I would like to begin by thanking you for supporting the Battleship IOWA by being a member.  Your decision to support the Pacific Battleship Center is one that the entire crew of the IOWA appreciates and provides motivation to us daily in Celebrating the American Spirit.

The year 2012 was exciting, emotional, and motivating.  The tremendous job that the crew performed in bringing IOWA back alive in both Richmond and Los Angeles is commendable.  Members, veterans, and guests experienced first-hand the teamwork necessary to bring their ship alive.  Our job as the crew is to always remember those that support us through their words of encouragement and financial contributions.  A big thank you, as without you the Battleship IOWA would not be Celebrating the American Spirit.

In January 2013, I was assigned the duties of President by the Board of Directors.  One of my first goals was to define who we are and where we are going.  We listened to the community on their opinions and they resoundingly encouraged us to remain strong to our American roots.  The crew assembled and through numerous conversations, it was determined that we were “Celebrating the American Spirit by connecting the past with the future.”  Wow!  That was a powerful set of words to hear and we quickly realized that this is exactly what we are to the community and the country!

As IOWA veterans will remind us, that the crew was always at the forefront of innovation, the fleet, training, awards, and frankly the best in the Navy.  As todays crew in operating her as a museum, we must continue this passion and legacy of being the best ship in the fleet – the naval ship museum fleet. 

As we look forward in 2013, we are working on numerous initiatives.  To name a few:

·         A museum committee has been assembled to determine the best way to display our vision and mission beginning with the entry to the exit.  They are responsible for the overall visitor experience and display of the ship in the appropriate manner.  They are currently looking at additions to the tour and assembling exhibits including an exhibit jointly put together with the USS Iowa veterans association.

·         An education committee has been formed to begin looking at the structure of our education & overnight programs.  They have narrowed in on options and are beginning to determine funding requirements.

·         Plankowner and donor recognition is in full swing.  We have received approximately 70% of the inscriptions for plankowner recognition, but still need the remaining 30%.  If you are a plankowner and haven’t submitted your inscription, please send to membership@labattleship.com.  Within the next 30 to 60 days we will be doing a digital display with the inscriptions and this will allow time for final adjustments prior to permanent inscriptions.

·         We are working on a L.A. Waterfront joint marketing alliance that will increase the visibility to the entire waterfront area and it will provide additional opportunities to experience the L.A. Waterfront.  We are very excited about this!

·         Our events team is focusing on holding public events on major American holidays.  Our next event is the Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt.  If you may notice, our mischievous mascot from the 1940’s – Victory the Dog is at it again and has hidden the eggs.

·         Plan to see more from Victory the Dog over the next year as we have formed a search team onboard to locate where he ventured off to and where he is making his mark in the future.

·         We are currently assembling our 1, 3, & 5 year strategic plan that will highlight the programs and activities that we will be working to achieve.  This will also provide additional funding and naming opportunities through the arrival, educational, and museum experience.

·         A big thank you to our Ship Operations team for focusing on bringing alive toilets on the pier and onboard the ship in2013, in addition to numerous other additions.  A generous donation of labor and materials with the lead by the Engineering Contractors Association and the Laborers Union is making this possible.  Once the project is complete, a full listing of supporters will be displayed along with the donors and plankowners that have supported us.

·         Our IT and Security teams led by former IOWA Sailor, David Canfield has hit the ground running assembling a long term technology back bone and creating a safe, friendly, & secure experience onboard.

·         The marketing team has been able to assemble numerous pro bono advertising opportunities including billboards and print.  They have developed the look and feel to the “Celebrating the American Spirit”, with a big thank you to crew member Linda Ayers for designing our new tickets, ads, and literature to support this vision.

·         I am excited to see the training program that our tour team has been assembling over the past couple of months.  This year will be big in increasing the quality of information during a visit to the Battleship IOWA.

As you can see, the IOWA is alive with activity, focus, and goals going forward.  I am certain that I missed numerous activities and people that deserve recognition and I apologize.  Every crew member, member, and donor is near and dear to our heart and without you – IOWA would not be here!  We are blessed to be surrounded by a supportive community and we encourage you to support our partners in Celebrating the American Spirit!

