The USS Iowa.
An Iowa couple has pledged $100,000 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. An Iowa couple who has asked to remain anonymous is offering $100,000 for the effort, but the Pacific Battleship Center — the owner and operator of the Battleship Iowa Museum — has until June 30, 2016 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 Rose Bowl pep rally for thousands of University of Iowa football fans on New Year’s Eve.