In Today’s Update…
Click the links to jump right to each section:
WE TURNED A TURRET!
You’ve likely heard by now that we pulled off a pretty incredible feat on June 30th. For the first time since the battleship fleet was decommissioned over thirty years ago, we rotated a 16″ gun turret.
While the effort was impressive and the visuals stunning, there was more to this maneuver than meets the eye.
We’ll be explaining in more detail in videos over the next weeks and months, but the short version is that this move was deliberate and intentional. Rotating the turret is only part of a larger plan to accomplish two goals:
- Enhance guest experience
- Preserve the ship
Enhance guest experience
The turret was turned so that we can access what’s known as a “strike down hatch.” This opening was designed for the loading of projectiles. Through it we’ll be able to lower – or strike down – over 150 inert rounds into the ship’s interior and eventually put them on display in Turret 1 as part of a more in-depth tour of that turret.
Preserve the ship
At present we still carry some 150 tons of fresh water ballast in forward tanks aboard IOWA. This water was brought on back in Suisun Bay at the end of 2011, to help lift the vessel’s stern and make her easier to tow.
We plan to use the weight of the projectiles to maintain that balance and remove the water from the ship’s tanks, thus eliminating a potential source of rust and corrosion. With one project we’re saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in long-term maintenance costs.
Moving the turret had practical considerations, but it also was something of an adventure, and that’s who we are. We think big and out of the box, and one of our goals is to bring this ship to life to inspire future generations.
Making this sort of impact does require funds. If you’d like to help us not only preserve the ship, but keep interpreting it in exciting new ways, please click the link below to support us today!
SPEAKER SERIES: Judge Rick King
His Friends Died As Heroes In Vietnam
Fifty Years Later, This Judge Returned To The Same Spot With Their Families
Orange County Superior Court Judge Rick King entered the Navy at eighteen in 1965. By age twenty he was assigned to a mobile construction battalion, also known as Seabees, as a heavy equipment operator.
During the Tet Offensive of 1968, he was in the northern I-Corp area of South Vietnam rebuilding Highway 1. On March 31, 1968, five of his fellow Seabees died heroically defending against a sustained attack by enemy forces.
Join us as Judge King describes the battle, its aftermath, and his journey across our country to locate the surviving brothers, sisters, daughters, and sons of these brave men. Experience Judge King’s emotional return to Vietnam fifty years later with the relatives of his crew, at the location and precise time they died, to honor their ultimate sacrifices.
This event is FREE to the community. Food and beverages will be available at Vicky’s Doghouse.
Click the button below to RSVP.
SUMMER CAMP ROLLS ON
We’re already into the second session of our STEM Adventure Camp this summer! But never fear – there’s still time to sign up your favorite 5th – 8th grader.
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.
Scholarships to attend for FREE are available for both low and middle income families. Reach out to Battleship IOWA’s Education Manager, Tiffany Ellerbeck, at tellerbeck@labattleship.com, with any questions.
Click the corresponding button below to register for camp and/or apply for a scholarship. See graphic below for dates and times.
Thanks to our incredible and generous sponsors, Crail-Johnson Foundation, John W. Porter Trust, and Marathon Petroleum for making summer camp and our scholarships possible!
HOLD YOUR NEXT PARTY ABOARD IOWA
Looking for a unique and memorable place to hold your next get-together? Battleship IOWA has you covered.
From small ceremonies to large receptions, proms to retirements, we’ve got eight different spaces that can accommodate about any type of gathering you can think of.
Click below for more information on all our capabilities and book your event today!
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.
