Pacific Battleship Center and America250 Announce Partnership to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — MARCH 16, 2026 — Pacific Battleship Center (PBC), the 501(c)(3) non-profit that owns and operates Battleship IOWA, the National Museum of the Surface Navy, and Los Angeles Fleet Week, today announced a new partnership with America250, the national nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This partnership advances PBC’s mission to ignite curiosity and connect communities to strengthen America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity.
From warship to community anchor – PBC delivers immersive experiences and dynamic programs that benefit the
community, our veterans, our youth, and our Nation. While the organization will be celebrating America’s 250th birthday
all year long, PBC is proud to offer two monumental experiences to kick off the summer celebrations.
Grand Opening of the National Museum of the Surface Navy
Opening Memorial Day weekend inside Battleship IOWA, the National Museum of the Surface Navy will be the first museum in the United States dedicated to honoring the men and women of the Surface Navy and their roles in securing peace, prosperity, and freedom of the seas. Through pop culture and immersive storytelling, guests step into the life of a sailor — feeling the camaraderie, purpose, and responsibility of serving at sea.
Los Angeles Fleet Week: Southern California’s Kick-Off Celebration For America’s 250th Birthday
Los Angeles Fleet Week, the 10th annual Memorial Day weekend celebration of the nation’s Sea Services, will take
place at the Port of Los Angeles. Each year the event draws tens of thousands of visitors to the LA Waterfront to experience ship tours, military demonstrations, STEM programming, live entertainment, and community events honoring those who gave all, as well as bridging the gap between civilians and service personnel. As part of the America250 initiative, LA Fleet Week will serve as the flagship kickoff event in Los Angeles, launching a broader season of patriotic programming leading into the city’s Fourth of July celebrations.
”We are excited to welcome thousands of Angelenos to LA Fleet Week and Battleship IOWA at America’s Port as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” said Jonathan Williams, CEO of Pacific Battleship Center. “These events will help inspire the next generation of Americans through experiences that connect them to our nation’s maritime history and service.”
“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to honor the service and innovation that have helped secure our nation’s freedom and prosperity,” said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President at America250. “Pacific Battleship Center’s work to bring maritime history to life – from the Battleship IOWA to Los Angeles Fleet Week – offers meaningful ways for communities to connect with this legacy as we approach the Semiquincentennial.”
For more details on PBC’s initiatives and upcoming events, visit PacificBattleship.com. To learn more about America250 and its national commemorative efforts, visit America250.org.
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Photo Credit: Rick Stipa
