the Surface Navy in October 2025, several exciting projects are underway. Our focus remains on strengthening and expanding our programs in education, veterans’ services, and community engagement. Here are some highlights of our current initiatives.
I’m pleased to welcome Mike Nguyen as our new Director of Military & Veterans Affairs. Mike will oversee initiatives in career connections, support programs, and military services, including the VPAN teams in LA County Supervisor Districts 2 and 4. In the coming months, we aim to broaden these initiatives to reach more service members, veterans, and their families.
Director of Military and Veteran Affairs Mike Nguyen
Kevin Borough and I will be in Chicago this week for the Sponsorship Marketing Association summit, where I’ll join fellow leaders on a panel discussing corporate relationships and sponsorships in museums. While in Chicago, I’ll also visit the National Museum of the American Sailor to gather inspiration for enhancing our own museum.
Kevin, a previous Skillbridge intern, has transitioned into our lead for corporate relationships, and I’m excited about the growth we can achieve together.
October marks a pivotal month for the new museum, as we finalize plans and begin fabrication and installation of the new experience. This build will include captivating elements like the stories of great ships, an immersive cutaway of a modern destroyer, and a STEM-inspired shipyard showcase.
Our approach will create a participant-driven storyline that appeals to both aficionados and casual observers. This first phase will lay the groundwork for future content and programming to enrich the overall experience.
On October 19th, we will celebrate four award winners at the annual Freedom of the Seas Awards. This year, we have an exciting lineup of speakers, including leaders from government, military, and industry. Last I heard, the event is nearly sold out, which is promising for the new Freedom of the Seas Pavilion, set to double our event capacity!
Looking ahead, the first phase of the Freedom of the Seas Park and Pavilion is still targeting a 2026 opening date. This phase will feature a 17,500 square foot building for community visits and events, with future phases including a restaurant and resource center to further our impact in youth and veteran communities.
We also remain focused on the Battleship IOWA, where the team is preparing the 01 level for new decking installation with a major lead gift from the state of Iowa. Thanks to generous donors, we’ve secured a barge that will allow us to perform necessary hull work on the port side; however, more resources are needed to make it seaworthy.
These initiatives are vital for educating the next generation about the maritime industry and sea services, supporting those who serve, and acting as a key resource for our community. They are only possible due to generous funding from donors and time commitments from volunteers.
Almost all of our projects and programs need funding, without which we would be facing difficult decisions. We are thankful that we have rarely faced these decisions, in large part to the support you and the rest of the Battleship IOWA / Surface Navy Museum community continue to provide.
Thank you. Wishing you all an incredible October!
Jonathan Williams
President and CEO
