Preserving a battleship for visitors, students, and the community is not a single project. It requires daily work carried out by a dedicated crew of staff and volunteers who inspect the ship, prevent corrosion, repair damaged steel, maintain critical systems, and respond to unexpected problems.

In 2026, we are seeking approximately $1.45 million for five immediate preservation and security priorities. Some are planned annual expenses. Others are urgent needs that could not have been anticipated. Together, they are essential to keeping Battleship IOWA safe, secure, and open to the public.

Pacific Battleship Center, a nonprofit organization, maintains Battleship IOWA. This work depends on admissions, donations, grants, and the generosity of people who believe this historic ship should be preserved for future generations.

Gangway Security Gates — $115,000

Protecting Battleship IOWA begins with safeguarding every point of access to the ship.

New security gates on the gangways will help prevent unauthorized entry and reduce the risk of vandalism, theft, and more serious threats to the ship, our guests, and our crew. The gates will provide a durable layer of protection while supporting the safe daily operation of the museum and its programs.

This project is an important investment in Battleship IOWA as a historic landmark, community gathering place, and national museum.

Third-Deck Pipe Leak and Repairs — $60,000

A pipe leak in the ship’s third-deck museum spaces caused unexpected damage to the ship's infrastructure and the technology supporting the visitor experience.

Responding to the leak, repairing the affected areas, and replacing damaged equipment has created approximately $60,000 in unplanned costs. Addressing the damage quickly is essential to protecting the ship, maintaining a safe environment, and keeping these spaces and their stories accessible to visitors.

Support for this work will also help ensure that the emergency does not divert resources from other critical preservation projects.

Hull Preservation — $250,000 Annually

The hull is the foundation of Battleship IOWA, and protecting it is one of our most important ongoing responsibilities.

Constant exposure to the marine environment creates corrosive “hot spots” that require regular attention. Our crew works throughout the year to identify, treat, and protect vulnerable areas before corrosion can spread and require more extensive—and far more costly—repairs.

Approximately $250,000 is needed annually to sustain this work and make meaningful progress. Donor support provides our crew with the materials, equipment, and resources needed to keep the ship’s steel structure strong.

Deck Repair and Replacement — $1 Million

Our shipboard crew and volunteers continue repairing damaged deck areas to keep public spaces safe and open. Their work provides important near-term protection, but temporary repairs cannot replace the need for a permanent solution.

The next phase will install composite decking in failing areas. This system will create a more durable walking surface, better protect the steel beneath it, and reduce future maintenance demands.

Outside funding sought from the State of Iowa was not awarded, leaving an approximately $1 million gap to begin this phase. Closing that gap will allow us to replace deteriorated deck sections and provide a safer experience for everyone who comes aboard.

Mooring Line Replacement — $25,000 Annually

Battleship IOWA’s mooring lines keep the 45,000-ton ship safely secured to the pier.

Constant exposure to sunlight, saltwater, changing tides, and tidal surges causes these heavy-duty lines to fray and lose tension over time. To maintain a safe and reliable mooring system, we typically replace two lines each year at a cost of approximately $10,000 each, not including labor.

An annual investment of approximately $25,000 supports this essential maintenance and helps protect the ship, the pier, and everyone aboard.

Preservation Is a Commitment

Battleship IOWA was built to serve at sea, not to remain permanently at a pier as a museum. Preserving her requires specialized knowledge, constant vigilance, and sustained investment.

Some preservation work is visible to visitors. Much of it takes place below decks, behind bulkheads, along the waterline, and in areas the public may never see. Every repaired section of steel, replaced mooring line, protected access point, and restored space contributes to the ship’s future.

A gift to the Battleship IOWA Preservation Fund directly supports this work. Whether it helps purchase a mooring line, repair a section of deck, treat corrosion, restore a damaged space, or secure the ship’s gangways, every contribution helps preserve this national landmark.

Together, we can keep Battleship IOWA strong, safe, and serving the public for generations to come.

Help preserve Battleship IOWA. Make a gift to the 2026 Preservation Fund today.