Exciting U.S. Naval and Armed Forces Happenings from February to June 2018 for the Entire Family &am
Events in 2018 On-Board the San Pedro Maritime Museum, Battleship IOWA:
The Battleship of The Presidents
The Battleship IOWA known as “the battleship of the presidents,” ferrying more U.S commander-in-chiefs than any other sailing vessel during its 50-plus years of service has lined up its calendar of events the first six months of 2018. All happenings take place atBattleship IOWA Museum, 250 South Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA 90731. Phone (877) 446 – 9261. Follow Battleship IOWA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media sites.
February 2: Groundhog Day, 10:00 a.m.: In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Phil, the national groundhogwill leave his burrow at 7:25 a.m. to tell humans if they will be an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Regardless of Phil seeing his shadow or not, Battleship IOWA will allow you to buy a tour ticket on that day to explore as much as you'd like or come back another day with the same card with that date.
February 15: Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Awards, 6:00 p.m.: The Gravely Award Celebration is part of “IOWA Remembers,” the annual series of tributes and ceremonies presented aboard Battleship IOWA. The series mission is to “Celebrate the American Spirit” by marking national, military and naval dates of importance. Admiral Samuel L. Gravely (1922 – 2004) had a naval career that lasted 38 years, during which he broke boundaries. In 1952, he reported aboard USS Iowa for duty as a radio communications officer. He later became the first African-American to command a warship (USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD 717)) and then a major warship (USS Jouett (DLG 29)). Eventually, his heroism and leadership capabilities resulted in his achieving flag rank and becoming the first African-American vice admiral to command a numbered fleet (U.S. 3rd). Throughout his career, Gravely received the Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service and Navy Commendation Medals. The destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), commissioned in 2010, was named in his honor. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 82 and interred at Washington D.C’s Arlington National Cemetery with military honors.
April 10: Siblings Day, 10:00 a.m.: Recognized as an annual event throughout the United States on April 10th, Siblings Day is not federally endorsed such as Mother and Fathers Day. However, the governors of 49 states have officially issued proclamations to honor brothers and sisters. In celebration of the day, Battleship IOWA will give you or your sibling a two for one opportunity. An adult must accompany minors to participate.
April 15: Tax “Break” Day, 10: 00 a.m.: Although not a typical holiday nor very much fun if you owe money, the day is the final day to file your taxes with the United States government which is an honor of being a citizen. To ease the burden of owing money or celebrating a possible return, Battleship IOWA asks filer to bring in their tax return receipt and get 1/2 off a tour ticket on that day. It’s your patriotic duty.
May 4: Star Wars Day: May 4th has become known as “Star Wars Day” throughout the world. According to Wikipedia, the selected date was chosen as a pun on the catchphrase "May the Force be with you" as in "May the Fourth be with you." Initially, not endorsed by Lucasfilm as an annual celebration of the sci-fi saga, the film company has come to enjoy the famous fan day honored around the world. To celebrate, Battleship IOWA offers half off tickets to anyone dressed as their favorite Star Wars character.
May 18: Free “Movie Under the Guns,” 8:00 p.m.: Honor of Armed Forces Weekend. Film to be determined. The complimentary film series takes place on the fantail of the Battleship IOWA. Concessions are available. Personal chairs and blankets are welcome, coolers and outside food and beverage are not allowed.
May 28: Memorial Day on USS IOWA, 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.: Experience a touching and celebratory memorial service honoring the those who served our country. Celebrations begin at 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
June 15: Free “Movie Under the Guns,” 8:30 p.m: Film to be determined. The complimentary film series takes place on the fantail of the Battleship IOWA. Concessions are available. Personal chairs and blankets are welcome, coolers and outside food and beverage are not allowed.
*Details of all events and times are subject to change. Please call ahead or check our website at www.pacificbattleship.com.
Battleship IOWA
Entering service more than 70 years ago, U.S.S. IOWA deployed to the South Pacific in the uncertain early years of World War II. The iconic battleship served with distinction in that war, and later during the Korean War. In the 1990s, U.S.S. IOWA concluded her active duty as the Berlin Wall crumbled. Battleship IOWA now serves as a historic naval ship museum. Forged in war, guardian of the peace, the proud ship keeps watch as the proud sentinel of the LA Waterfront. IOWA’s teak decks and steel bulkheads echo the words and deeds of history: three U.S. Presidents, six of the nine American five-star military leaders, countless foreign dignitaries, and most importantly thousands of her own heroic IOWA sailors. Visitors are awed by IOWA’s proud legacy as one of the fastest and most powerful ships ever to sail the world’s oceans. Battleship IOWA is open to the public daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our hours are 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m with our last ticket sale. Please visit our websiteadditional information on special events, group tours educational programs and Naval retirement flag service.