TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR JULY 7TH OPENING OF USS IOWA; PUBLIC CAUTIONED TO AVOID TEMPORARY BERTH LOCATION
Harbor Commission Approves Environmental Impact Report, Lease Agreement; Historic Battleship Plans to Open to Public July 7
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — May 31, 2012 — The Pacific Battleship Center is now selling tickets for the Saturday, July 7th opening of the USS IOWA as an interactive naval museum and living memorial. Tickets can be purchased online. The ship will be open seven days a week starting July 7th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The USS IOWA will be located at Berth 87 along the Port of Los Angeles Main Channel, just south of the World Cruise Center. Parking will be available adjacent the ship with entry at First Street and Harbor Blvd. in San Pedro.
While the ship is at its temporary dock location, it will not be accessible to the public.
“We’ve all waited a long time and we’re thrilled that the USS IOWA is finally here,” said Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino. “We want to make sure all of our planning pays off and the best way for that to happen is to avoid driving or walking near the temporary berth area. Let’s be ready to greet her as she comes down the Main Channel on June 9th and get on board to visit the ship any time after July 7th.”
“As the USS IOWA begins its final preparations to come down our Main Channel on Saturday June 9th , we are requesting the public’s assistance to avoid, either by driving or walking, near the vessel,” said Los Angeles Port Police Chief Ronald Boyd. “There will be no parking in the area and no pedestrian access. We urge everyone to help us keep the area safe and secure.”
The U.S. Coast Guard is also cautioning boaters that a 100-yard safety zone is being strictly enforced around the USS IOWA while it is offshore, at temporary berth and traveling down the Main Channel. Boaters are discouraged from being in the Main Channel while the IOWA makes its way to Berth 87.
The USS IOWA is tentatively scheduled to come down the Main Channel at approximately 2 p.m. on June 9th. The suggested viewing area is Ports O’ Call Village. Enter from Harbor Boulevard and 6th Street or 22nd St. and Sampson Way in San Pedro. The park area at the south end, in addition to any of the restaurants or waterside promenade areas, should be suitable viewing areas.
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port supports more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues.