Battleship Missouri Memorial

Battleship Missouri Memorial America's last Battleship. A symbol of international peace and American pride. The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily, 8:00 a.m.
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The Battleship Missouri Memorial, opened in 1999, offers visitors a powerful journey through history, highlighting the role of the “Mighty Mo” in World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm. Decommissioned after decades of service, the ship now stands as a historic site in Pearl Harbor. Operated by the USS Missouri Memorial Association, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), the memorial is supported through v

isitor admissions, memberships, and donations. to 4:00 p.m., but is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Now THAT’S a photo finish. 💥Caught mid-fire during target practice in August 1944, the USS Missouri puts her guns to wor...
09/04/2026

Now THAT’S a photo finish. 💥

Caught mid-fire during target practice in August 1944, the USS Missouri puts her guns to work just months before heading to the Pacific.

Mount Fuji, framed by the Mighty Mo. ⚓
09/03/2026

Mount Fuji, framed by the Mighty Mo. ⚓

"It is my earnest hope, and indeed the hope of all mankind, that from this solemn occasion, a better world shall emerge ...
09/02/2026

"It is my earnest hope, and indeed the hope of all mankind, that from this solemn occasion, a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past — a world founded upon faith and understanding — a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish — for freedom, tolerance and justice.

"Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world, and that God will preserve it always. These proceedings are closed."

General Douglas MacArthur
September 2, 1945 — End of World War II

Photo credit: Ean Chan

September 2, 1945 🕊️On this day 81 years ago, at 9:02 AM, a ceremony began on the teak decks of the USS Missouri in Toky...
09/02/2026

September 2, 1945 🕊️

On this day 81 years ago, at 9:02 AM, a ceremony began on the teak decks of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay that would last just 23 minutes — and formally bring World War II to an end.

General Douglas MacArthur opened the proceedings before representatives of Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender. MacArthur then signed as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, followed by representatives of the United States and eight other Allied nations.

At approximately 9:25 a.m., the ceremony concluded. After nearly six years of war, a new chapter had begun.

Today, 81 years later, we remember those who served and sacrificed, honor all those affected by the war, and reflect on the hope for lasting peace that followed.

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll did more in Hawai‘i than make movies, sing on Waikīkī Beach, and strum an ‘ukulele. One lesser...
09/01/2026

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll did more in Hawai‘i than make movies, sing on Waikīkī Beach, and strum an ‘ukulele. One lesser-known chapter of his Hawai‘i story brought him right here to Pearl Harbor.

At a time when efforts were underway to create a permanent memorial honoring the 1,177 crewmen lost aboard the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941, Elvis found himself connected to the cause — and used his star power to help bring it national attention.

So, what exactly did Elvis do? As we approach the 85th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, discover this unexpected story in our latest blog: https://mightymodeckblog.wordpress.com/2026/09/01/the-king-of-rock-n-roll-and-the-uss-arizona-memorial/

Days before history was made aboard the USS Missouri.On August 28, 1945, warships of the U.S. Third Fleet and British Pa...
09/01/2026

Days before history was made aboard the USS Missouri.

On August 28, 1945, warships of the U.S. Third Fleet and British Pacific Fleet gathered in Sagami Wan, Japan as preparations were underway for the formal surrender of Japan.

In the foreground sits the USS Missouri, flying Admiral William F. Halsey’s four-star flag, with Mount Fuji rising in the distance. Nearby were British battleships Duke of York and King George V, along with USS Colorado and other Allied ships.

Just five days later, representatives of Japan and the Allied nations would gather aboard the Missouri in Tokyo Bay to sign the Instrument of Surrender, formally bringing World War II to an end.

As we approach the 81st anniversary of that day, we remember those who served and sacrificed, and reflect on the peace that followed. 🕊️

Before radio, Sailors let the flags do the talking. 🚩For centuries, signal flags helped ships communicate across the wat...
08/29/2026

Before radio, Sailors let the flags do the talking. 🚩

For centuries, signal flags helped ships communicate across the water. Their distinctive colors, shapes, and patterns made them recognizable at a distance, while individual flags and combinations could relay letters, numbers, instructions, and even entire messages. This visual language allowed ships to coordinate movements and exchange important information at sea.

By the 20th century, radio had transformed naval communications, allowing messages to travel farther and faster — but visual signaling didn’t disappear. Signal flags remained an important method of ship-to-ship communication, and U.S. Navy Sailors continued training to recognize and use them.

More than a colorful sight aboard the Mighty Mo, signal flags represent a centuries-old language of the sea.

Look closely — you can actually see three 16-inch shells in flight.In August 1944, the USS Missouri conducted gunnery tr...
08/28/2026

Look closely — you can actually see three 16-inch shells in flight.

In August 1944, the USS Missouri conducted gunnery trials in the Chesapeake Bay, putting her powerful guns to the test before heading to war. In the upper left of this photograph, three shells fired from Turret #3 can be seen streaking through the sky.

The photo was officially released in December 1944, one month after the Mighty Mo had departed for the Pacific War zone.

08/27/2026

What’s playing in your Walkman aboard the USS Missouri? 🎧

Straight from a USS Missouri Sailor’s collection, Bruce Cromell’s cassettes from his time onboard give us a glimpse into what Sailors were listening to as they unwound and passed the time at sea.

Anything here still on your playlist today?

From Pearl Harbor to Peace 🕊️In exactly one week, we will gather to remember one of the most historic days aboard the US...
08/26/2026

From Pearl Harbor to Peace 🕊️

In exactly one week, we will gather to remember one of the most historic days aboard the USS Missouri: the Formal Surrender Ceremony marking the end of World War II.

On December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II. On September 2, 1945, nearly four years later, Allied representatives and the Japanese delegation gathered aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay to sign the Instrument of Surrender, formally ending World War II.

We are privileged to welcome several guest speakers for this year’s commemoration. Swipe through to learn more about them.

Join us as we remember and honor this historic day and reflect on the enduring hope for lasting peace.

🗓️ September 2, 2026
🕘 Ceremony begins at 9:02 AM. Please be seated by 8:45 AM.
🛳️ Battleship Missouri Memorial Fantail
🎟️ Free Admission • Open to the Public
🔗 Learn more at https://ussmissouri.org/endofwwii

Address

63 Cowpens Street
Honolulu, HI
96818

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 9pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 11pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Sunday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+18084551600

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