The Battleship USS IOWA is more than steel and firepower — she is a living monument to American history, service, and innovation. Commissioned in 1943 as the lead ship of the Iowa-class battleships, she led a class of four — USS IOWA (BB-61), USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62), USS MISSOURI (BB-63), and USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) — the most powerful, fastest, and last battleships ever built by the United States.

Nicknamed “The Big Stick”, IOWA was a marvel: capable of 33+ knots and armed with nine 16-inch guns, firing 2,700-pound shells more than 20 miles. She was built to protect fast aircraft carriers and dominate surface warfare — a floating fortress at the cutting edge of naval power.

But what sets IOWA apart is not just her might — it’s her role in history:

• In 1943, she transported President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic to meet Churchill and Stalin, a mission so critical it required installing the Navy’s only battleship bathtub.

• She served in World War II, Korea, and was reactivated during the Cold War under President Reagan’s 600-Ship Navy program.

• She was the flagship for Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey during Japan’s surrender preparations.

• She was recommissioned by Admiral Chester Nimitz.

• She hosted Presidents Roosevelt, Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Trump, and Biden.

• She welcomed celebrities and culture icons like Bob Hope, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and Bernie Kopell, who served aboard before starring on The Love Boat.

Her story even includes one four-legged sailor: Victory “Vicky” the Dog, the ship’s official WWII mascot, who slept at the foot of FDR’s bed and received her own military orders. Her legacy lives on today in a family-friendly scavenger hunt that teaches kids about naval life.

Today, IOWA is the only battleship on the West Coast open to the public, berthed at the LA Waterfront in San Pedro. As part of the future National Museum of the Surface Navy, she continues her mission: honoring those who served, educating future generations, and connecting people through the powerful stories of service and sacrifice.

After decades of distinguished service, USS IOWA was decommissioned for the final time in 1990. But her story was far from over. In 2000, a group of passionate veterans, maritime enthusiasts, and civic leaders formed the nonprofit Pacific Battleship Center to pursue a bold dream: to rescue the last great battleship and give her a permanent home on the West Coast.

The opportunity came in 2011, when the U.S. Navy awarded stewardship of USS IOWA to the organization. But there was a catch — the ship had spent years anchored in the “Mothball Fleet” in Suisun Bay, a reserve fleet storage area near San Francisco. She was sealed, dark, and deteriorating. Worse yet, the crew had only six weeks to inspect, prep, and tow her, or the opportunity would be lost forever.

It became a race against time — and one of the greatest civilian-led naval salvage operations in modern history. The team scoured her 900+ compartments in darkness, guided only by flashlights, hunting down over 150 critical check-off items required to make her seaworthy.

On October 27, 2011 — Navy Day — she was towed beneath the Carquinez Bridge with only feet to spare. Her journey took her down the California coast and into Los Angeles Harbor, arriving to a hero’s welcome on June 9, 2012.

USS IOWA is now docked at Berth 87 in San Pedro at the LA Waterfront, where her towering profile serves as both a historic landmark and a gateway to discovery for visitors from around the world.

Battleship USS IOWA is not government-owned, nor is she maintained with federal tax dollars. She is proudly operated by the Pacific Battleship Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008. The organization was established by private citizens committed to preserving her legacy and making her stories accessible to future generations.

Maintaining a 887-foot, 45,000-ton warship is no small feat. The ongoing cost to preserve and operate the ship exceeds $5 million annually. This includes critical hull maintenance, preservation of compartments, restoration projects, educational programming, and utilities — all funded through:

• Museum admission and ticketed experiences
• Donations from supporters and veterans
• Corporate partnerships and sponsorships
• Grant funding
• On-board purchases from the Ship’s Store and Vicky’s Doghouse Café

But just as in her active days, it’s the crew — now a blend of staff, volunteers, and veterans — who keep her alive. Every bolt tightened, deck painted, or story shared is the result of hard work and heart from people who believe in her mission. When you visit, donate, or share your experience, you become part of that story too.

Preserving the Past. Inspiring the Future.

The Pacific Battleship Center (PBC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2008 with a singular mission: to preserve the Battleship USS IOWA and share her stories to inspire, educate, and honor generations past, present, and future.

