01 Deck Project Report
Work has begun!
Excited to announce that, after a successful test on the 04 bridge wings and thanks in large part to a tremendously generous grant from our incredible friends and supporters in the great State of Iowa, our Ops team is rolling on the replacement of the deck on our 01 level.
The planking there is a mix of teak and Douglas fir – the latter from repairs in the ’80s. It’s also in a mix of conditions – parts are fine and parts are disintegrating.
That area has been covered by plywood for years so that we could allow folks to walk there without fear of trip hazards. But trip hazards have only been a portion of the challenge.
Water ingress is a major concern. Without a proper seal over this area, moisture can seep under the wood and eat away the steel deck.
Never fear. Under the leadership of ship’s carpenter Stan “Dr. Wood” Sato and operations manager Chief Dave Moser, this project is off to a great start and in more than capable hands.
Stay tuned for updates over the next few months as this effort progresses. The process will be a bit different to what was done on the 04 (pictured below), but the result will be just as strong and professional.
P.S. Don’t worry: wherever possible, the wood that is removed will be saved, stored, and preserved in some fashion.
Battleship Archaeology
You never know what fascinating thing you might learn about a member of our crew. Chief Moser, for example, has a degree in archaeology. One of his favorite things to do aboard is to dig into the ship’s past arrangements.
He’s discovered all sorts of interesting alterations to IOWA’s original configuration. His latest find? A fragment from the ’40s.
Originally, the deck on the 01 included a 40mm quad Bofors anti-aircraft gun emplacement (circled in red in the photo below, taken in March 1943). This structure existed on both sides of the ship and overhung the main deck.
Both emplacements were removed at some point, likely during the 1980s refit, but there’s still subtle evidence that they existed.
Look above the doors to the Ward Room and you’ll see a small strip of steel (red arrow in the photo below points to it). This uneven lip is all that remains of what once was a significant part of the ship’s defenses.
These are the kinds unexpected surprises we run into constantly here at Battleship IOWA. Fun stuff – and we’ll keep sharing when we find it.
Freedom of the Seas Weekend
Quick reminder that we’re only three months away from our annual Freedom of the Seas Weekend. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Contact Development Director Kyle Aube for details.
Spend the Night on the Battleship
FAMILY OVERNIGHT
Bring your family and your sleeping bag!
Date: August 10, 2024 4:30pm to August 11, 2024 9:30am
Price: $120 per person
This family-friendly event allows guests to explore and live like sailors on one the most iconic warships in America.
CAMP BATTLESHIP
Join Battleship IOWA Museum for an exciting night of fun with Camp Battleship.
This popular youth program is open year-round aboard Battleship IOWA and includes a STEAM oriented tour, chow on the mess decks, evening entertainment, and much more.
Create life-long memories aboard Los Angeles’s historic naval ship.
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 2023 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 2024 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.
