SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.  ADD YOUR NAME FOR FREE.

Receive Recognition.  Earn Points.  Enjoy Experiences.

The term “plank owner” comes from a tradition where a crew member would take a plank from the ship’s deck when it was decommissioned as a keepsake. It is also used to describe members of the first crew who serve on a newly-commissioned ship.

Add your name as a Charter Member of the Plank Owner program to build the National Museum of the Surface Navy.  Adding your name is free and you receive recognition, earn points, and receive special opportunities to support your museum.

• Adding your name is free!
• Program is open to military, veterans, and civilians.
• Receive a commemorative “Plank Owner” certificate.
• After you sign up, you can memorialize a loved one by adding them to your profile.
• Donate to increase your level on the Quarterdeck of Honor.
• Permanently “lock-in” your once you obtain it.
• [Coming in 2025] Redeem Haze Gray points for merchandise, events, visits, and more. Don’t worry, you are already earning points with your donations!

The Freedom of the Seas campaign to build the National Museum of the Surface Navy is spearheaded by the Pacific Battleship Center, the 501(c)3 non-profit responsible for establishing the Battleship IOWA Museum as a top 5 Los Angeles museum and an attraction.  The Pacific Battleship Center secured the rights to build the Surface Navy Museum through a licensing agreement with the US Navy in 2018 and a Congressional designation in 2021.

Learn more about the Pacific Battleship Center.

DISCLAIMER. Registering as a “Plank Owner” Charter Member entitles you to a free digital certificate. Printed certificates are reserved for Plank Owner Charter Member’s that donate $25 or more.  As a Plank Owner, you will receive updates, invitations, and recognition as a museum Plank Owner. It may take up to 10 days for donations to reflect in your listing and upgrade your status.  The Haze Gray points system is in development to be released in 2025, subject to delays. All donations, volunteer hours, and numerated support will be applied to your Haze Gray account retroactively.  If you choose to donate without logging in, we will strive to match your donation up to an existing record.  If we are unable to locate a record, we will create one for your contribution.  Plank Owner Charter Member, Haze Gray, and the National Museum of the Surface Navy are all programs of the 501(c)3 non-profit the Pacific Battleship Center.  Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Consult with your tax advisor for more details.

About the National Museum of the Surface Navy

After 250 years of service, the first national museum dedicated to the men and women of the Surface Navy will open aboard Battleship USS Iowa in Los Angeles, California in 2025.

The National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA is licensed by the U.S. Navy to the Pacific Battleship Center, a top-rated 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit organization. The organization’s mission and programming is solely supported by admissions, gift store, and donations from supporters like you. We do not receive government funding for our operations.

For more information on the Pacific Battleship Center, please visit https://www.pacificbattleship.com.