Community Highlights: Meet Jonathan Williams of National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Williams

Hi Jonathan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I had a turbulent childhood, one where I sought escape through work, role-playing business, and keeping myself busy—sometimes even through rebellion. By the time I was 18, I had launched my first business and was already in a full-time management role. That early exposure to leadership and problem-solving shaped my entrepreneurial mindset and set me on a path of curiosity and resilience.

My life took a profound turn at 25 when I witnessed the deep bond between sailors and their ships. Seeing my grandfather come alive upon stepping aboard his WWII ship made me realize the power of connection, purpose, and history. That moment sparked a mission—a 25-year journey to save the USS Iowa, which ultimately became a museum and a community anchor.

This journey was about more than just preserving history; it became a personal transformation. Along the way, I battled and overcame failure, obesity, food addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and focus issues. The experience shaped my leadership philosophy, taught me to embrace challenges, and reaffirmed my belief that purpose fuels achievement.

Today, I lead a purpose-driven life centered on impact—helping others find their path, building meaningful connections, and creating experiences that inspire.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, the road has been anything but smooth. In fact, I often joke that I’ve failed more than I’ve succeeded—but every failure was a lesson that led me forward.

Early in life, I was told I would amount to nothing. I struggled with self-worth, mental health, and the constant pressure to prove myself. When I committed to saving USS Iowa, the challenges felt insurmountable—financial roadblocks, skeptics, political hurdles, and the sheer scale of the project.

At times, I questioned whether it was possible. But I believe in figuring out the puzzle, taking smart risks, and surrounding myself with people who challenge and elevate my thinking.

I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about pushing forward despite it. The struggles forged my ability to take responsibility, recruit the best, and embrace critique, all while staying laser-focused on a vision that seemed impossible.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA?
I lead the Battleship IOWA Museum, soon to be the National Museum of the Surface Navy, opening in 2025. We are more than just a museum—we are a community hub, an educational platform, and a connection point for history, leadership, and service.

Our core pillars are:

– Education: We inspire and mentor the next generation through programs like our Youth Pathways to Success, STEAM at Sea, and our Overnight program.

– Veterans & Military: We support transitioning service members and veterans, recognizing that their skills and experiences are invaluable assets to society.

– Community Impact: We bring people together, from hosting large-scale events like LA Fleet Week to providing spaces for local organizations, reinforcing that museums can be catalysts for community growth. As the lead non-profit for LADRRC (Los Angeles Disaster Resilience and Recovery Collective), we also play a vital role in disaster preparedness and response, ensuring our community is equipped to handle and recover from crises.

What sets us apart is our commitment to purpose-driven work. We believe that history isn’t just something to be remembered—it’s something that should inspire action, leadership, and progress.

I am most proud of how our brand represents service, leadership, and resilience, and how we continue to create opportunities for others to succeed.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
When I have time, I primarily read biographies of leaders and success stories throughout history. I find them fascinating because they provide valuable lessons—an opportunity to learn from both the successes and failures of others.

For podcasts, I gravitate toward those that are insightful, self-improvement focused, and challenge me to grow. I believe that we all have the ability to adapt and become better by continuously learning from others’ experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pacificbattleship.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/battleshipiowa/#
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacificbattleship
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ussiowamuseum
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/battleship-uss-iowa-museum-los-angeles-3