USS Missouri Memorial

The USS Missouri Memorial is the perfect way to experience the history of the "Mighty Mo" from World War II to the Persian Gulf War. This was the last battleship made in the USA and the last of the Iowa-class battleships. During WWII, it was the destiny of advances in naval aviation to make the battleship obsolete. But even after WWII, battleships were put into service in the Korean and Persian Gulf conflicts after their armaments were modernized, to including the installation of TOMAHAWK cruise missile launchers.

The USS Missouri now "stands guard" over the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Each ship represents the beginning of U.S. involvement in WWII on 7 December 1941 with the Japanese surprise attack that sunk the USS Arizona, and the end of World War II as the USS Missouri was anchored in Tokyo Bay as the Japanese Imperial Army surrended on 2 September 1945 on the deck of the ship.

Jenny and I volunteered to to help restore the "Mighty Mo" after it arrived in Pearl Harbor after it had been decommissioned in Bremerton, Washington and towed to its final resting place. Jenny helped clean and restore the teak wood of the main deck and I scraped, primed and painted TOMAHAWK cruise missile launcher #4.

We took Jenny's parents aboard during their March 1999 visit to Hawaii. We also gathered around the exact spot wher General MacAurthur accepted the Japanese surrender to end WWII.

A general admission prices are $16 for adults and $8 for children under 12. There are also several "levels" of guided tours available for an additional cost, but you can also ask about military and kama'aina rates at the ticket office, located at the USS Bowfin submarine museum adjacent to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Although the USS Arizona is the most popular attraction in Hawaii because it is a National Memorial run by the U.S. Park Service with free admission, the USS Missouri is owned by the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc. which is funded solely by entrance fees and donations and unfortunately does not have as many visitors. Still, the USS MIssouri can get very crowded, so try to plan your visit from 9-10AM or 2:30-4PM. Visitors are advised to wear sunscreen and comfortable clothing and hiking/walking shoes since you will have to climb ladders and gangways.

Unless you have a Navy Base pass, you cannot drive onto Ford Island to tour the Missouri. Park just past the Arizona Memorial at the USS Bowfin submarine museum (which we also recommend visiting!) and take the trolley ride to the USS Missouri after purchasing tickets online or at the USS Bowfin.

Be a part of history--take a tour of the Mighty Mo!