This visionary organization was formed by veterans, maritime advocates, community leaders, and preservationists who saw not just a warship in the decommissioned USS IOWA, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a living legacy. Through their efforts, the PBC successfully secured stewardship of the historic ship from the U.S. Navy and brought her to the Los Angeles Waterfront in San Pedro, where she opened as a museum in 2012.

But PBC is more than just a ship operator — it’s a mission-driven community anchor. The organization:

• Maintains and restores the Battleship USS IOWA, an 887-foot, 45,000-ton icon of naval power and diplomacy.
• Operates the Battleship IOWA Museum, the only battleship experience on the West Coast.
• Delivers award-winning educational programs, including STEAM and career pathway initiatives for youth.
• Hosts and supports veterans programs, from ceremonies to workforce reintegration.
• Leads the effort to establish the National Museum of the Surface Navy, opening in 2026 aboard the ship.

The Pacific Battleship Center relies on donations, grants, ticket sales, sponsorships, and the support of volunteers and visitors — not federal funding — to continue its work. Whether through preserving compartments, sharing the stories of sailors, or creating immersive educational exhibits, everything PBC does is powered by a belief in purpose, service, and community.

Learn more about the organization and its mission at pacificbattleship.com/our-story

USS IOWA is docked at the Port of Los Angeles, in the vibrant community of San Pedro, California — just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles and neighboring the LA Cruise Terminal. Her location makes her easily accessible by car or rideshare, and paid parking is available nearby.

Visitors are welcomed aboard year-round, with multiple experience options available:

• A Self-Guided Tour exploring key areas like the main deck, officer quarters, museum spaces, and more.

• A range of Crew-Led Tours — including the exclusive Presidential Tour, the immersive “Big Guns” Tour, and Engineering Tours taking you into rarely-seen parts of the ship.

• Family activities like the Victory “Vicky” Scavenger Hunt, and special seasonal experiences.

You can purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and preferred tour times. Plan your visit here »

Whether you’re coming for an hour or an entire day, you’ll find food at Vicky’s Doghouse Café, shopping at the Ship’s Store, and plenty of nearby attractions along the LA Waterfront — including the LA Maritime Museum and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

There are many ways to join the mission and help preserve one of America’s greatest warships:

• Visit the Ship: Every ticket helps keep the lights on and the stories alive.

• Donate: Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring contribution, every dollar counts. Make a donation »

• Sponsor a Sailor: Honor a loved one or submit a historical sailor for inclusion in the Life as a Sailor exhibit. It’s part tribute, part preservation, and a lasting legacy.

• Become a Member: Support the museum with exclusive access, discounts, and special events.

• Volunteer: From restoration work to education, our volunteers are the backbone of our crew.

• Shop & Dine: Every purchase at the Ship’s Store or Vicky’s Doghouse Café directly funds operations.

Your support doesn’t just preserve steel — it preserves stories, memories, and the honor of those who served.

We’ve worked hard to make portions of the ship accessible, even though she retains much of her original 1940s structure. The main deck is wheelchair accessible, and chair lifts provide access to the 01 Level (including the President’s Cabin) and the 2nd and 3rd deck aft museum spaces.

Please note: Chair lifts can experience mechanical issues from time to time, but they are operational the majority of the time. Our crew is always available to assist guests and guide you toward the best routes for a comfortable visit.

Yes. Due to the historic nature of the ship, many original passageways, steep ladders, and narrow doorways remain. These areas — especially those visited during Crew-Led Tours like the Engineering and Big Guns Tours — are not accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers, and participants must be physically able to climb ladders and wear closed-toe shoes.

However, the President’s Tour and the Guided Tour (Introductory Tour) are adaptable for guests with accessibility needs, and our team will do everything possible to ensure an enjoyable experience. For guests using walkers or canes, the main deck and select museum areas are accessible. Stroller parking is available near the entrance.

Our team is here to help. Crew and volunteers are trained to assist guests with limited mobility and to operate the lifts when available. If you or a family member requires assistance, we recommend contacting us ahead of your visit so we can ensure the best possible experience. We’re committed to making the Battleship IOWA welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.