DECEMBER 18, 2024

Needle Gun Serenade

Time to get you caught up with our 01 level decking project. For the latest scuttlebutt, let’s go to our roving reporter, Stan “Dr. Wood” Sato!

“Noisy deck work [the “needle gun serenade” – a phrase coined by Chief Moser] is still limited to only Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

“George Musulin continues making really good progress with the shot blaster cleaning the rust off the deck. He indicates that he is just days away from completion.

“Alan Scardera continues needle gunning under Turret II, which is a very low overhang area.”

Thanks for managing the effort, Stan! And a round of applause for Alan. Crawling under the turret and needle gunning is not an easy job. Thanks for knocking it out!

We’d also like to mention that Stan’s leadership has kept us largely on budget and on schedule thus far. Plans going forward include the installation of the first part of the new deck scheduled (subject to change) to begin in late January 2025.

Discussions are ongoing as to how best to preserve the deck archaeology – such as the footprints of the WWII 40mm gun mounts (see photo below). We’ll update you on those details as plans firm up. Also, stay tuned for a feature on an amazing find the team made.

Like any extensive remodel project you always come across “one more thing” to address while you’re at it…and we’ve found a few! We don’t know what we’ll find as we uncover more of the deck that might need a few more overtime hours and additional supplies to keep to the schedule.

Though we are keeping close to the budget, we still face a gap of about $200,000 between the amount raised and the total project cost. If you’d like to join the State of Iowa and many others who have contributed to this critical effort, please click the button below.

A New Face

We’re ending the year by welcoming a new Skillbridge intern. Direct from Omaha, Nebraska, and in her own words, please meet Ashley Goethe!

“Good day, everyone! I’m the newest Pacific Battleship Center Skillbridge intern and am thrilled to come aboard!

“I am an Air Force Captain that is concluding eight years of active duty service as an intelligence officer and transitioning back to my roots as a museum professional.

“My first job out of college was as a tour guide at the Owens-Thomas House in Savannah, GA and I knew that when my time in the military ended it would be a joy to return to my first passion; honoring all those who have come before us and sharing lessons learned from the past.

“Pacific Battleship Center captured my attention when my research unearthed the genuine and mutually beneficial relationships that the organization has forged with their local community and crew. The chance to tour the stunning ship they preserve did not hurt either! The crew’s commitment to evolving their museum offerings while staying true to their core values is a standard that I wanted to learn from and contribute to myself.

“I’m honored to be trusted as a crew member that will be splitting my six month internship between the Development and Education departments. I look forward to learning from such a stellar team.”

Welcome aboard, Ashley. We’re exited to have you involved for the next six months.

Community Round Up

What else is happening aboard Battleship IOWA? Check out these programs and initiatives, but first…

NEW YEAR, NEW ADVENTURES

We offer exciting field trip options for students of all ages:

• History Tour: Explore seven fascinating decks of this iconic ship
• STEAM At Sea Program: Engage in hands-on activities that inspire creativity and innovation

For information and to book your visit, email groupsales@labattleship.com or call 877.446.9261 ext 706

READY FOR AN EVENT-FULL 2025?

In the last two weeks, we’ve hosted holiday parties, a Pearl Harbor remembrance, an Army-Navy game watch party, and more.

What special occasion is on your horizon for next year? Steeped in history and boasting stellar harbor views, Battleship IOWA is the most unique venue in SoCal. Let us help make your celebration unforgettable.

Click below for more info and book your event today!

Fun Fact: Did you know… on average every one of our plank owners has contributed $150 to the National Museum of the Surface Navy?