More information can be found at:
Surfacenavymuseum.org
From the press release:
We're Transitioning to the National Museum of the Surface Navy!
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.
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. Fundraising for the
$19 million expansion is underway and 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% of world trade and 99% of internet traffic is by sea.”
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% of world trade and 99% 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.
UPDATE****** There's a nice video here explaining it better.
Pretty cool stuff.
ReplyDeleteYep. She's one of the only things besides my friends that I miss out here.
DeleteThey'll regret that about the time they figure out how badly they need those armored giants to fight the Russian "Admiral" class battle ships the Russians are dragging out of the boneyard and turning into fully modern GM ships.
ReplyDeleteVery sad not to learn from history.
DeleteInteresting, and not sure they will actually be allowed to gut spaces, since she's still in the White Fleet.
ReplyDeletePacific Battleship Center gets the "Pink Slip" for the Iowa in 2020, and after that they can do what they want.
ReplyDeleteAnd since the Navy has dumped most of the spares for the "Four Sisters" it's doubtful they'll ever get recalled.
I'm pretty sure the only major restriction to what the PBC is allowed to do is that nothing could be done that would render the ship unseaworthy.
Didn't know that, thanks.
DeleteI was somewhat surprised that the Navy was letting us do as much as we did while I was there. The ship had changed quite a bit from when you stopped by. Many of the original "5 High" pipe-rack hammock berthing areas were stripped out to make various new spaces. Getting the water and sewer shore connections plumbed in was pretty easy, but getting the shore power connection set up took several years.
DeleteAnd the only restraint I ever heard mentioned was the "Keep Her Seaworthy".