Thank you for being a member, thank you for Celebrating the American Spirit!

Jonathan Williams
President

Battleship HMS Richmond spotted off the coast of Tywyn

I found this interesting as goes to prove that the public doesn't understand what a "Battleship" is.

Battleship HMS Richmond spotted off the coast of Tywyn

28 February 2013

A BATTLESHIP which played a main role in the opening hours of the 2003 Iraq campaign was spotted off the coast of Tywyn on Saturday.

HMS Richmond, was spotted by Tywyn resident Ian Wasse on Saturday afternoon.

He said the ship sailed close to the shore for around 10 minutes before heading off in a northernly direction.

The HMS Richmond is among the most tried and tested in the fleet, having pounded Saddam Hussein’s defences on the Al Faw peninsula in the opening hours of the 2003 Iraq campaign, and providing vital aid in the Caribbean after Hurricane Ivan.

The ship has just completed a period of training under flag officer sea traning in HM Naval Base Devonport.During 2012, the focus for the ship was on ensuring the ship’s readiness for operations for many years.

The Richmond has undergone structural repairs to extend the life of the hull, together with a wide va-riety of upgrades to the sensors and weapons.

Celebrate Battleship IOWA's 70th Birthday!

We Made Every SugarCRM Employee A Salesperson – Here’s How You Can, Too

CLINT ORAM

Saturday, February 9th, 2013

6 Comments

Editor’s note: Clint Oram is the CTO and co-founder of SugarCRM. Follow him on Twitter@sugarclint.

I have worked with companies that considered its customers to be obstacles to avoid or ignore: “If only we didn’t have to deal with those pesky complaining customers,” they’d say, “we’d have time to do really great work.” Any company whose employees still cling to the “customer is always wrong” mindset can kiss success goodbye.

Customers will trust each other before they’ll trust a company, relying heavily on user opinions before deciding where to spend their money. And they don’t need to wait for brands to create a place to share these views; they can find plenty of places to talk trash about your company if you’re ignoring them. Social media has empowered customers to the point where they are self-sufficient and demanding of attention and delivery of quality products.

With so many customers becoming advocates (pro or con) for your company, you need to respond by creating advocates at every level of your business, which may require a major shift in culture. The old-school view of customer relations is that only the sales department gets and keeps customers. Now, all employees, from the CEO to sales to accounting to HR, are players in the customer-satisfaction game.

How do you create this “everybody is in sales” culture? By promoting enterprise-wide engagement. In other words, quickly connect your employees with your customers in high-value interactions, and you create more, happy customers.

ENGAGE YOUR CUSTOMERS

To make the significant shift to a sales culture, change needs to start at the top. Over the past 10 years, there’s been a movement at enlightened companies to align their operations specifically around customers. For example, many companies ranging from public, like Zynga, to private, likeOnswipe, have added the new C-level position of chief revenue officer, which oversees sales, service, and support departments to keep all of these customer-facing functions operating with common goals.

Other positions that are popping up in the C-suite to create a broad-based sales culture include the chief product officer who is charged with developing solutions that customers truly need (not what you in the business think they need). Chief culture officers, whose brief includes making sure everyone is reaching out to customers in a company-approved manner, is another role that businesses are considering.

And of course, the CEO needs to think of herself as part of this process. In the end, the CEO is your chief customer officer.

ENGAGE WITH YOUR EMPLOYEES

As you enlist your employees in a customer-centric approach to their work, you need to engage in these discussions on their terms. This means establishing places where they can share ideas for raising the bar on customer service – for example, private groups online or internal solutions like IBM Connections or Jive.

Along with providing vehicles to encourage employee camaraderie, you need to give them access to the information that will help them become better, smarter customer advocates. In the old days, customer information did not travel far in the organization; it was mainly delivered up the ladder to management for reporting purposes.

But this unidirectional, siloed approach to customer data no longer helps create a customer-focused culture. The CRM revolution means that this information can be accessed across the business, so that sales can come from any department, or with the help of several departments – not just sales.

