USS Missouri (BB-63)
Honolulu
The Historical Significance: A Ship of Two Eras
The USS Missouri is uniquely famous for being the site of the formal surrender of the Empire of Japan on September 2, 1945. Standing on the "Surrender Deck," you are in the exact spot where General Douglas MacArthur, Admiral Chester Nimitz, and representatives of the Allied powers met with Japanese officials to sign the Instrument of Surrender, officially ending World War II.
However, the Missouri’s story didn't end in 1945. She served with distinction in:
The Korean War: Providing critical shore bombardment for United Nations forces.
The Cold War: Modernized in the 1980s under President Reagan's 600-ship Navy plan.
Operation Desert Storm (1991): Launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and firing her 16-inch guns for the final time in combat.
In 1998, she was moved to Pearl Harbor, positioned bow-to-bow with the sunken USS Arizona. This placement is intentional: the Arizona represents the beginning of the U.S. involvement in the war, while the Missouri represents its victorious conclusion.
Planning Your Visit
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is located on Ford Island, an active military base. Because of this, you cannot drive your personal or rental car directly to the ship.
Logistics and Tickets
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day).
Getting There: You must park at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and take the free shuttle bus to Ford Island. The shuttle runs every 15–20 minutes.
General Admission: Costs approximately $39.99 for adults and $19.99 for children (ages 4–12). This includes a 35-minute guided tour.
Security Policy: Strict "no bag" policy. Only small clutches, wallets, or clear bags are allowed. You can store bags in lockers at the Visitor Center for a small fee.
What to See and Do Onboard
The Surrender Deck: This is the heart of the memorial. A bronze plaque marks the exact spot on the veranda deck where the surrender documents were signed. Look for the framed copies of the original surrender documents and photos of the massive crowd of sailors who crammed onto the ship to witness the moment.
The 16-inch Guns: the ship’s primary armament consists of nine 16-inch/50-caliber guns housed in three massive turrets. These guns could fire 2,700-pound shells (the weight of a small car) up to 23 miles away with terrifying accuracy. Standing beneath these barrels, you truly grasp the "Mighty" in "Mighty Mo."
Life Below Decks: while the top decks focus on power and politics, the lower decks reveal the human side of the Navy. You can walk through the:
Enlisted Galley and Mess Decks: See where 2,700 sailors ate four meals a day.
Crew Berthing: Observe the "triple-decker" bunks where sailors slept in cramped, hot conditions.
Wardroom: The elegant dining and meeting area for officers, featuring the ship’s original silver service.
Chief Petty Officers' Legacy Center: A dedicated area exploring the unique role of "The Chief" in naval culture.
The Kamikaze Dent: on the starboard side (right side) of the ship, near the stern, you can see a slight indentation in the hull. This was caused by a Japanese Kamikaze pilot who struck the ship on April 11, 1945. Remarkably, the pilot’s body was recovered, and the ship's captain, William Callaghan, insisted on giving him a burial at sea with full military honors—a story of humanity amidst war that guides often share during the tour.
Tour Options
Guided Tour (Included): A 35-minute walk focusing on the ship's most famous historical highlights.
Captain’s Tour (Upgrade): An intimate, 45-minute tour that takes you to restricted areas like the Bridge, the Captain's Cabin, and the Combat Engagement Center (where modern missiles were controlled).
Chief Engineer’s Tour (Upgrade): Ideal for those interested in mechanics, this tour takes you deep into the "Broadway" passage to see the massive engine rooms.
Summary of Statistics
Feature | Detail |
Length | 887 feet |
Beam (Width) | 108 feet (Built to fit the Panama Canal) |
Top Speed | 33 knots (approx. 38 mph) |
Armament | 9 x 16" guns, 20 x 5" guns, Tomahawk/Harpoon Missiles (1980s) |
Commissioned | June 11, 1944 |
Tips for a Better Experience
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will be climbing steep, ladder-like stairs (standard for warships) and walking on steel decks. Avoid high heels or flip-flops if you plan on exploring the lower levels.
Hydrate: It gets incredibly hot and humid inside the steel hull of the ship. Bring a clear water bottle or purchase one at the "Battleshop" on the pier.
Allow Time: It takes at least 1.5 to 2 hours to see the ship properly. If you are doing the full Pearl Harbor circuit (Arizona, Bowfin Submarine, Aviation Museum), plan for a full day.
The "Passport to Pearl Harbor": If you plan to visit all four historic sites, purchasing the Passport bundle is the most cost-effective way to do it.
The USS Missouri is more than a museum; it is a testament to the engineering of the Greatest Generation and a reminder of the price of peace. Whether you are a history buff or a casual traveler, standing on the deck of this "floating city" is a bucket-list experience that puts the scale of modern history into a new perspective.