In Today's Update...
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CHRISTENING THE NEW USS IOWA
USS IOWA (SSN-797) ready for her christening this weekend
The date is set: the newest U.S. Navy ship to carry the name of the great state of Iowa across the world's oceans will be christened this Saturday, June 17th.
"Breaking the bubbly" against the bow of USS Iowa (SSN-797) will be Christie Vilsack, former first lady of the State of Iowa and wife of current U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and 2022 Freedom of the Seas award recipient Tom Vilsack.
CEO Jonathan Williams and CIO David Canfield will be on hand to witness the ceremony live, and we're sure Jonathan will regale us with great stories and fantastic photos in his next update.
Christenings are a long-standing and storied tradition in navies all over the world. Check out the history of these ceremonies in this fascinating article from Naval History and Heritage Command.
BB-61, the last USS Iowa to be christened - back in August 1942 - wishes fair winds and following seas to SSN-797. Keep the pride alive!
LAUNCHING OUR QUARTERDECK OF HONOR
We recently reached a milestone: 10,000 PLANK OWNERS have signed up in support of the National Museum of the Surface Navy! To celebrate, we're launching our QUARTERDECK OF HONOR.
In naval tradition, the QUARTERDECK is the part of the deck on a vessel designated by the captain for official and ceremonial use. The National Museum of the Surface Navy’s virtual Quarterdeck of Honor recognizes all of our Plank Owners for their support of the only national museum dedicated to our US Navy ships and sailors, opening aboard Battleship IOWA on October 13, 2025.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to defending Freedom of the Seas.
To view your current recognition level, visit your Plank Owner dashboard.
To see your name move up in the ranks, you can make a donation to the museum.
To sign up as a Plank Owner and enjoy perks, click here to register.
Questions? Contact our development team at development@labattleship.com or (877) 446-9261 x 745.
SUMMER CAMP STARTS SOON
Battleship IOWA is once again hosting our STEM Adventure Camp this summer! Thanks to funding provided by the Crail-Johnson Foundation, children from moderate to low-income households in the greater LA Harbor Area are eligible for a scholarship to attend for FREE!!
Have your summer explorers join us for exciting ship tours and engage in fun STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities focused on the successful construction, operation, and maintenance of the ship.
This year's sessions are as follows:
- June 26-30: 1st and 2nd grade
- July 10-14: 3rd and 4th grade
- July 24-28: 5th and 6th grade
- July 31-August 4: 7th and 8th grade
There's still time to sign up your child. Go to our website for details or click the button below to register now.
Scholarships to attend for FREE are available for both low and middle income families. Click the button below to apply.
Reach out to Battleship IOWA's Education Manager, Tiffany Ellerbeck, at tellerbeck@labattleship.com, with any questions.
NOTE: If you prefer not to donate electronically, please mail your check to:
Attention: Development Department, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731
Thank you to our 2021 donors for their generosity and support. Want to know how your donations are making a difference? Check out our ANNUAL REPORT here.
From now until September 30, 2023, use the promo code NMSN23 and get an EXTRA 3 MONTHS added to your membership! Click below to learn more and join.
LIMITED TIME ONLY! Receive a digital commemorative Plank Owner certificate.
Join Free. Earn Points.
Become a Surface Navy Museum and Battleship IOWA Patron and, for a limited time, receive a free digital commemorative Plank Owner certificate.
Stay connected with special updates and invitations, earn points for your support, and redeem them for experiences, apparel, and more.