Looking for something to do this Veterans Day? How about a slumber party aboard an 887-foot-long floating instrument of death? That’s the excursion quirky travel website Atlas Obscura is planning for its readers on November 11. Led by local writer Sandi Hemmerlein, guests will spend the night on the historic USS Iowa battleship moored off of San Pedro.
According to the event page, tickets will cost $125 and will cover two meals, as well as a bunk in the sleeping quarters and an exclusive tour of the ship that includes access to areas normally off limits to visitors. Veterans will also come aboard in the morning to talk sailing with the group.
Interestingly—and somewhat ridiculously—guests under 16 will not be allowed at the slumber party. Don’t get your hopes up, though, alcohol is strictly forbidden. Attendees will be asked to provide their own bedding, pillow, and any necessary stuffed animals.
Built in 1940, the USS Iowa was the first Iowa-class battleship commissioned by the US Navy. It remained in service until 1990 and carried three presidents during that time (Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush, if you were curious). Another fun fact: it’s the only battleship equipped with a bathtub. The tub was installed for Roosevelt in advance of his journey to Casablanca aboard the ship and the navy never bothered to remove it.
Since 2012, the ship has been docked at the Port of LA—home to the Navy’s battle fleet from 1919 to 1940. It’s affectionately known as “The Big Stick,” which, as LA Magazine points out, is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to embarrassing nicknames for Naval vessels.
- A Night on the Battleship [Atlas Obscura]
- 16 Inch Guns, 3,000 People: USS Iowa Opening By the Numbers [Curbed LA]
- USS Iowa May Finally Get the Crowds to San Pedro [Curbed LA]