ENGAGE THE ENTERPRISE

Everyone is becoming part of the sales process. Your company is most successful when you create a company culture that understands this. In addition to encouraging employees to share ideas and revamping your executive structure to place the focus on customers, you need to make changes in how various departments talk to each other.

Traditionally, departments’ goals weren’t shared with others. But today, everyone expects to be part of the decision-making process. Company leaders at SugarCRM are encouraged to create visibility into goals and targets for each quarter. Equal visibility is a terrific motivator.

The process of gathering the enterprise together in a united view of customer service requires social collaboration solutions. They provide the access to information that fuels engagement and can help you share each department’s goals in order to align people, processes, and technology to reach the overall business goal. And make sure to reward all employees when that deal is closed – don’t just limit awards to sales teams.

The combined impact of these customer, employee and enterprise engagement steps is that you send a clear message to customers that they won’t hit barriers when they try to get problems solved or inquire about new products. No matter who they contact in the business, or what department that person is in, the customer will quickly be well-informed.

Broadside February 8, 2013

From the Bridge:

We had a great past week with solid attendance and an increase in crew involvement. Group sales booked eight groups for the end of this week and ten groups next week. Our Museum Committee had its first meeting this week and the Education Committee will kick off with its first meeting in the early part of next week. It is exciting to see the sewer and drainage project in full swing. The entire project is being sponsored and donated by the Engineering Contractors Association, Laborers Union, Chief Engineering Company, Herzog Construction, Cal Portland, Bubalo Construction, Wells Supply, Enortraffic, Alhambra Foundry, OC Winwater Company, Penhall, and support by Councilmember Joe Buscaino's office. Please give these folks a big thank you when you see them.

We are beginning to look at potential sponsorship opportunities that include education programs, arrival experience, advertising, and many other areas. Our curator is busy at work getting ready to receive historic artifacts and begin building our collection. Don't forget to join us on February 17, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM to celebrate IOWA's 70th birthday. We will have cake, music, activities, and celebrations to honor this special day. I will be attending the Spirit of ‘45 National Leaders Conference on February 14th to the 16th to further promote "Celebrating the American Spirit," and to garner the national support of our sister ships, and other WWII museum and memorials. Best of all, we had an important museum consultant visit the ship this week who was amazed and impressed with the crew, the cleanliness the ship, and the pleasantness of every crew member they encountered . This is IOWA pride at its best! We are doing a great job honoring the ship and veterans that served aboard her. Thank you again for being a crew member. First and foremost, have fun!
- Jonathan Williams, President & Chief Operations Officer
______________________________________________________
What’s all that digging and dirt in the parking lot?
Sewer and drainage Update from our operations manager
In the words of Jonathan Williams “Today was a great day, it’s really a great day”! We started
the excavation for the first lateral of the sewer line at the North end of the parking lot. This work is
being donated by the Engineering Contractors Association which includes Underground Contractor,
Labors Union and many gracious suppliers from the local area. This is planned to take about 4 -5 weeks
of hard work and coordination with the Port of LA and the LA City building department. If you see the
folks out there working please take the time to tell them ‘Thank You’. We will update you more as the
project flows ahead. –Dan Pawloski

As explained by Mike Getscher:
This is the first step in a number of steps to bring sewer / drainage to the ship. Eventually we will be tying the ship into these lines. While this is an exciting development, it does not mean that we will have working toilets on board anytime soon. That is a long, complicated process, but at least we can say we’ve started!

