Follow USS Missouri from Japanese Surrender to Museum Ship

When we visited Pearl Harbor, we also boarded the USS Missouri. During that visit we found out that this ship hosted the signing of the Japanese surrender in 1945. Knowing that fact made us appreciate our visit even more. The USS Missouri is close to the USS Arizona Memorial, together signifying the start and the end of the second world war for the United States.

This post was totally rewritten and expanded in Dec 2021

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The USS Missouri

Did you know that the USS Missouri is the last battleship built? In addition, she is the biggest. She measures an impressive 900 feet length, over 100 feet in beam and more than 200 feet in height. The “Mighty Mo” as she was called, is relatively narrow for a battle ship, so that she could fit through the Panama Canal.

Fun Fact: The USS Missouri is a Big Canoe

The official web site of the State of Missouri explains that Missouri got its name from a tribe of Sioux Indians called the Missouris. Many people think it means “muddy water” but the Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology says it means “town of the large canoes”. Alternatively it could be “he of the big canoe.” So the USS Missouri definitely is a HUGE canoe.

When and Where did they build the USS Missouri?

In 1941, they laid the keel for the USS Missouri at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Three years later, in 1944 she was launched. The US senator from Missouri, Harry S. Truman, gave a speech at the ceremony. His daughter Margaret Truman christened the ship.

After initial sea trials off New York, she passed through the Panama Canal and arrived in San Francisco late that year.

Visiting the USS Missouri

My first impression was ‘This ship is HUGE’ which I guess is not surprising for a battle ship with 1,600 people on board. It was really interesting to wander around on a ship that had seen so much action.

When we took a walking tour through the ship, we got a fascinating overview of what life on board would be like. Of course, this was only as much as you can understand by seeing it ‘from the future’ and ‘from the outside’. I realize we really have no clue and only get a glimpse. Still, that glimpse is very humbling and touching and led to a deeper understanding of her place in history.

USS Missouri’s Place in History

1945 World War II

In 1945, the USS Missouri joined the Fast Carrier Task Force to launch an air attack on Tokyo. Missouri served as part of the anti-aircraft screen for the task group and acted as an oiler for the escorting destroyers.

Iwo Jima, Tokyo and Okinawa

During February 1945, Missouri supported the invasion of Iwo Jima, and shot down a Japanese bomber. In March they participated in more air strikes and shot down four more Japanese aircraft.

Towards the end of March, they were part of the preparatory bombardment for the upcoming invasion of Okinawa.

Hit by a Kamikaze Pilot

One day during the second World War, a Japanese kamikaze pilot attacked the ship, thankfully causing minimal damage to her. Although his plane fell into the ocean, the pilot ended up on the deck of the ship, lifeless.

When they realized what had happened, the captain of the Missouri decided that this man had given his live honorably. Because he was fighting for his country, they gave this pilot a full military funeral at sea. Even today, you can still see the nicks of this particular attack. Make sure to check them out when you visit.

The Japanese Surrender on Board of USS Missouri

Although Mighty Mo fought in many battles, she is most famous for being the ship where the Japanese surrendered, signifying the official end of World War II. Talk about walking around in history.

There was a plaque at the exact spot where the Japanese prime minister signed Japan’s surrender. Just wow! It reads

“Happen what may in the future, this day on the Missouri will stand out as a bright point that marks a tireless march toward an enduring peace”

Toshikazu Kase (Second row, second from the right) Japanese delegate, Aide to Foreign Minister Shigemitsu, who signed the instrument of Surrender in behalf of the Emperor and Government of Japan

In Between Wars

After the war, the USS Missouri headed for New York City with a quick stop-over in Pearl Harbor.

1945 New York City: President Truman

On 27 October 1945, President Truman came on board for Navy Day ceremonies. While he was boarding, the USS Missouri boomed out a 21 gun salute.

1946 Istanbul: Honoring the Turkish Ambassador

In March 1946, the USS Missouri received the remains of the Turkish Ambassador to the United States, Melmet Munir Ertegun. He had died in Washington DC and the USS Missouri carried her to Istanbul. She rendered full honors to the late Ambassador, including the firing of a 19 gun salute during both the transfer of the remains and the funeral ashore.

1947 Rio de Janeiro: Peace Conference and President Truman

In 1947, The USS Missouri arrived at Rio de Janeiro for a peace conference. After the conference, President Truman boarded the battle ship to celebrate the signing of the Rio Treaty stipulating that an attack on one of the signatory American States would be considered an attack on all.

1950 – 1953 The Korean War

When the Korean War broke out in 1950, the USS Missouri deployed to support UN troops. She was the first American battleship to reach Korean water and it was the first time since World War II that Missouri had fired her guns in anger.

In 1953 she finished her last bombardment mission and returned to the USA.

1955 – 1984 Bremerton Tourist Attraction

Eventually she ended up in Seattle, or actually Bremerton, where she became a popular tourist attraction. Especially popular was the “surrender deck” where a bronze plaque memorialized the spot in Tokyo Bay where Japan surrendered to the Allies.

Although the USS Missouri eventually moved to Hawai’i, you can visit another historic ship, the USS Turner Joy in Bremerton.

1984 – 1990 Back into Action

In 1984, the USS Missouri was reactivated and upgraded as part of President Ronald Reagan’s plan for a 600-ship Navy.

1986 Circumnavigating the Globe.

In 1986, she was ready and she departed on an around-the-world cruise, starting at Long Beach visiting New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Europe and back to the USA. The USS Missouri became the first American battleship to circumnavigate the globe since Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great White Fleet” 80 years before.

1991 The Gulf War

Missouri’s last war time action was during the Gulf War. She fired Tomahawk missiles at Iraqi targets and bombarded Iraqi beach defenses in occupied Kuwait. She also assisted coalition forces by clearing Iraqi naval mines in the Persian Gulf.

1998 Pearl Harbor Museum Ship

After serving for more than 50 year, she now is a museum ship at Pearl Harbor. Go visit her when you are in Honolulu.

Conclusion USS Missouri

Yet again I am grateful to the thousands of sailors who have served on the USS Missouri and other ships to preserve our country’s liberty. Seeing this ship firsthand definitely led to an even deeper appreciation for them. Walking around where they were walking makes it easier to imagine the infamy, although it is still unimaginably sad.

Have you visited Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri? Tell us in the comments.

Pearl Harbor Info

• What to expect during a Visit to Pearl Harbor;
• Five interesting facts about Ford Island. Do you know why the missionaries renamed it?
• Not all Japanese were our enemy. Some brave ones fought for us! The story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team;
• Best Tours to see the USS Missouri.
• Our USS Missouri photo album. Join us on our visit to the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor.

Best Things To Do on Oahu

• Hiking Diamond Head in Hawai’i: ten tips to help you succeed at this iconic hike; Even if you are out of shape or live with a chronic illness;
• Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail: Whales for the Win; Check out this relatively easy trail with epic views! The trail is fully paved, so wheel chair and stroller accessible;
• Manoa Falls Hike with MS: celebrating failure! A much harder hike, especially after a big rain. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible;
• Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Honolulu: for me, swimming is way easier than hiking;
• Surfing at Waikiki Beach Go surf at the Birth Place of Surfing! Great teachers available at Dave’s Big Waves!
• Beginners Birding Guide to Hawai’i. Discover how most of these pretty birds are actually invasive pests!

Pin the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor

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