A $500,000 grant will support the development of an engineering career track program within Battleship Iowa’s National Museum of the Surface Navy experience, officials announced Tuesday.
The Pacific Battleship Center — the San Pedro-based nonprofit that owns and operates Battleship Iowa, the National Museum of the Surface Navy and Los Angeles Fleet Week — announced Tuesday the initiative is intended to inspire young people to explore careers in engineering, and help develop the next generation of America’s maritime workforce.
Tour guests and students will learn about core engineering functions aboard Battleship Iowa, understand concepts and systems that powered the Navy in the past, and how those principles continue to be used Tuesday, officials said.
The $500,000 gift came from the Timken Foundation — which is connected but a separate entity from the Timken Company, a longtime supplier for the U.S. Navy.
“The Timken Foundation has consistently demonstrated support for education in the communities it serves. The engineering career track project developed at the Pacific Battleship Center is consistent with that commitment and also allows the foundation to honor those who served aboard the USS Iowa during the ship’s commission,” Robert Timken, president of the foundation, said in a statement.
It is expected to cost about $1.4 million for the career track program.
Pacific Battleship Center is actively seeking additional partners to complete the initiative and deliver the full experience for students and visitors. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.