Honoring Service. Inspiring Purpose. Building Connection.
Be part of the Life of a Sailor campaign — creating a next-generation National Museum of the Surface Navy that immerses every visitor in the purpose, connection, and resilience of service at sea.
“A powerful Navy we can never attain without the willing hearts of our people.”
— President Franklin D. Roosevelt (former Assistant Secretary of the Navy)
Step Into the Story of America’s Surface Navy
A next-generation museum experience where visitors discover purpose, connection, and resilience — not by observing, but by living the story through popular culture and immersive design.
The Life of a Sailor Campaign is building the National Museum of the Surface Navy — the first and only national museum dedicated to telling the story of America’s Surface Navy and its vital role in protecting freedom of the seas.
That freedom shapes our daily lives in ways we often take for granted: it’s in the coffee we drink each morning, the goods that stock our shelves, the technology we rely on, and the security of our way of life. By defending open seas, the Surface Navy defends America’s prosperity, connection to the world, and future opportunity.
This museum will not be a place where visitors simply observe history. It will be a next-generation immersive experience that places guests inside the story of sailors — discovering the purpose, connection, and resilience that define service across generations. In doing so, the museum will humanize service, inspire future leaders, and connect every American to the freedom of the seas that touches their lives every day.
Phase 1: Life of a Sailor, An Immersive Journey
Phase 1 is the first step in bringing the National Museum of the Surface Navy to life, combining a next-generation immersive experience with revamped programs that expand our reach and impact. Visitors will no longer simply observe history — they will step into the role of sailors, moving through environments that capture the camaraderie, challenges, and triumphs of life at sea. This journey will show how the freedom of the seas — the coffee we drink, the goods we consume, and the way we live — depends on those who safeguard open waters.
At the same time, Phase 1 introduces a major upgrade to our Battleship IOWA programs, raising them to a national level of strategy and influence, much like we did with LA Fleet Week. Launching in 2025 and 2026, these initiatives will support military service members, veterans transitioning into careers, youth exploring maritime pathways, and communities preparing for resilience. Together, the immersive experience and enhanced programs ensure that Phase 1 delivers both a powerful visitor journey and meaningful impact beyond the museum’s decks — and establishes us as the National Museum of the Surface Navy.
Immersive Experiences
- Arrival
- Chapel
- Life of a Sailor
- Boot Camp
- Great Ships
- Shipyard
- At Sea
- What’s My Rating
- Mission Assignment
- Welcome Aboard!
Next-Generation Programs
Purpose + Connection in support of:
- Military Engagement
- Veterans Career Pathways
- Youth Maritime Career Pathways
- Community Resilience
Learn More →
Future Phases: An Exploration That Never Ends
Future phases will connect visitors to a deeper experience, guided by our design philosophy of skim, swim, dive — offering multiple levels of engagement to meet every visitor where they are. Strategically placed Easter eggs and interpretive elements will spark curiosity and encourage deeper exploration, ensuring the museum is rewarding no matter how often you return.
These phases will expand the journey with new showcases that bring missions and the Life of a Sailor alive in powerful ways. The experience will evolve with society, creating something new each time someone visits. We will balance technology, immersion, and popular culture to create connection and purpose — triggering thoughtful engagement and authentic interaction.
Future phases will also introduce career tracks, where visitors and youth can explore real pathways from sailor to shipyard worker to maritime professional. And welcoming every guest pierside will be the Freedom of the Seas Park & Pavilion — a landmark community destination for honoring service, hosting events, and connecting people along the Los Angeles waterfront.
Future Phases Highlights
- New Showcases – immersive experiences that bring missions and the Life of a Sailor alive
- Career Tracks – pathways where visitors and youth can explore roles from sailor to shipyard worker
- Freedom of the Seas Park & Pavilion – a pierside destination that greets every visitor with connection, reflection, and community
Showcases of Interest
- Aegis
- Admiral Arleigh Burke
- Finale
- Hero Tunnel
Park & Pavilion
- 17k sq. ft. meeting and event space (in permit)
- Memorials for San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, Iowa, and Turret 2.
- Mobility hub
- Luggage storage (now open)
- Honor Walk w/ Tribute Pavers
Career Tracks
- Engineering
- Gunnery
Immersion with Purpose: Grounded in Research
Immersive design transforms artifacts and spaces into living experiences.
Research shows that when museums activate real environments with technology and realism, visitors develop deeper emotional connections, stronger knowledge retention, and greater motivation to engage. Unlike passive observation, immersive and interactive approaches invite people to step inside the story, creating meaningful connections between the artifact, its history, and their own lives. By layering authentic spaces with multi-sensory technology and narrative realism, museums provide repeatable experiences that trigger curiosity, reflection, and discovery at every level — from casual skimming to deep exploration. This balance of realism and interactivity has been proven to enhance learning outcomes and inspire ongoing engagement (Wojciechowski & Cellary, 2013; Parry, 2007).
Programs Built on Connection and Purpose
At the Surface Navy Museum, every program follows the same path: curiosity sparks interest, interest builds connection, connection reveals purpose, and purpose leads to resilience.
Why do we believe in this? Because the future of our Navy and maritime sector is built on the principles of connection and purpose — the same principles that make it possible to operate a ship: a crew bound by connection, driven by purpose, and capable of achieving extraordinary things together.
Our Three Pillars of Programs
- Education – Igniting curiosity in youth through STEAM, leadership, and maritime pathways.
- Veterans – Restoring purpose and belonging by connecting those who served with peers, careers, and community.
- Community – Building resilience through volunteerism, civic engagement, and shared experiences.
Together, these three pillars ensure our programs touch every stage of life on our way to resilience — from students discovering their path, to veterans rediscovering their value, to communities uniting in service.
The Pathway From Curiosity to Resilience
Every number tells a deeper story — of a life changed, a perception shifted, and a community made stronger. Our programs don’t just inform. They transform — guiding people from curiosity to connection, from purpose to resilience.
- Curiosity sparks interest → 3M+ visitors inspired by stories of courage, sacrifice, and leadership.
- Interest builds connection → 200,000+ youth engaged in service, STEM, and maritime career pathways.
- Connection reveals purpose → 100,000+ veterans reconnected with community and belonging.
- Purpose leads to resilience → 8,300+ volunteers found a place to belong and contribute; $130M+ in economic impact generated through programs, tourism, and outreach.
Only 8% of our visitors are veterans — yet the experience resonates far beyond uniformed service. 94% of guests say they leave with a deeper understanding of the Navy and its mission, and 56% would recommend military service to someone they know — a shift in perception powered by connection and purpose.
This is what happens when we lead with connection and purpose. This is only the beginning.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Why It Matters
National Museum of the Surface Navy is more than an exhibit — it’s an immersive movement to preserve stories, foster understanding, and build bridges between generations. It reminds us that behind every ship are the people whose dedication, sacrifice, and humanity safeguarded our freedoms. By connecting visitors to these stories, the museum ensures that the purpose, connection, and resilience of service continue to inspire America’s future.
How You Support
Your gift makes this vision possible. Every contribution helps develop exhibits, sponsor sailors, and expand interactive experiences that bring service to life. Whether you donate, sponsor a sailor, or partner with us, your support carries forward the legacy of those who served and helps establish the National Museum of the Surface Navy as a place of honor, inspiration, and connection.
