National Museum of the Surface Navy to Deploy on Los Angeles' Battleship IOWA in 2023
Battleship IOWA Museum announces expansion of its services and exhibition space to include the National Museum of the Surface Navy (NMSN). The mission of the museum is to raise awareness of the United States Navy Surface Fleet's important role in international relations, free trade, humanitarian assistance and technological innovation.
SAN PEDRO, Calif., Jan. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Battleship IOWA Museum announces expansion of its services and exhibition space to include the National Museum of the Surface Navy (NMSN). The NMSN will be located on the second deck of the legendary warship, also known as the "Battleship of the Presidents" signaling the four commanders-in-chief who have graced her teak decks. The $19 million expansion is envisioned as a community-based and future-oriented facility to be harbored at the Port of Los Angeles, the nation's busiest. The mission of the museum is to raise awareness of the United States Navy Surface Fleet's important role in international relations, free trade, humanitarian assistance and technological innovation.
The work will be done in three phases and will be completed in 2030. The 15,000 square foot refurbishment will begin with a proposed move to the anchor location at the newly redeveloped San Pedro Public Market on the LA Waterfront. A veterans' park and large outdoor amphitheater will be built adjacent to the ship for exhibitions, military services and days of remembrance such as Veterans' Day and Memorial Day. Nearly 15,000 square feet of exhibit space will be added by removing unneeded berths. An additional 20,000 square feet of below deck exhibit is planned as well as a building ashore that will provide an additional 20,000 to 50,000 square feet to showcase on-going and transient exhibits, theater, classrooms and lecture halls.
Chairman of the Board, Rear Admiral Mike Shatynski US Navy (Ret) states, "Battleship IOWA Museum's location at 'America's Port' serves as a daily reminder of the Surface Navy's role in the protection of the world's sea lanes since 90 percent of world trade and 99 percent of internet traffic is by sea."
"Battleship IOWA serves as a great reminder of the extraordinary things man can do for man," says Battleship IOWA Museum's President & CEO, Jonathan Williams. "I passionately believe in providing a conduit between the Navy and the civilian communities to build public awareness throughout the world."
Additional program and exhibit plans include highlighting the past and future roles of the Surface Navy, Next Generation Science Standards educational programming, and a Veterans Center to provide services and curricula which lead to a successful transition for military service members.
The Battleship IOWA Museum is already "top ten" as both a museum and a tourist destination in Los Angeles. The Battleship IOWA is currently moored at 250 South Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA, 90731, at the Los Angeles Waterfront. It's a visitor-serving destination that includes more than 400 acres of property maintained by the Port of Los Angeles. Featuring more than a dozen beautification and redevelopment projects utilizing open space with pedestrian promenades, walking paths, native landscaping, decorative lighting and scenic views, the LA Waterfront attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
To donate or learn more about legacy naming opportunities for corporations or individuals, please contact the Museum's Director of Development, Joleen Deatherage at jdeatherage(at)labattleship(dot)com or call 877-446-9261, ext. 747.
Please visit pacificbattleship.com and surfacenavymuseum.org for more information. We encourage social media followers to use our Facebook and Instagram outlets to learn more about museum curatorial updates and events. The phone number is 877-4-IOWA-61 (877-446-9261) or 310-971-4462.
About Battleship IOWA Museum
Battleship IOWA is an international symbol of freedom and diplomacy. The "Battleship of Presidents" boasts a history-laden service as a leading U.S. Navy surface warship and portrays core pillars of the American Spirit: individuality, self-reliance, national unity, overwhelming strength, civic responsibility, and technological innovation.
The USS IOWA was launched more than 75 years ago to defend American ideals of freedom, justice and liberty. Her construction, design, and the service of her veterans, reflect these principles inspiring all who visit the iconic ship. Forged in war but a guardian of peace, IOWA is now the great gray sentry of the Los Angeles Waterfront.
Today, proud veterans, their honored families, eager school children and inquisitive tourists are awed by IOWA's powerful legacy as it continues a role in public education, and the ability to unite communities with a common purpose in our history. Teak decks and steel bulkheads echo the words and deeds of significant individuals including three U.S. Presidents, distinguished military figures, countless foreign dignitaries, and most importantly, thousands of her own heroic IOWA sailors.
SOURCE Battleship IOWA Museum
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