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Battleship Iowa fundraiser underway to raise $100,000

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February 12th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

An Iowa couple has pledged 100-thousand dollars to help restore the Battleship Iowa — but only if the non-profit group that manages the floating museum can match their donation. The historic ship was saved from the salvage yard and is docked in the Port of Los Angeles. Volunteers have been working to restore the battleship, but it needs more work. For example, the wooden deck, which is made of teak, needs to be replaced.

USS Iowa in action, 1984. (Wikipedia image)

USS Iowa in action, 1984. (Wikipedia image)

An Iowa couple who has asked to remain anonymous is offering 100-thousand dollars for the effort, but the Pacific Battleship Center — the owner and operator of the Battleship IOWA Museum — has until June 30th to raise the matching funds. A few years ago the State of Iowa provided funds for the ship’s restoration and Iowans can show an Iowa driver’s license and board the ship for free. The Battleship Iowa floating museum was the site of a pre-Rose Bowl pep rally for thousands of University of Iowa football fans in late December.

(Radio Iowa)