UNITED STATES NAVY DONATES USS IOWA TO PACIFIC BATTLESHIP CENTER
USS Iowa at anchor Mare Island California 1949 (US Navy Photo)
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus Announces the Award of the Battleship USS Iowa
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus announced today that the United States Navy has donated the Battleship USS Iowa to the Pacific Battleship Center, a Los Angeles‐based nonprofit on course to turn the ship into a permanent museum and memorial at the Port of Los Angeles.
The donation of the USS Iowa to the Pacific Battleship Center, under the Navy’s ship donation program, is the culmination of years of work by many dedicated volunteers. The USS Iowa is the only Iowa‐class battleship that has not been saved and turned into a permanent museum, and was the last battleship available for donation.
“We want to thank the Secretary of the Navy, and the entire United States Navy, for the donation of the USS Iowa to the Pacific Battleship Center,” stated Robert Kent, the President of the nonprofit. “With this award, the USS Iowa will become a permanent museum, memorial and educational center. We can now move forward with the work necessary to restore the ship and to bring her to the Port of Los Angeles.”
The Pacific Battleship Center acknowledged the support and thousands of hours volunteers have contributed to this project. “Without the support of our volunteers, the people of the Los Angeles area and the people of the State of Iowa, this dream would not have become a reality,” stated Kent.
BB-61 U.S.S. Iowa fires broadside during August of 1984 demonstration (photo USN)
While there are too many people to thank for this great achievement, we do want to make special mention of the efforts of Congressman Buck McKeon, Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, the Los Angeles City Council and their President, Eric Garcetti, the Los Angeles Harbor Commission and their President, Cindy Miscikowski, and Craig Nelson of Torrey‐Pines Bank. This award also would not have happened without the tireless support of former Los Angeles City Councilwoman and current Congresswoman Janice Hahn. “Without the persistence of Congresswoman Hahn, the USS Iowa would not be coming to the Port of Los Angeles,” remarked Kent.
The people of Iowa were also instrumental in making this day a reality. We would like to thank Governor Terry Branstad and the Iowa Legislature for their support in appropriating $3 million this year for the restoration of the USS Iowa. The entire Iowa Congressional Delegation also supported the efforts to bring the USS Iowa to Los Angeles. Robert Kent commented, “I would like to particularly thank Congressman Tom Latham and Senator Charles Grassley, for their special efforts to help ensure that the USS Iowa becomes a permanent memorial for all of our citizens.”
As the Pacific Battleship Center moves forward with the restoration and relocation of the USS Iowa, there are still numerous opportunities to be part of this historic project. You may contact the USS Iowa’s new caretakers at www.pacificbattleship.com.
About the Pacific Battleship Center
The Pacific Battleship Center is the Los Angeles‐based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to saving the last available battleship in the world, USS IOWA (BB‐61). The organization’s goal is to bring USS IOWA to North America’s busiest seaport, placing her at Berth 87 which is located immediately adjacent to the World Cruise Center, home of many cruise companies including Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
The organization has detailed plans to develop an interactive experience that honors the historic contributions of USS IOWA and her crews. The history and technology of an American battleship creates a solid foundation by which to build education programs upon, teaching lessons in history, mathematics, physics, leadership, team‐building, character development, and community service.
