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!

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Tickets to The USS Missouri

If you want to set foot aboard the “Mighty Mo,” you can purchase tickets here and pay your respects to our fallen soldiers. Stepping aboard the USS Missouri is like walking through a portal into history. You can feel the weight of its legendary past. The size of the battleship is overwhelming, with towering gun turrets and endless corridors that once housed thousands of sailors. Standing on the very spot where World War II ended, there’s a profound sense of reverence. The deck beneath you once held world leaders, brave servicemen, and the turning point of global conflict. As you explore its massive structure, from the towering 16-inch guns to the tight living quarters, you gain a deep appreciation for the sailors who lived and fought aboard this floating fortress. It’s both humbling and awe-inspiring, a true connection to the past that leaves an unforgettable impression.

USS Missouri Battleship History

The USS Missouri was constructed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and commissioned into service on June 11, 1944. It was part of the powerful Iowa-class battleships, known for their combination of speed, firepower, and advanced technology. With a length of 887 feet, it was a floating fortress capable of reaching speeds up to 33 knots. Armed with nine 16-inch guns, twenty 5-inch guns, and multiple anti-aircraft weapons, it was one of the most heavily armed warships of its time.

One of the most defining moments of the USS Missouri’s career occurred on September 2, 1945. On that day, in Tokyo Bay, representatives of the Japanese government signed the official surrender documents on the ship’s deck, bringing World War II to an end. The event was attended by U.S. General Douglas MacArthur and other Allied leaders. This historic moment made the USS Missouri a living monument to the war’s conclusion and the dawn of a new era.

USS Missouri: Naval Legend

After World War II, the Missouri continued to serve the U.S. Navy. During the Korean War, it provided fire support for United Nations forces, bombarding enemy positions along the coast. Although battleships were becoming less relevant in modern warfare due to the rise of aircraft carriers and missiles, the Missouri’s firepower remained a valuable asset. In 1955, it was decommissioned and placed in reserve, seemingly marking the end of its storied career.

However, the USS Missouri was not done yet. In the 1980s, as part of President Ronald Reagan’s efforts to modernize the U.S. Navy, the battleship was reactivated and updated with Tomahawk cruise missiles, Phalanx CIWS for defense, and improved radar systems. It saw combat once again in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm, launching missiles at Iraqi targets. This marked its final combat service before being retired for good in 1992.

The battleship was officially donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association and moved to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1998. Its final resting place was chosen for a symbolic reason—it sits near the USS Arizona Memorial. The USS Arizona represents the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, while the USS Missouri represents the war’s conclusion. This placement creates a powerful historical connection between the two ships.

Today, the USS Missouri is a popular museum ship that attracts visitors from around the world. Tourists can walk on the deck where the surrender documents were signed, explore the ship’s massive gun turrets, and see how sailors lived and worked aboard a battleship. The ship is carefully maintained by the USS Missouri Memorial Association, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn about its incredible history.

How Long is The USS Missouri?

One of the most awe-inspiring features of the USS Missouri is its sheer size. At nearly 900 feet long, it is about three football fields in length. Its weight, when fully loaded, reached over 57,000 tons. Standing next to it, visitors can truly appreciate the scale of battleships and the engineering marvels that they represent. Despite its age, the Missouri remains an imposing presence, showcasing the pinnacle of battleship design.

USS Missouri Popularity

The USS Missouri has also made its mark in pop culture. It has been featured in movies such as Battleship and Under Siege, where its legendary status added to the excitement of these films. Its legacy as a symbol of American military power and history ensures that it remains in the public eye. Few ships have had such a long and distinguished career, spanning multiple wars and different eras of naval technology.

The USS Missouri’s fame comes from its role in shaping world history. From its battles in the Pacific to its final role as a guardian of peace, the ship has become an enduring icon of American strength and perseverance. Today, as it rests in Pearl Harbor, it continues to educate, inspire, and remind visitors of the sacrifices made by those who served aboard it. Whether for history enthusiasts, veterans, or casual tourists, the USS Missouri remains a must-visit destination that offers a glimpse into one of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century.

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USS Missouri Memorial Hours

The USS Missouri Memorial is open every day from 8 AM to 4 PM (closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day). On-site amenities include a gift shop, restrooms, a food truck, and a shave ice stand.

Directions to USS Missouri Memorial

You must take the USS Arizona Memorial Ferry from the Pearl Harbor Vistor Center to get to the USS Missouri Memorial which is located on Ford Island. It is also located next to the lesser known USS Oklahoma Memorial.

The History of the USS Battleship Missouri

The USS Missouri, affectionately nicknamed the “Mighty Mo,” is one of the most celebrated battleships in American naval history. Commissioned on June 11, 1944, this Iowa-class battleship played a pivotal role during World War II and beyond. Designed for speed, power, and endurance, the USS Missouri was an engineering marvel of its time, boasting nine 16-inch guns and a top speed of 33 knots. Her presence symbolized American strength and determination during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history.

The USS Missouri entered World War II at a crucial juncture. By early 1945, the United States was preparing for the final push in the Pacific theater. The ship provided critical firepower during the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, bombarding enemy positions and supporting ground forces. However, the Missouri’s most famous moment came on September 2, 1945, when it hosted the formal surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay. This historic event marked the end of the war and solidified the ship’s place in history as a symbol of peace and victory.

Following World War II, the USS Missouri continued to serve with distinction. During the Korean War, she provided artillery support for United Nations forces, demonstrating the enduring value of battleships in modern warfare. Despite the advent of newer technologies, the Missouri’s versatility and firepower kept her relevant. She was decommissioned in 1955 but was later modernized and returned to service in the 1980s as part of President Reagan’s naval expansion, participating in operations such as Desert Storm in the early 1990s.

In 1992, the USS Missouri was finally decommissioned for the last time. Six years later, she found a permanent home at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where she serves as a floating museum and memorial. Positioned near the USS Arizona Memorial, the Missouri represents the beginning and end of the United States’ involvement in World War II. Together, these two ships tell a powerful story of sacrifice, resilience, and triumph.

The nickname “Mighty Mo” underscores the ship’s formidable presence and reputation. Sailors and admirers alike were struck by her sheer size and power, as well as her ability to endure the challenges of war. Over the decades, the Missouri has become a beloved symbol of American naval heritage, inspiring generations to learn about and honor the sacrifices made during times of conflict.

Today, the USS Missouri remains a popular tourist destination at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, drawing visitors from around the world to explore her decks and learn about her storied past. Guided tours provide insights into life aboard a battleship, from the cramped quarters of the crew to the towering main guns that once roared in battle. As the “Mighty Mo” continues her mission as a museum, she ensures that the legacy of those who served aboard her lives on, bridging the past with the present.

Passport to Pearl Harbor

For a more immersive experience of the Pearl Harbor Memorial, consider purchasing the Passport to Pearl Harbor for $99.99 (prices as of January 2025). This pass provides admission to the USS Missouri, USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. It also includes an audio tour of the visitor center and a virtual reality experience.

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