Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the USS Missouri (BB-63), also known as “Mighty Mo“.
What is the USS Missouri?
The USS Missouri is an Iowa-class battleship of the U.S. Navy, famous for being the site where Japan formally surrendered, ending World War II.
Where is the USS Missouri located today?
The USS Missouri is now a museum ship located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, near the USS Arizona Memorial.
How big is the USS Missouri?
- Length: 887 feet 3 inches (270.4 meters)
- Beam (Width): 108 feet 2 inches (33 meters)
- Height: 209 feet 3 inches (63.8 meters) from keel to mast
- Displacement: Over 58,000 tons fully loaded
USS Missouri Service History
How old is the USS Missouri?
The USS Missouri was commissioned on June 11, 1944, making it over 80 years old as of 2024.
When was the USS Missouri commissioned and decommissioned?
- Commissioned: June 11, 1944
- First Decommissioning: February 26, 1955
- Recommissioned: May 10, 1986
- Final Decommissioning: March 31, 1992
What wars did the USS Missouri serve in?
- World War II (1944–1945)
- Korean War (1950–1953)
- Persian Gulf War (1991)
Why is the USS Missouri famous?
The USS Missouri is best known for hosting the formal surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay, officially ending World War II.
Tour of The USS Missouri
See it for yourself by purchasing tickets here.
Obscure Facts of The USS Missouri
Was the USS Missouri ever attacked?
Yes, on April 11, 1945, a Japanese kamikaze pilot crashed into the ship. The damage was minor, and the ship continued fighting.
Did the USS Missouri fire its main guns in combat?
Yes, the battleship’s 16-inch guns were used in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War to provide heavy bombardment.
What kind of firepower does the USS Missouri have?
- Main Guns: Nine 16-inch (406 mm) guns
- Secondary Guns: Twenty 5-inch (127 mm) guns
- Anti-aircraft guns: Various over the years, including 40mm and 20mm guns
- Missiles: In the 1980s, it was upgraded with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
How fast is the USS Missouri?
The ship has a top speed of 33 knots (38 mph, 61 km/h).
What happened to the USS Missouri after decommissioning?
After being decommissioned in 1992, it was moved to Pearl Harbor in 1998 to serve as a museum and memorial.
Has the USS Missouri appeared in movies?
Yes! It has been featured in movies like “Under Siege” (1992) and “Battleship” (2012).
Can you purchase tickets to visit the USS Missouri?
Yes, the ship is open to the public as part of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites in Hawaii.
To get your tickets to step aboard The USS Missouri (BB-63) Battleship, click here!