Welcome to the USS IOWA Newsroom
01 April 2013
Easter Sunday Special aboard the USS IOWADespite overcast skies and the possibility of rain, many Southland families were not deterred from enjoying their Easter Sundayand a sold out brunch aboard the historic USS Iowa in San Pedro. Self guided tours and exhibits aboard the ship went on throughout the day with former US Naval personnel volunteering their time as docents answering questions and offering interesting stories of their military experience working on similar ships such as the USS Iowa. Many kids and their families had a fun time participating in the onboard Easter Egg Hunt and receiving special prizes for all their efforts. While a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny was an added treat as kids spent time having their photos taken with the big bunny himself. And in the mess hall dining area a delicious Easter Sunday Brunch was being served. “We couldn’t be happier with the response for our Easter Brunch,” says Jonathan Williams, President and COO for the Pacific Battleship Center.  Easter (more)
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15 February 2013
Hollywood Stars, WWII Veterans Join Battleship IOWA to Launch “Year of American Spirit” on President’s Day(Los Angeles, CA, February 15, 2013) - Hollywood stars Rhonda Fleming and Tippi Hedren will join WWII veterans on the deck of the historic USS IOWA to kick of yearlong campaign to reignite the spirit of America this Monday, February 18. “We are proud to be kicking off our mission to celebrate the American Spirit and honor all those who contribute to making America the great country it is,” said Jonathan Williams, Battleship Iowa president and COO. “We look forward to having the public join us throughout this coming year as we continue to grow and expand our efforts.”
Among the guests will be Hollywood star Rhonda Fleming who was a supporter of the Navy throughout her film career. Her husdand, Darol Carlson, Darol Carlson, served in the USS Navy during WWII, and was stationed in San Pedro. Actress Tippi Hedren, many remember from her performance in Hitchcock’s “The Bird’s” will also attend to support the Iowa’s mission. Hedren’s father served in the Navy during WWII. Representing WWII veterans will be Jerry Yellin, who flew the last combat mission of WWII on August 14, 1945. Yellin is a national spokesman for “Spirit of ’45 Day” which honors the men and women who were the “ordinary heroes” of WWII. Ms. Nell Calloway, the grand daughter of General Claire Chennault, who formed the legendary “Flying Tigers” that fought during the war in China will also be attending. The USS Iowa served in WWII, the Korean War is known as the “Battleship of Presidents” having transported US President Franklin Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference and later Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. The ship was commissioned in February 1943, and will be celebrating its 70th anniversary this year with a series of events in cooperation with the Queen Mary and other organizations. The USS Iowa is berthed at 250 South Harbor Boulevard, San Pedro, 90731. (more) |
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20 December 2012
Life-Size Sculpture of “Times Square Kiss” to be on display during holidays in front of historic Battleship IOWA at the L.A. WaterfrontL.A. Waterfront, CA – (Thursday, December 20, 2012) – A 6 ft sculpture depicting one of the most iconic images of World War II is being put on display today at the Battleship Iowa in San Pedro, CA, to begin the countdown to the 68th anniversary of the end of the war this August when America will celebrate National Spirit of ’45 Day. (more) |
12 July 2012
Visiting the IowaThe 70-year-old USS Iowa, which saw action in World War II and the Korean War, this month began welcoming visitors to its permanent berth in San Pedro. Aboard the ship, visitors can gain insight into the inner workings of the 887-foot battleship, which carries the biggest guns ever sent to sea on a U.S. ship.(more) |
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08 December 2012
Battleship IOWA Hosts Pearl Harbor Remembrance CeremonyThe Battleship IOWA at the L.A. Waterfront held a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony onboard the ship beginning at 9:45am. The memorial service began with the presentation of colors by VFW Post 2967 and was followed by the Invocation by IOWA volunteer Doug Williams. Robert Kent, President of Pacific Battleship Center spoke about the 71st anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. His comments highlighted the American heroism during the attack and the tremendous loss of life. He spoke about San Pedro being the home to the Battleship Fleet until 1940 when they were deployed to Pearl Harbor for the escalating conflict between American and Japanese powers. After Mr. Kent's comments, the names of the ships and bases attacked were read and followed with one bell in honor of their sacrifice. VFW Post 2967 honor guard performed a 21 gun salute followed by a bugler playing taps. LAFD Fire Boat 2 participated with a beautiful water display in remembrance of Pearl Harbor day. IOWA veterans placed a wreath in the water in memory of those lost during the Pearl Harbor attacks. The brief ceremony ended with a prayer by Doug Williams and participants tossing flowers into the L.A. channel in memory. (more) |
