The saving of the IOWA

Every so often I think about writing the story of how Battleship IOWA came back alive as a museum and memorial.  A story that my kids can read when they get older and know why it was important to me and so many others.  The story is long, fun, and like a roller coaster.

As I think about what should be included, I reflect on so many people that dedicated there life to this great ship.  People that gave up careers, families, financial security, and so many other things.  Sacrifices that only true American's would ever make.  American's that are proud of there heritage, proud of there country, and retain hope of a better day.

What should be included?

In my mind, the human story is what brings things alive.  Let's face it, Battleship IOWA is a steel ship.  One that many of us feel is alive, but it is alive because of the people.

The human story has as many layers as an onion.  Layers with depth and layers with feelings.

To throw a dart at the story, I begin with this structure:

1)  The history of IOWA from 1939 to 2011.

2)  The human history of IOWA from 1939 to 2001.

3)  My story of IOWA from 2001 to today.

Maybe "my" story is a bit selfish, but I remember so many things and people involved.  The movement of IOWA from Rhode Island to San Francisco, HSMPS, San Francisco, Mare Island, Stockton, and so many other memories.

This ship is like a drug and I took it.  My only hope is that I can track the stories for my kids to remember me by.