Preserving the Watch: Purpose, Connection, and the Future of the Surface Navy Legacy
By Jonathan Williams, President & CEO, National Museum of the Surface Navy

In an era where headlines often divide us, we believe that shared purpose and human connection are what make America strong. For 250 years, the Surface Navy has stood as a quiet guardian of both.

At the National Museum of the Surface Navy, we’re building more than a museum. We’re creating a national institution – anchored aboard the Battleship IOWA – where service is honored, stories are preserved, and future generations are inspired. This is the first museum of its kind, built by Surface Warriors, for the American people.

Though our public Phase 1 opening is planned for 2026, we’re excited to announce an exclusive preview of the Great Ships Showcase for donors in October 2025. That same weekend, we’ll mark the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy during our Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner, a celebration of the people and missions that continue to safeguard peace and prosperity across the world’s oceans.

Telling the Story of Those Who Stand the Watch

At its heart, this museum isn’t just about ships – it’s about people. The men and women who raised their hands and took an oath to serve something greater than themselves.

Two major experiences in Phase 1 will bring these stories to life:

The Great Ships Showcase immerses visitors in the legacy of over 600 surface combatants through a massive 68-foot LED wall and a blend of light, sound, and historic artifacts. From Iowa-class battleships to today’s destroyers and amphibs, each ship is a steel symbol of courage and commitment.

Ships featured in this experience are available for sponsorship, a unique opportunity to ensure their legacies are never forgotten. To sponsor a ship, visit the Great Ships webpage at surfacenavymuseum.org, or email development@labattleship.com.

The Life of a Sailor Experience explores the human side of service, from the rigors of boot camp to daily life at sea and the unbreakable bonds of shared mission. Through our “Adopt a Sailor” program and stories of Legacy and Fleet Sailors, visitors will come face-to-face with the real people behind the uniform. If there is a sailor whose story you’d like to share with the world, please submit for our consideration by visiting this webpage. 

It’s more than history; it’s a window into the pride, discipline, and resilience that service instills – qualities that define veterans long after they leave the sea.

Connection in Action: LA Fleet Week

That same spirit of purpose and connection is alive and well during LA Fleet Week, now one of the largest military-civilian events on the West Coast. This past Memorial Day weekend, 1,000 service members connected with over 250,000 civilians across Southern California – at Disneyland, Downtown LA, beach cities, and other neighborhoods throughout multiple counties.

Fleet Week isn’t just a celebration; it’s a reminder that our strength as a nation lies in our shared values, our relationships, and our willingness to serve one another.

The National Museum of the Surface Navy will carry that torch forward, year-round.

Join the Movement

We’re not just telling the story of the Surface Navy – we’re living it.

From now through 2026, every artifact cataloged, every ship sponsored, and every sailor honored brings us one step closer to opening a permanent home for the people who have stood the watch.

Sponsor a ship. Adopt a sailor. Share your story. Attend the Freedom of the Seas Awards.

This is your museum. This is your legacy. This is your America.

Together, we’re keeping the stories alive, correcting the myths, and honoring the people behind the uniform.
We are preserving the watch – anchored in purpose, powered by connection.