Life of a Sailor*

Honor the Legacy. Preserve the Stories. Celebrate the Crew.

*A campaign of the Pacific Battleship Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit.

Donate to Life of a SailorSponsor a Sailor

Honoring Sailors

Life as a Sailor brings the stories of Surface Navy sailors to life through full-size, self-supporting photographic reproductions placed throughout the museum’s immersive experience. Representing “the crew”—the men and women who have served at sea since our nation’s founding—these figures create a powerful connection between visitors and those who stood the watch. Through two sponsorship levels, you can honor legendary and named sailors as Legacy Sailors or sponsor a themed experience sailor as part of Fleet Sailors, placing them in a setting that reflects their real-life role aboard a ship. By sponsoring a sailor, you help ensure their service, sacrifice, and contributions are preserved in the National Museum of the Surface Navy for future generations. Join us in keeping their legacy alive.

Select your favorite sailor(s) below to sponsor them!

Featured Ships

Legends of the Fleet

Honor Naval Icons
Celebrate legendary sailors by ensuring their stories live on.

Fleet

Fleet Sailors

Bring Their Role to Life
Sponsor a sailor in a setting that reflects their role.

Legends of the Fleet: Honor Naval Icons

These iconic sailors shaped naval history and are activated throughout the experience to bring their stories to life.
Choose the sailor below you want to support .  Don’t have a favorite? Donate to all of them!

Phase 1: Age of Sail (1774-1860)

Phase 1: Transition (1861-1915)

Phase 1: World Wars (1916-1945)

Phase 1: Cold War & Beyond (1946-2001)

Phase 1: Today (2001-present)

Donate to Life of a Sailor
Sponsor a Legacy Sailor

Fleet Sailors: Adopt a Sailor & Bring History to Life

The Fleet Sailors program allows you to sponsor a sailor and ensure their presence in the National Museum of the Surface Navy. These sailors represent the men and women who have served at sea, bringing their stories to life in our immersive experience. You can either sponsor a sailor currently seeking support or submit a sailor of your own to be honored in the museum.

Sailors Seeking Sponsorship

Help Us Honor These Sailors in the Museum

Donate towards Life of a Sailor or sponsor one of the sailors we are currently seeking submissions for in Phase 1 of the National Museum of the Surface Navy (late 2025). These sailors represent key roles in the museum experience and are available for sponsorship to ensure their legacy is preserved.

Sponsor / Submit a Sailor

Honor a Real Sailor or Their Likeness

You can sponsor or submit a specific sailor or a sailor of your own to be honored in the museum. Whether commemorating a family member, friend, or historical figure, your sponsorship includes a full-sized sailor featured in the public areas of the museum, along with a biography accessible via QR code. We will strive to place your sailor in a setting aligned with their historical role, and their sponsorship will remain active for no less than 5 years.

Roles

Donate to Life of a Sailor

Departments

Includes

  • Full-sized graphic sailor.
  • Located in public-areas.
  • A personal bio accessible by QR code.

Additional Info

  • Requires high-resolution full body photo in uniform OR a face photo superimposed on a model sailors body.
  • Some sailors are included in audio background, but this is not guaranteed.
  • A personal bio must be submitted to be included.
  • Your sailor will featured for no less than 5-years.
  • Priority is given to those in the museum with roles in initial phases.
Submit a Sailor

Questions?

Phone: 877-446-9261 ext. 747
Email: development@surfacenavymuseum.org
Mailing Address:
National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA
250 S. Harbor Blvd.
San Pedro, CA  90731

The National Museum of the Surface Navy and Freedom of the Seas are campaigns of the Pacific Battleship Center, a 501c3 non-profit organization.

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