****************************************
Thanks for all the great suggestions, but we decided to keep “The Broadside.” Yes! I will be contacting those of you who wish to help. Formatting and content will be improved! Bear with me. Cheers! -Sue
The Broadside 2/8/13
Crew Newsletter of the USS IOWA
Celebrating the American Spirit Volume 2

More from Dan P. – Ship ops Update
Last week I sent out an email for some special work that came up and the response was fantastic. I would like to thank all that came and helped out with the up and over light aft, and helped tighten up the mooring lines. It was great to have that kind of response on short notice. We still have some great work going on so come on down and help, we need more volunteers every day. -Dan Pawloski, Ship Operations Manager
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Tour Department
We are looking forward to some interesting challenges in servicing some very large school groups in the very near future. One of the school groups has over 250 students that will be here for a guided tour and lunch afterwards. Check your emails for a special call for assistance on that one. Our own tour department training team continues to produce materials that will soon be presented to the Education Committee for review. We want to welcome the newest member of that team, Bob Maronde. Bob hit the ground running and has produced a “Tour Guide Training Brochure” based upon the information this team has already developed. This Brochure is designed to assist the new Tour Guide to become acquainted with the expectations and operation of the Tour Department onboard the Battleship IOWA. Thanks, Bob.
- Craig Post, Director of Attractions and Programs
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FROM THE CURATOR
The Curator's office is moving to a larger compartment amidships on port 2nd Deck this week. The new area will allow more room for staff and volunteers to properly catalog and prepare artifacts for storage, plus process items for display on Iowa's tour.
Iowa's February 17th Birthday Celebration - Preparations for a small exhibit in celebration of Iowa's 70th anniversary of her first 1943 Commissioning are in works. Those photos and memorabilia will probably be placed in the Officer's Wardroom. We have also been coordinating the visit of an FDR and General Mac Arthur impersonator for the celebration. They, along with other invited dressed WWII combat re-enactors, will be outside the Captains' Cabin 01 "veranda" Deck for visitors to speak with and take pictures.
- Dave Way, Curator
********************************************
Have you been to our Ship’s Store lately? They have been getting in new items almost every week, including this throw - like the one on the bed in the Captain’s Cabin. Whether it’s an IOWA mug, jacket, challenge coin, custom 16” wooden ruler, hat pin, dog toy, or DVD – you can find it and much more in the Ship’s Store. Crew receive a 15% discount. Show your crew ID and remember to ask for your discount BEFORE they ring up the sale.
Welcome Aboard!
Bob Parent – Ops Dale Thompson – Tours Emma Thornton-Gines - Ops
Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer
Erik Krause – Security Ike Del Hierro – Tours Jason Arellano - Ops
Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer
Renan Gongora - Ops Ron Loebner – Tours Steve Zastoupil – Ops
Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer
Ross O’Brien
Chief Financial Officer
Welcome also to new volunteers Joe Vanderhoof ,Ty Williams, Tony Peeples, and Aron and Adam Wahl in Ship Ops, and John Poat, Corky Elliot, and Dave Bates who bring MARS experience to our radio team. (Sorry, but I couldn’t get the photos to load properly. –Sue)
On the horizon
 Sunday, February 10 - Behind the Scenes Crew Tour – 2nd Deck (active crew only) 3:00 PM
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FA5A623A02-crew1 for all dates. Access code: BB61
 Wednesday, February 13 - Behind the Scenes Crew Tour – 2nd Deck (active crew only) 5:00 PM
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FA5A623A02-crew1 for all dates. Access code: BB61
 Friday, February 15 - Lunchtime Potluck - Come celebrate February birthdays and Valentine’s Day:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FA5A623A02-crew24
 Saturday, February 16 – The Great Los Angeles Air Raid at Fort MacArthur 3:00 – 8:00 PM
Tickets and information: www.ftmac.org (310) 548-2631
* We have 10 free tickets that were donated for distribution to volunteers. Email volunteer@labattleship.com
 Sunday, February 17 - Presidents Day and Celebration of the USS IOWA’s 70th Birthday 11:00 – 4:00 This event is being promoted, so expect a need for extra hands that day.
 Monday, February 18 – Docents from the USS Midway will be aboard IOWA from 10:00 – 1:00
 Wednesday, February 20 - Behind the Scenes Crew Tour – 2nd Deck (active crew only) 5:00 PM
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FA5A623A02-crew1 for all dates. Access code: BB61
 Sunday, February 24 - Behind the Scenes Crew Tour – 2nd Deck (active crew only) 3:00 PM
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FA5A623A02-crew1 for all dates. Access code: BB61
 Wednesday, February 27 - Lunchtime Potluck with crew from LA Fire Department station 112
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FA5A623A02-crew11
all hands on deck!
We will be having an All Hands Crew Meeting on Wednesday Evening, February 27, 5:00 – 6:00 PM in the Crew’s Mess. Please sign up so we can get an idea of how many will attend, but if you don’t, come anyway.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FA5A623A02-allhands This meeting will be followed by the movie, “Battleship” along with hot dogs, chips, and popcorn. It may seem silly, but since many may not be able to stay – or others can only join us later, there is a separate sign up for the movie. A head count will really help. This includes staff. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FA5A623A02-mess
Do you enjoy Facebook? You are invited to join our closed group:
USS Iowa Active Volunteers. Go to: www.facebook.com, search USS
Iowa Active Volunteers, then request to join the group. Crew Only.

