In Today’s Update…
Click the links to jump right to each section:
DECK TALK
The model of IOWA above resides in the capitol building in the great State of Iowa.
This week, CEO Jonathan Williams and CIO David Canfield are in Iowa to meet with elected officials about the potential of support for the ship. One of the specific areas they plan to target for funding is our deck.
Iowans have been incredibly generous over the years, contributing to some of the biggest preservation projects aboard their namesake ship. Their timely donation of $3 million helped with the initial release of the ship from the mothball fleet, which was followed up with a $500,000 gift to enable us to construct cofferdams to work at the ship’s wind and waterline, where the hull is most vulnerable to degradation.
We asked COO and chief engineer Mike Getscher to chat with us briefly about the current condition of the battleship’s decks and what we plan to do to restore and maintain them in the future.
Click the photo below to hear our plans.
At first glance, the deck might not seem like an integral part of the hull, but if it isn’t sound and water leaks into the ship from above, it can rot the hull from the inside out.
We are fortunate to have leaders in hull preservation techniques as part of our engineering crew. By donating to the campaign, you are directly supporting their efforts that keep IOWA, the museum, and our organization from sinking.
It goes without saying that this is one of our most important initiatives. The citizens of Iowa think this ship is worth maintaining for future generations. If you agree, join them in giving to preserve her.
To ensure your dollars go to the right place, please type “Hull Preservation” into the optional field to “write a note” during the donation checkout process.
THE LATEST FROM OUR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Battleship IOWA’s STEM Adventure Camp Is Coming
Our education department has released the schedule for this summer’s STEM Adventure Camp. It runs between June and August 2023.
- Days: Monday – Friday
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Price: $110
Thanks to support from the Crail-Johnson Foundation, scholarships are available. Please click the buttons below for more information, to register for camp, or to apply for a scholarship.
REMINDER: The Deadline For Our GRAVELY STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST Is Coming
Essays must be submitted via email to essaycontest@labattleship.com by, or before, 11:59pm on Sunday, April 29, 2023.
Reach out to Battleship IOWA’s Education Manager, Tiffany Ellerbeck, at tellerbeck@labattleship.com, with any questions.
EVENTS WRAP-UP
The last two Saturday nights have seen fun and fascinating events aboard Battleship IOWA.
On Saturday, March 11th we hosted the long-awaited opening of JD Smith’s “Unforgotten” exhibit.
And Saturday, March 18th Charlie Canby enthralled a packed Ward Room with tales of the Glomar Explorer.
Keep an eye on these updates and our website calendar for more public events like these aboard Battleship IOWA!
SCUTTLEBUTT PODCAST | Jose Hernandez: Rigging USS Constitution and More Part 2
Jose Hernandez was a biologist by trade, but his love of sailing changed his life.
When he left small sailboats behind in favor of square riggers, he had no idea he would one day be paid to rig one of the grandest remnants of the Age of Sail: USS CONSTITUTION, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat.
We sat down with Jose to talk about knots and rig work and how a Cuban from Southern California ended up working his dream job in freezing Boston. Here’s the second half of the conversation.
Find it here or wherever you get your podcasts:
• Spotify
• Apple
• Google
• Amazon
• Buzzsprout
Or head over to YouTube for the video version.
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.
