FDR and his War Cabinet took in the sea air from this open venue while sailing to the Tehran Conference in 1943. The Commander-in-Chief’s Veranda features teak deck planks, porthole exterior backdrops and railings overlooking IOWA’s massive 16? guns. The historic venue provides an exclusive “upper deck” site – a comfortable, yet stately setting for midsize to smaller groups.

The Chief Petty Officer (CPO) occupies a storied and highly-respected position in Navy hierarchy and custom. These natural leaders of the enlisted crew were salty, experienced and knowledgeable. Veterans and guests of military themed events will feel right at home – even though this space was hallowed, and off limits to all but the tight fraternity of Navy Chiefs. Your guests will settle comfortably in this “club” atmosphere, perfect for small to mid-size gatherings.

Your special event guest can “grab some chow” at the same tables as did generations of Battleship IOWA sailors! This ruggedly attractive venue is evocative of chowtime for IOWA shipmates, after-hours “scuttlebutt” or poker games. Dozens of tables and generous interior space gives your special event flexibility for casual dining, breakout groups and fun gathering spots. Adjoining kitchen and cafeteria-style serving lines adds convenience for your catered event.

Think of the fantail as IOWA’s back porch: A large open space with 360 degree views of the ship, Vincent Thomas Bridge, LA Harbor, Palos Verdes and San Pedro. The fantail is the most popular event venue, offering great flexibility and easy access from the dock. Bands, dance floors, buffets and bars are comfortably situated on the wide teak deck – all open to the sky. For a more intimate ambience, the fantail is easily equipped with a partial or a full tent.

Battleship IOWA’s most exclusive special event venue served as the in-port Captain’s Cabin for three tours of duty. FDR’s Cabin overwhelms visitors with its historical significance; the cabin is a striking artifact of IOWA’s unique role in American history. This venue immediately adjoins the President’s berthing space, and your guests will sip their cocktails at the table where FDR approved D-Day plans and relax in the lounge space where the President and his five-star military chiefs watched movies after dining. The FDR Cabin directly connects your special event guests with some of America’s most influential figures.

Since before the days of Admiral Nelson’s Royal Navy gunboats, the foc’sle was the site where the ship’s would muster – and in early times, where the crew would bunk down at sea. Aboard IOWA, the foc’sle is an open-air special event venue immersed in a unique maritime setting. Anchor chains and windlasses line the teak forward deck, shaded by the turrets of her mighty main guns. The forward decks slope gracefully downward from teh bow, affording special event guests their best view of her imposing superstructure. Mid-size and larger receptions are ideal on this unique, visibly striking venue.

The Battleship IOWA starboard profile raises a dramatic backdrop for the outdoor venue. Your guests will relax in an expansive, casual setting that is ideal for barbeques, small festivals and other midsize to large group gatherings. Dockside events are perfect for family-friendly events, and the sunsets over Palos Verdes are striking!

The most formal setting for crew dining, the wardroom was where generations of junior officers were served by white-clad orderlies. Your special event guests will long remember the spacious and open atmosphere of IOWA’s wardroom. Easy sightlines accommodate speaking programs and award presentations against the nautical backdrop of large portholes with heavy brass fittings.