Thank you all!

Thank you all for the surprise birthday cake and get together last night. I didn't expect it and I am thankful to call of you shipmates. Continue to have fun, have IOWA pride, and Celebrate the American Spirit. -JW

Night at Battleship Cove

Submitted by Joe Miller | Posted: Friday, February 1, 2013 10:52 am

The Berlin Pack 5 Scouts, sponsored by Willard School, visited Battleship Cove in Fall River, Mass. At Battleship Cove, the scouts explored the world’s largest collection of historic naval ships. After touring battleship Massachusetts, destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., submarine Lionfish, PT Boats 617 and 796, and the Russian missile corvette Hiddensee, the scouts, their parents and adult leaders spent the night on board the USS Massachusetts. Battleship Cove’s Nautical Nights program included a knot tying class, storyteller, living history presenter, major motion picture and a Morse-code class. Battleship Cove serves as the Commonwealth’s official memorial for Massachusetts citizens of all military branches who lost their lives in World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf conflicts, and the Commonwealth’s victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. 

The Broadside - 01/30/13

Volume 1                The Broadside                1/30/13 Crew Newsletter of the USS Iowa

 

Message from the President:

The last week has been tremendous!  I am amazed on how many our crew members have returned after the holidays to help us make progress on Celebrating the American Spirit and tell the story of the IOWA to the American public.  I am including the Organizational Chart with this memo.  Please feel free to bring up any comments, suggestions, or concerns with the department head or committee chair.

On the horizon over the next week:

·         If you are a cruise ship aficionado, this would be a great week & weekend to be aboard.  We will be seeing the Golden Princess on Wednesday, following by the Silver Spirit on Friday.  The Costa Deliziosa will be in on Saturday & Sunday along with the Sapphire Princess on Saturday.  On Monday, we will get to see the Queen Elizabeth III come to port.  Something I am personally excited to see.

·         We have ads in the South Bay Mailer, Grunion Gazette, and CBS Billboards that are new and refreshing.  They highlight the American Spirit!  These initiatives along with our aggressive online campaign are keeping us in front of the regional audience.

·         Tommy Spencer is assuming many of the marketing duties as we go forward, with Craig taking on the box office.  Tommy is working on some local partnerships with the travel & tourism to drum up some more traffic.  He is introducing a brand new e-consignment program that allows other travel vendors to make a profit on our tickets while promoting us.

Over the next 6 months:

·         We are actively working on a 5 year comprehensive plan for fundraising, marketing, and debt/expense management.

·         We are aggressively following travel trends and have found that Japan, China, Mexico, and Europe will be larger feeder marketing over the next year.  We are working to translate our current brochures and information for these guests.

·         We are reviewing the possibility of feeding content to our guests via mobile devices.  Mobile is approximately 35% of our current web traffic and we expect that it will overtake PC traffic by year end.
·         We are focusing on how to tell the story to our guests of the IOWA and bringing the human emotions alive during the visit.

·         We are working on crew recognition programs and transparency of the organization.

- Jonathan Williams

______________________________________________________

                                                BBQ 61

USS Iowa crew enjoyed a sunny and savory potluck lunch today.   The

next scheduled lunchtime potluck will be on FRIDAY, 2/15/13.  Go to:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FA5A623A02-crew24  to

sign up.   (I hear rumors that Jim Gordon may be bringing Tri-tip!)  A

good time was had by all.  Don’t miss the next one!   Thanks to all the

great helpers:  Linda Ayers, Chiquita MaGee, Glen Terry, Mary Ma-

Stoddard, and Lynda  Maleta– not to mention Robert Leon’s  sauce!

   **  Crew spotlight  **     

   

The entire crew of the Battleship IOWA shares the same Vision and Core Beliefs, but there are times when individual crewmembers take that extra step to bring them to fruition.  Tour Guide Hal Puritz works for AAA and saw an opportunity to promote the IOWA by spearheading an effort to place a picture of the IOWA on AAA’s Los Angeles street map.  Through his efforts we will be seeing the IOWA on the COVER of the AAA’s Los Angeles street map very shortly. 

For those of you that do not know, it was Tour Guide Barry Herlihy that secured a Grant to assist us in developing a tour guide training program and dedicated training room onboard the IOWA.  We are currently drawing up plans to utilize the Library located just aft of the our gift shop as our crew classroom.  There will be more to come on this in future bulletins.

Over the past couple of months, a group of tour guides have helped their fellow crewmembers by researching and developing material that will become the basis for a more formalized training program for all new and existing crewmembers.  Rich Abele,  Jon Reed, Steve Nelson,  Ron Rishagen and Milt Boudov have severed as a five person committee to accomplish that task.  We also need to thank Sue Schmidt for her help with the recommended adjustments to the wardrobe policy that will be a part of this committee’s overall recommendations to the newly established Education Committee.   

- Craig Post,  Director of Attractions and Programs

********************************************

Mike Dahl purchased a new flag to replace the stern flag which was the incorrect size, as well as being tattered and faded.  Steve Nelson and Jerry Johnson from Tours each pitched in to help with the cost when they found out what Mike had done.

Robert Aitchison donated 49 Cisco VOIP telephones.  These phones represent a huge cost savings for the ship.  (Each of these telephones would cost ~ $50.00 used, so that is around $2500 worth of savings.)

Bob Watkins provided green fleeces for the Security team to wear with the Cammo uniforms in the cold weather, and also provided the trucking which enabled us to transport the powder cans from China Lake to the ship. (Also a huge cost savings to the ship)

- David Canfield, VP IT & Security /Policy

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I would like to recognize and thank Tour Volunteer Jon Reed for lending his Naval uniforms for display along Iowa's tour route.  Additionally, Jon has assisted our staff with his knowledge and information on what type of Navy uniforms and award ribbons were appropriate to display during Iowa's years of service.

Thank you to Tour Volunteer Kathy Meyer for lending her authentic model diorama of the battleship Arizona Memorial.  The model was used as part of Iowa's Pearl Harbor, December 7th display in our 2nd Deck Museum during December and January.

- Dave Way,  Curator

********************************************

Thank you to Jonathan Zastoupil and his uncle, who dropped off boxes of tools for the Ship Operations Department.

I also want to recognize Karen Clark and her helper Stan Sato for going above and beyond in their dedication to the painting needs on the USS Iowa.  They often stay extra hours when they’re on a roll.  If you haven’t seen the historic map they’ve been uncovering (along with other dedicated crew)  in the Ward Room, you should check it out!

- Dan Pawloski,  Ship Ops and Safety Manager

*******************************************

I would also like to make a special acknowledgement to Joe Dawkins who brought us a dozen cartons of beautiful Christmas cards that had been slated for the dumpster.  Next year, we will use them to have a Christmas card writing campaign for the troops.  They couldn’t go to a better use.

- Sue Schmidt, Volunteer Coordinator

“the” map

   

       Ship’s Painter Karen Clark and crew member Ron Russik uncover a treasure.

