Historic Ships Memorial at Pacific Square

The Organization Recognized for Years as Offering An Economically-Sustainable Plan to Preserve and Operate USS Iowa (BB-61) as a Museum and Memorial.

        P. O. Box 361, Vallejo, CA  94590, 707-643-IOWA or e-mail us at info@battleshipiowa.org

News: The Department of the Navy gave a "conditional" approval for the battleship to moor in San Pedro, CA.  We stand ready to work with the Navy in the event the transfer does not come to fruition.  The Navy also made a recent determination that the U.S.S. Iowa is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The State of Iowa may provide $3 million for the preservation of U.S.S. Iowa.  Funding is to be available to the custodian of the ship.  HSMPS successfully updated its application to the Navy for U.S.S. Iowa.  The City Council of Vallejo has issued a second resolution supporting the berthing of the U.S.S. Iowa at Mare Island.  Three Secretaries of the Navy discussed with HSMPS national economics and funding the preservation of the U.S.S. Iowa.  Additionally, we are excited at receiving the endorsement of The California State Military Museum and the Northern California Veterans Museum and Heritage Center. Finally, the berth at Mare Island continues to recieve interest from museums and retail while work continues with the VA to develop a wounded veteran employment program. From all of us working to save the U.S.S. Iowa at Mare Island, Vallejo, thank you for visiting our website!

Welcome to the website of  HISTORIC SHIPS MEMORIAL AT PACIFIC SQUARE ("HSMPS"), the leading organization working to place one of our nation's most treasured assets, the battleship USS Iowa ("IOWA"), in one of America's most valued historic trusts, Naval Shipyard Mare Island, Vallejo, California.  Located in one of the most visited places in the world, the San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.S. Iowa at Mare Island will offer:

The Battleship Experience -  Visitors will be allowed to tour many areas of the USS Iowa.  Nearly three football fields long, USS Iowa is one of the largest floating objects in San Francisco Bay.  Tours will be both self-guided and guided.  Visitors will be amazed as they walk the nearly 46,000 square feet of teak decks.  Guests may visit USS Iowa's enormous engine rooms, tour her huge galley that fed 3,000 sailors a day, sit inside her sophisticated gunnery and fire control rooms and, of course, visit the 16 inch, 50 caliber rifles that could hurl a 2,700 pound shell almost 24 miles.  (U.S.S. Iowa holds the record at 26.9 miles.)  Everything about the battleship, with an armor belt over 16-inches thick, is enormous.  Overnight programs and re-enactments will make history come alive.  Extensive museum exhibits will add yet another exceptional educational dimension.  A tour aboard the USS Iowa is a exploration and learning experience powered by one of the most enduring, powerful and sophisticated ships ever conceived.

Presidential Site - Guests will have the opportunity to visit President Roosevelt's stateroom and see the FDR museum, as the USS Iowa has been designated a Presidential site by the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute.

Historic Setting -  USS Iowa is poised to become a national icon and attraction in an unprecedented manner at the West Coast's oldest naval facility, Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California.  Mare Island and Vallejo witnessed some of the most intensive naval ship building in history through WWI, WWII, the Cold War.  USS IOWA at this intact naval facility promises to be one of America's most potent time capsules.  USS Iowa at Mare Island promises to be a uniquely educational and moving experience.

Spectacular plans place "THE BIG STICK" in a highly visible and dignified berth in a refurbished naval setting.  The tall and enormous buildings dating to the turn of the century, giant cranes and huge graving yards make the base look alive with a tangible naval presence.  Nearby immaculate historic houses for officers and an exquisite naval chapel are open to the public and sit astride beautiful tree lined walk ways, adjacent to visitor and trade show orientated activities sure to attract millions. 

Location - USS Iowa could not find a more noble supporter than the City of Vallejo, a proud champion in preserving our fine naval heritage.  USS Iowa at Mare Island, Vallejo, sports breathtaking bay vistas and is at the gateway to the wine country of world famous Napa Valley.  Only a 35-minute drive from San Francisco and with hourly ferry connections to nearby San Francisco, USS Iowa is sure to become a convenient and alluring destination.

We encourage you to support HSMPS by becoming a donor member, by contributing your time, by making a financial gift.  Join the thousands who have written Congress and the Navy, donated funds, and have brought their skills and energy to bear on relocating the USS Iowa as a mobilization asset to the Bay Area and continue to work on ensuring that IOWA is preserved in her retirement. 

Additional information about HSMPS and the 15-year national effort to bring IOWA to the San Francisco Bay Area and eventually preserve her as a memorial and museum are on this site.

You are our visitor

      U.S.S. Iowa deployed at sea.  Photo by Mei Seitelman                              U.S.S. Iowa anchored in the reserve fleet today                          U.S.S. Iowa in drydock.

Other websites which have supported HSMPS and IOWA include the Veterans Association of the U.S.S Iowa and KSFO Radio in San Francisco.

Dedicated to Our Proud Naval Legacy

Any copying, distribution, or use of the content of this website including, but not limited to, the corporate logo, drawings, photographs, tables, and text without the express written consent of Historic Ships Memorial at Pacific Square is prohibited.  All rights reserved October 2010.