USS Iowa Pulls in 18,000+ Visitors in First Week

By Mark Carlson, Reporter

USS Iowa veterans and their guests tour the battleship following a commissioning ceremony for the USS Iowa on Wednesday, July 4, 2011, in San Pedro, Calif. The battleship will be an education and memorial center at the Port of Los Angeles. (SourceMedia Group News/Jim Slosiarek)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 17, 2012 at 6:52 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 17, 2012 at 6:52 PM CDT

LOS ANGELES, California - In one week more than 18,000 people visited the USS Iowa in the Port of Los Angeles. The USS Iowa officially opened to the public on Saturday July 7th. Officials at the Pacific Battleship Center (PBC) said the huge response was much bigger than expected.

“We were surprised and excited,” said Bob Rogers of the PBC. “This is a destination for some people.”

Earlier this month the ship was dedicated as a museum in San Pedro, CA just south of Los Angeles. The vessel is still in the process of being transformed into a floating museum, but is open for touring.

Rogers said he expects the USS Iowa will attract up to 600,000 spectators over the course of the next year. The PBC initially estimated that 500,000 people would visit the ship annually.

In February the state of Iowa pledged $3 million towards the project.

Next Article Volunteers Place Crosses in Cemetery

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