FLAG UPDATE:  I have revisited the flags flown onboard Iowa topic to determine the correct flag sizes, when flags are flown, and which ones are appropriate. Starting this week, only the "Don't Treat on Me" Jack and the stern US / National Ensign will be flown on a daily basis. Even though we are not a Commissioned warship, (normally only commissioned warships are authorized to fly the normal blue field, white starred Union Jack), we are flying the 1st Navy Jack as part of the Secretary of Navy's recognition of the War on Terrorism issued in 2002.  We believe this is still appropriate and acceptable, but are double checking.  The previous US / National Ensign flown on the stern was a custom ordered size and much larger than is normally flown on a warship of this size. The flag now flown is a standard and appropriate size for Iowa to fly.  It appears we will have to replace our flags about every 6 months due to normal wear and tear.

We will no longer fly the large US and State flags from the main mast on the weekends, unless perhaps for a special holiday or event.  There also could have been an issue with flying two American State's flags, (which normally doesn't happen), one above the other one.  We were flying the State of Iowa's flag underneath California's, which may not have been appropriate.  Perhaps they should be flown side by side.  I haven't found any flag etiquette information addressing this situation so far.

The 4 port Iowa Radio Call sign flags were taken down recently.  They were simply beginning to fade and reap apart. We have asked for price quotes for replacements, if we decide to fly them again.  The Museum staff will be reviewing if we should continue flying the smaller starboard "Welcome aboard" flags as well.

The starboard Main Deck's "quarter deck" entry flags are also beginning to fade and tear.  We will need to replace the Navy and Marine flag soon.  The US flag still looks good.

Plus, there are two new flags that we also have asked for price quotes on and would be appropriate for Iowa to fly.  There is a pennant flown for the Meritorious Unit Commendation awards and also one for the Battle Efficiency "E" awards Iowa once flew.  These would be an attractive and accurate addition for Iowa to fly on a daily basis.                       - Dave Way

ALERT:  DO NOT COME TO THE SHIP IF YOU ARE SICK.  THANKS!

2013 Plan for Battleship IOWA

January 19, 2013

Battleship IOWA Crew:

Let me begin by thanking you for continuing to devote your time and efforts to bring IOWA alive.  The past year has been amazing from restoration to an American landmark at the L.A. Waterfront.  None of which could have been done without you and the rest of the dedicated crew.

Recently, in an effort to advance the organization, Robert Kent has changed his focus to community outreach and fundraising.  I have assumed the role of President  & COO overseeing the daily operations of the organization.   The board of directors was unanimous in their support for this new arrangement.

As we look forward into the next year, the organization is beginning to take form and realize its potential in the marketplace.  It is my personal goal to involve each and every crew member in this great journey as we position ourselves as an American destination.  After months of discussions and feedback from numerous crew members, the vision of the Pacific Battleship Center was approved unanimously by the Board of Directors on January 18, 2013.  The vision of who we are is:

“Celebrating the American Spirit by connecting the past with the future”

The roots of this vision began with a crew member in the Tour Department, Carl Clausen.  The profound impact of a one hour conversation in November has forever changed the future of our organization. 

Broken down below is who we are and where we are going.  Please feel free to share and post these for fellow crew members. 

Our number one priority always remains giving our guests a clean, safe, and enjoyable experience that will make the American Spirit a reality for all.  Each and every crew member is at the forefront of telling the story and without you, celebrating the American Spirit is not possible. 

Thank you fellow crew members for dedicating yourself to the Battleship IOWA dream!

Sincerely,

Jonathan Williams
President & COO

P.S.  I will begin posting updates on progress and happenings at http://iowaupdates.blogspot.com/. 

2013 Plan “The Foundation Year”

Battleship IOWA Core Values

Quality The quality of the guest experience is of paramount importance to the company as guests pay the bills and justify our existence. Quality would also be applicable to our staff, our volunteer experience and the work that each of us performs on a daily basis. We will be an institution that provides quality experiences, instruction, information and value.

Interactivity Interactive opportunities for guests and crew alike provide the basis for memorable experiences during visits or in daily work. The guest is not just an observer on the tour path, but instead, is given opportunities to interact with tour guides, instructional videos or other media which enriches their time aboard the ship. The IOWA will provide an interactive experience.

Authenticity   Adherence to historical and technical authenticity will be the hallmark of all restoration, curatorial and maintenance activities aboard the ship. The crew will strive to provide the most accurate portrayal of shipboard experiences possible for the eras of active life that the ship represents. The guest will have an authentic experience on IOWA.

Alive The IOWA is often spoken of as a living monument to the past. We’d like to extend this sense of “aliveness” to include all aspects of the shipboard experience. This might include machinery sounds, fan noise, air conditioning humming in the background, 1MC announcements and various deck activities. The ship should give the impression of continuous activity at all times. The IOWA is alive.

Arrival Guests should have a strong sense of arrival as they approach the ship. Not unlike the entrance to Disneyland where guests are transported into another environment, we should strive to create that same sense of arrival and immersive experience. The guest has arrived at the IOWA.

Consistency We should strive to provide a consistent guest experience at all times and under every circumstance. This extends beyond the tour path and into events, communication and all media. The IOWA is consistent.

Comfort The comfort of our guests and crew is important to us. We should be sensitive to temperature, provide opportunities for respite (seating) watch for physical obstructions and provide conveniences. (To include toilets) Within the physical restrictions imposed by the ship, we should always strive to provide a comfortable experience for guests and crew alike. The IOWA is comfortable.

Accessibility The Battleship of Presidents bore one of the great presidents of the 20^th century on an important mission and was modified to accommodate his disability. We intend to honor that heritage and strive to provide the most accessible experience possible. The IOWA is accessible.

Safety Providing for guest and crew safety shall always be a priority for our institution. The IOWA is safe.

Spirit The crew of the IOWA has a passion for the ship, love of our country, respect and admiration for our veterans, a strong sense of purpose, commitment to education, respect for each other, appreciation for our guests, integrity, involvement, a sense of duty and love what we do. The IOWA has spirit.

Vision

Celebrating the American Spirit by connecting the past with the future.

Mission

The mission of the Pacific Battleship Center is to celebrate the American spirit through the preservation and interpretation of the Battleship IOWA, to educate the public on the accomplishments and sacrifices of American patriots, and to engage our guests in unique and exciting ways that bring the ship to life by connecting the past with the future.

Brand Message

The overall brand message captures the “American Spirit” through the use of silhouettes’ and American flag colors.  All messages will have a call to action depending on targeted audience and 2013 calendar.

2012 Crew Goals

1. Define who we are (COMPLETE)
2. Create an arrival experience
3.  Improve the guest experience
4. Have onboard toilets
5. Begin and implement program adds (to be determined)
6. Have curatorial operational and a healthy collection program
7. Focus on crew appreciation and recognition
8. Develop a healthy development department and process
9. Increase cash flow through debt reduction and management
10. Have technology stabilization
11. Clear and consistent communication

2013 Battleship IOWA Public Events Calendar  
(events subject to change)

January
All Month	Take your picture with the Times Square Kiss statue titled Unconditional Surrender Sculpture by Seward Johnson
February
17	Presidents Day Celebration and 70 year Birthday of Battleship IOWA
March
31	Easter Brunch with Easter Egg Hunt
April
19	April 19th Remembrance Ceremony
28	IOWA third birthday (1984)
May
8	Victory in Europe Celebration?
18	Armed force Day – Veterans Free Day
26	Memorial Day All American BBQ & Game Day
June
16	Father’s Day BBQ
July
4	Independence Day Celebration & One Year Anniversary at LA Waterfront
6	Possible fundraising gala onboard IOWA
August
10	Spirit of 45 Celebration / Hollywood Canteen
25	IOWA second birthday (1951)
31	Labor Day – Salute to American Labor
September
8, 11, 15, 22, 29	Free tickets for first responders with proof of ID
2	End of WWII Ceremony
11	September 11th Remembrance & Patriot Day
October
13	Navy Birthday Celebration
November
9	Veterans Appreciation Event – Veterans Free Day
10	Marine Corps Birthday Celebration
11	Veterans Day Service
December
7	Member Appreciation, Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony