“All freedom … depends on the freedom of the seas — for our own shipping, for the commerce of our sister Republics, for the right of all nations to use the highways of world trade, and for our own safety.”
— President Franklin D. Roosevelt, May 1941
More Than a Ship. More Than a Museum.
Over the years, we discovered something remarkable. While ships preserve history, it is people who create impact.
What began as an effort to save a battleship became something much greater. Through veterans rediscovering purpose, volunteers finding community, students uncovering new possibilities, and families creating lasting memories together, we witnessed the power of connection to change lives. Time and again, we saw curiosity spark discovery, discovery create relationships, and relationships help people find purpose, opportunity, and belonging.
Those experiences shaped our understanding of what truly matters. While USS Iowa and the stories of those who served aboard her remain at the heart of our work, we came to realize that preserving history is only the beginning. The greater opportunity is helping people connect with something larger than themselves and inspiring them to contribute to a stronger future.
Today, the Pacific Battleship Center uses maritime experiences to inspire learning, build relationships, and create pathways through which people discover opportunities, strengthen communities, and help advance America’s maritime future. This philosophy shapes our work in Education, Veterans, and Community, guides our Maritime Pathways framework, and informs everything we do.
Whether someone visits the Battleship IOWA Museum, participates in an education program, attends LA Fleet Week, connects through a veterans initiative, volunteers their time, or engages with the National Museum of the Surface Navy, each experience is designed to foster curiosity, build meaningful connections, and create opportunities for service, leadership, and impact.
At our core, we believe that the road from curiosity to resilience is built on connection and purpose.
This is more than a ship. More than a museum.
It is a movement of purpose, connection, opportunity, and impact.
Vision
To inspire global awareness of freedom of the seas.
Mission
Ignite curiosity and connect communities to strengthen America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity.
Brands
Battleship USS IOWA, National Museum of the Surface Navy, LA Fleet Week, LA Disaster Resilience and Recovery Collective, Vicky the Dog, Freedom of the Seas.
Program Pillars
Education, Veterans, Community
Location
LA Waterfront at the San Pedro / Long Beach Harbor
Our Team
From saving a ship to building a movement — together, we make it possible.
At the Pacific Battleship Center, our story is one of commitment, perseverance, and purpose. As one crewmember said, being part of this organization is like living in a docuseries — with a new episode unfolding every day.
Our team is led and advised by all-volunteer boards, including the Board of Directors, National Leadership Council, Chairman’s Flag Council, and President’s Advisory Board. These leaders provide governance, strategic insight, and national advocacy.
At the operational level, the “crew” of the museum is approximately one-third staff and two-thirds volunteers, keeping us deeply connected to the volunteer roots that built this organization from the ground up. Founded in 2008 and hiring our first employee after saving the ship in 2012, we’ve grown to nearly 100 employees and welcome over 50,000 hours of volunteer service annually.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life — veterans, students, professionals, retirees — and contribute across every department and function. They are united by a shared purpose to serve, connect, and honor those who came before, while inspiring those still to come.
Financial Stewardship
Trusted. Transparent. Impact-Driven.
Tax Returns
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, transparency and accountability are core to our mission. Each year, we file IRS Form 990, which provides the public with detailed information about our governance, operations, and commitment to responsible stewardship.
We proudly operate without government funding for our day-to-day operations, relying instead on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners. Our Form 990 reflects our values of purpose, service, and impact — showing how we continue to invest in programs that support veterans, youth, and civic engagement while preserving the legacy of the Battleship IOWA.
Leadership compensation is reviewed and approved by our independent Board of Directors to ensure alignment with industry best practices and donor trust.
2024 Form 990 | 2023 Form 990 | 2022 Form 990 | 2021 Form 990 | 2020 Form 990
Audited Financial Statements
We believe in transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us. Each year, an independent certified public accounting firm conducts a thorough audit of our financial statements to ensure accuracy and integrity.
Our audited financials reflect our commitment to fiscal responsibility as we continue to operate without government funding for core operations, relying on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners to fulfill our mission.
Browse our audited financial statements below to see how your support drives lasting impact.
2024 Audit | 2023 Audit | 2022 Audit | 2021 Audit | 2020 Audit
Annual Impact Reports
Each year, we measure our success by the lives we touch, the stories we preserve, and the communities we strengthen. From honoring veterans to inspiring students and connecting neighbors, our impact reflects a steadfast commitment to service, purpose, and innovation.
Explore the highlights from each year below and see how your support fuels programs that reach hundreds of thousands across the nation.
2025 Impact Report | 2024 Impact Report | 2023 Impact Report | 2022 Impact Report | 2021 Impact Report | 2020 Impact Report
Our Donors
Every achievement we celebrate is made possible by the generosity of our supporters.
From restoring an iconic battleship to building a national platform for education, veterans, and civic engagement, our mission is powered by donors who believe in service, connection, and legacy. Whether through individual gifts, corporate partnerships, foundations, or in-kind contributions, your support fuels programs that reach hundreds of thousands each year.
We are proud to recognize the individuals, families, and organizations who stand with us — helping preserve history, honor service, and inspire the next generation.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
2025 Donors | 2024 Donors | 2023 Donors | 2022 Donors | 2021 Donors | 2020 Donors
