PACIFIC BATTLESHIP CENTER

Since the ship's arrival in Los Angeles Harbor in 2012, Battleship IOWA has welcomed more than 2 million visitors to “Celebrate the American Spirit.” Battleship IOWA is a community anchor for STEM and History-related educational programs, veterans’ job-skill growth, and local economic development, to name a few of her accomplishments since her arrival.

Annually, more than 20,000 children come to marvel at the workings of a historic battleship within an in-situ STEM and history environment; young adults come to gain an understanding of the ship's role in American history; and veterans, some who actually served on the ship, come to connect with their past and share memories of their proud service to their nation with their loved ones.

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Forty percent (40%) of volunteers are veterans who benefit through improved job skills, camaraderie, and sense of belonging. Fifty-six percent (56%) of volunteers are over the age of 55, giving them an opportunity to socialize and give back to their community. More than 24,000 veterans are impacted by our programs annually, with over 150,000 veterans having been welcomed aboard since the ship’s arrival to San Pedro.

Battleship IOWA is a community anchor on the L.A. Waterfront, generating tourism and economic activity which results in a better quality of life for local residents, many of whom are small business owners. Our community events, the majority of which are free to attend, are designed to bridge the gap between communities, generations, and beyond. We understand that in order to build communities that are successful at improving conditions and resolving problems, we need to appreciate the many cultures, establish relationships with people from backgrounds, and build strong alliances with diverse community groups.

One of the ways we are achieving this goal is through year-round multicultural events (movies, concerts, performing arts, holiday and historical themes), and new exhibits that appeal to different audiences, like our interactive “Lost at Sea” exhibit of undersea discoveries by Dr. Robert Ballard, and the adjacent art gallery Alpha Romeo Tango – the only art gallery aboard a battleship! Visitors to Battleship IOWA can download our award-winning app and select from seven different languages, further engaging multicultural audiences.

We are now evolving to become the National Museum of the Surface Navy at Battleship IOWA!