Summary
A visit to Pearl Harbor evokes memories of how many first learned about the small group of islands located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. It is here, almost 70 years ago, that World War II commenced for the United States. On the fateful morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, along with many other Hawaiian military installations. This event remains a critical part of American history.
This significant moment serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals, many of whom were our parents and grandparents. As fewer World War II veterans remain, we must carry the duty of honoring their memories and contributions. The absence of USS Arizona survivors at the 2018 Pearl Harbor Commemoration highlights the urgency of this responsibility.
How the Battleship Missouri Came to Pearl Harbor
The decision to position the USS Missouri, affectionately known as the “Mighty Mo,” in Pearl Harbor, near the USS Arizona Memorial, faced significant opposition. Critics believed the imposing battleship overshadowed the solemn tribute to those who perished on that tragic day.
The effort to secure Pearl Harbor as the permanent home for the “Mighty Mo” was a challenging battle, with Bremerton, Washington, and San Francisco vying for her. Ultimately, the placement of the USS Missouri provides a profound historical significance, as it represents the end of World War II—she and the USS Arizona serve as poignant bookends of this impactful chapter in U.S. history.
Onboard the USS Missouri, the “Instrument of Formal Surrender of Japan to the Allied Powers” was signed by representatives from allied nations and Japan in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, marking the official conclusion of the war.
A Brief History of the Battleship Missouri – Mighty Mo
The storied history of the Battleship Missouri transcends her role in the surrender of Japan. Built at the New York Navy Yard, her keel was laid on January 6, 1941, and she was officially launched on January 29, 1944. The USS Missouri became the final battleship of the Iowa-class built for the United States Navy and the last to join the fleet.
Mary Margaret Truman, the future president’s daughter, christened the ship. Consequently, she is often referred to as “Harry Truman’s ship.” After commissioning, the Missouri was dispatched to the Pacific Theater, participating in significant battles such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa, where she encountered a Japanese Kamikaze attack that left lasting scars on her hull.
Engaging in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, she was ultimately decommissioned in 1955, only to be reactivated and modernized in 1984. During the Gulf War, she rejoined active service, earning eleven battle stars for her remarkable contributions.
In 1998, the USS Missouri was donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, positioning her in Pearl Harbor, where she remains docked at Ford Island, in proximity to the USS Arizona Memorial.
Visiting the USS Missouri Memorial
To enhance your visit, consider arriving early in the morning, as this timing allows you to avoid the tour buses. The Battleship Missouri Memorial operates from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and remains closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Tickets can be acquired from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center upon your arrival. Keep in mind that event schedules can sometimes alter hours, so reviewing the official website beforehand is advisable.
As a fascinating historical site, the Memorial relies on admission fees to sustain operations, as it is not funded by public financing. While adjacent to the USS Arizona Memorial, entry fees are necessary for the Missouri.
Several ticket options are available, including packages that permit access to multiple Pearl Harbor Historic Sites such as the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, as well as the Pacific Aviation Museum—truly worth exploring.
A short bus ride from the visitor center across the bridge will lead you directly to the Battleship Missouri.
Tours of the Battleship Missouri Memorial
If you wish to delve deeper into the “Mighty Mo’s” rich history, consider the Heart of Missouri Tour. This comprehensive 90-minute tour includes admission and is conducted in small groups of up to ten people.
For a thorough experience, allocate at least three to three and a half hours for your visit, including travel time from Waikiki. It is recommended to dedicate a full day to exploring historic Pearl Harbor and visiting all three sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial.
The Battleship Missouri is wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps and elevators for ease of movement between decks. Additionally, various snack and meal options are available nearby, such as Slider’s Grill and Wai Momi Shave Ice. For further information about the Battleship Missouri, including tour details and admission prices, you can visit the official website.
