SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
Remembering 9/11
There isn’t much we can say about the day twenty-three years ago that shocked the world and reshaped America as we knew it.
Anyone who was old enough to experience in some way the events of that day remembers exactly where they were when they first learned of the attacks.
IOWA, of course, was decommissioned then, but she was built in New York and made multiple appearances there over the years. Members of her current crew have strong ties to that day – including one first responder who was sent to the World Trade Center site hours after the towers fell.
For them and all those directly affected by those tragedies, we remember…
01 Deck Project Update
More Battleship Archaeology
Our favorite battleship archaeologist, Chief Dave Moser, and the Ops team are hard at work on the 01 deck restoration and the port side is yielding some interesting finds.
For example, the area had 40 mm gun mounts in the 1940s. They would have looked similar to this one near Turret 3.
When our team pulled up the teak that covered the steel structure on the 01 port, they found the outline of the mount that was there during World War II.
Remnants of gun emplacement and splinter shield
Close up of where gun mount would have been
In the center of the half circle that is the outline you can see a set of smaller circles (photo above left). Those mark the spot where the guns and splinter shield would have been attached.
Stay tuned for further pictures and updates as more of the deck is cleaned and details reveal themselves.
Checking In With “Dr. Wood”
We also caught up with Stan “Dr. Wood” Sato. He’s saving as much of that incredible teak as he can and even he is finding fascinating things.
In the photo below right, he holds a piece of oakum – the substance used to “caulk” the seams between planks. We’re trying to determine which era of the ship’s service lives it would have come from. It’s entirely possible this oakum is from the original deck!
Inspired by this project? Want to help? There are at least a couple of ways you can.
- Sign up as part of our volunteer cre
- Make a donation
Click the buttons below to find out more!
Blood Drive At IOWA
The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be on the dock by Battleship IOWA this Saturday, Sept. 14th from 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM.
If you’d like to give blood, click the button below the photo to sign up.
You can make a difference!
Our annual Freedom of the Seas Awards take place October 19th, 2024. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Contact Development Director Kyle Aube for details.
Secure your place in the Walk of Honor 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 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.
