SAN PEDRO, Calif. – Oct. 16, 2023 – The National Museum of the Surface Navy, founded aboard Battleship USS IOWA and scheduled to open in 2025, today announced its 2023 Freedom of the Seas Weekend, October 20-21, 2023. Two days of activities designed to raise awareness of the history and mission of the Surface Navy will culminate in the hosting of the third annual Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner aboard the historic Battleship USS IOWA on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

Navy to Unveil Exhibit Aboard Battleship USS IOWA

The new U.S. Navy Environmental Exhibit aboard Battleship IOWA will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. The “Stewards of the Sea” exhibit is an interactive showcase aboard Battleship IOWA that enhances guests’ understanding  of the research, initiatives, and outreach the U.S. Navy does to support oceanic sustainability.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be supplemented with the unveiling of plans and imagery of the showcases and experiences that will open as part of the National Museum of the Surface Navy in October 2025.

Recognition of 75 Years of Desegregation and  Integration in the U.S. Navy

The Freedom of the Seas Reception will celebrate the 75th anniversary of desegregation and integration in the U.S. Navy. The  reception, which will be held at the Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, October 20, 2023, will honor extraordinary  military and dedicated civilian patriots from all racial backgrounds who serve alongside one another in the defense of our country.

Third-Annual Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner Recognizes Industry Leaders and Trailblazers

Held annually in honor of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which is considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II and in the history of the world, the Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. The award dinner recognizes the trailblazers that are inspiring the next generation through service, innovation, and leadership. Attendance at the premier annual event is by invitation only and will include top leaders from the education, veteran, community, industry, government, and military sectors.

In addition, we'll be hosting a leadership breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 21st - featuring Admiral Davidson as our keynote speaker - for an exclusive discussion on current events around the globe that are challenging freedom of the seas.

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For those who are unable to join us for Saturday's events, we invite you to join us live via our virtual streams of the Leadership Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Admiral Philip S. Davidson, USN (Ret.), and the Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner. Click the link(s) below to register and watch in real time.