In Today's Update...

- 2023 Highlights
- Looking Ahead: Camp Battleship
- Giving Opportunities
- New Exhibit

2023: A Year In Review

Our crew likes to joke that there's never a dull day on Battleship IOWA, and 2023 didn't do anything to disprove that notion.

It's been a year of challenges, growth, joys, friendships, and firsts. Here's a quick retrospective.

Episode of NBC's Quantum Leap reboot films aboard

A man in a tan military uniform cautiously steps through a metal doorway inside a submarine or ship, holding onto the frame and glancing back with a concerned expression. Pipes and machinery are visible behind him, capturing the tense atmosphere showcased in the Museum Update from December 21, 2023.

A large group watches a speaker and panel onstage under a tent, with a video call shown on a big screen behind them during the 2023 Museum Update. People sit at tables with paper bags, and city buildings are visible in the background.

Gravely Student Luncheon brings students to the ship for box lunches and a motivating conversation with inspiring leaders

Gravely Student Essay Competition awards scholarships to a new group of deserving 11th graders

On December 21, 2023, seven people stand in a row on a ship deck, saluting and smiling in semi-formal attire, with a large battleship gun turret in the background at dusk—a perfect moment captured during the museum update.

Four people work at computer stations in a control room with equipment, wires, and monitors—a setup reminiscent of the command centers used during critical moments like Pearl Harbor. Signs say QUIET ZONE. The floor is blue and the room appears organized and busy.

Battleship IOWA Amateur Radio Association (BIARA) is given special permission to use the ship's original call sign, NEPM, as well as to communicate on a military station

LA Fleet Week adds Neighborhood Activations and components that facilitate relationships between disaster response entities in both the military and civilian sectors

Aerial view of a military expo with people walking among vehicles, a large gray aircraft, camouflaged trucks, display tents, and informational booths in a parking lot setting during the Museum Update on December 21, 2023.

A group of people at a ribbon-cutting event on a ship, holding large scissors and a sign. Nearby, an Earth-themed turtle mascot costume adds a fun update to the celebration.

New exhibit: Stewards of the Sea, a collaboration with the US Navy, opens aboard Battleship IOWA

12,000 new PLANK OWNERS join our crew to support the National Museum of the Surface Navy (click here to sign up)

National Museum of the Surface Navy Plank Owner certificate

Freedom of the Seas awards becomes a full weekend of events and honors ADM Philip Davidson, USN (Ret.), Lockheed Martin's Stephanie C. Hill, CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and Dr. Gladys West

IOWA's Grey Radio Gang realizes a ten-year dream to restore the ship's legacy telephone system (now we can crank call each other to ask if our refrigerators are running)

A man in a blue shirt uses a rotary dial on a metal communication device, holding a handset to his ear in a room with control panels and pipes—a classic scene featured in the 2023 December 21 Museum Update.

Battleship IOWA becomes the first museum ship to turn a 16" gun turret (click photo for video)

Jim Kurrasch is selected Volunteer of the Year

And that's just part of what went on around here in 2023. We're excited to keep up the momentum and build it in 2024. Come with us. It's going to be an amazing ride!

Sail Into The New Year With CAMP BATTLESHIP

As we say goodbye to the old and embrace the new, we are excited to have your group on board for an exhilarating and memorable program guaranteed to start your year with excitement!

Join us for an unforgettable experience at Camp Battleship aboard Battleship IOWA.

Reach out to us at 877-446-9261 ext 706 or via email at overnights@labattleship.com to book your stay.

Let's make 2024 a year of discovery, friendship, and unforgettable memories at Camp Battleship!

Bunk beds with blue curtains line a narrow room aboard a battleship. An arrow points to a bunk labeled You. Here., promoting a night’s stay on Battleship IOWA. Museum Update: As of December 21, 2023, these unique accommodations offer an unforgettable overnight experience.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Year-End Giving

We're already busy planning more incredible events and activities for 2024, as we move toward the opening of the new National Museum of the Surface Navy in Oct. 2025.

We need your help to keep our current programs strong and expand our reach nationally, as we shine a brighter light on why America's role in freedom of the seas is crucial to maritime peace and prosperity today and into the future.

You can help us achieve our mission by contributing to the following programs and initiatives.

EDUCATION

Goal: $50,000 to outfit our outreach van and trailer, to enable our team to take our engaging educational programs to a wider audience.

SUPPORT EDUCATION

child on educational field trip to Battleship Iowa in San Pedro CA

VETERANS

Goal: raise $50,000 to develop specialized training toward work force development.

SUPPORT VETERANS

COMMUNITY

Goal: raise $125,000 by September 2024 to begin documenting emergency preparedness plans and procedures to empower similar organizations with life-saving information.

SUPPORT COMMUNITY

SURFACE NAVY MUSEUM

Goal: raise $300,000 by the end of January to develop conceptual designs and schematics for attractions scheduled for Phase 1.

SUPPORT NMSN

There are other ways you can help the cause:

- Spread the word. Share this campaign with friends and family and let them know how they can get involved
- Sign up as a Plank Owner of the National Museum of the Surface Navy and see your name in our Quarterdeck of Honor

And as ever, thank you for your support!

Navy: Stewards of the Sea

Have you checked out our NEW EXHIBIT?

We collaborated with the US Navy to create this interactive journey through a little-known aspect of the Navy's commitment to freedom of the seas: its environmental initiatives.

Look through binoculars to spot wildlife from the bridge of a ship, find whales off the coast of California, and more.

Check it out aboard Battleship IOWA now!

An interactive Navy exhibit with blue lighting, digital screens, and educational displays about ocean stewardship is featured at the Battleship USS Iowa, a renowned Los Angeles museum. Located in a modern, well-lit museum space, the exhibit invites visitors to explore maritime history while learning about protecting our oceans.

Click the button below to learn more.

STEWARDS OF THE SEA

Yellow text DONATE TODAY is centered on a dark blue background, flanked by a yellow star on each side.

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 2022 donors for their generosity and support. Want to know how your donations are making a difference? Check out our ANNUAL REPORT here.

Want to see your name on the 2023 donor list? There's still time to make a tax-deductible contribution to our organization.

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

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.

Join Now

Museum Update: December 21, 2023