LOS ANGELES — America commemorates its 250th anniversary this July 4. And one place that is very much a part of the country’s history can be found on the sea.
Now decommissioned, the battleship USS Iowa, which served in several wars including World War II and the Korean War, is docked in San Pedro to serve as a museum and educational vessel.
Retired Chief Petty Officer David Canfield shared his memories of serving on board the battleship between 1987 and 1989. This was during the time President Ronald Reagan had recommissioned the battleship during the Cold War.
Canfield served in the Navy for 23 years.
As a civilian, he worked in the tech industry in Silicon Valley. Canfield is now the Chief Information Officer for the nonprofit organization that manages Los Angeles Fleet Week and the USS Iowa Pacific Battleship Center.
Discover why Canfield came back to the ship as part of the nonprofit.
Click the arrow above to watch the video.