The USS Missouri, also known as the “Mighty Mo,” was one of many battleships built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named after the state of Missouri, which was also the birthplace of former President Harry S. Truman, the ship served for over 50 years, making it one of the longest-serving battleships in U.S. naval history.
Today, the decommissioned USS Missouri is a popular tourist attraction in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Visitors from around the world come to explore this historic vessel. Let’s look at some lesser-known facts about the USS Missouri battleship.
On June 11, 1944, the U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Missouri, and building began immediately; over 1,000 men helped build the ship at the New York Naval Shipyard. By January 1945, the Iowa-class battleship officially set sail to assist the Allied Powers in World War II.
Despite being one of the youngest U.S. battleships, the Missouri quickly proved its might. It had up-to-date equipment and a skilled crew, earning the respect of other battleships in its fleet.
The Iowa-class battleships were the largest and most advanced warships built by the U.S. Navy at the time. They had thicker armor, larger guns, and faster speeds than previous classes of battleships.
Few warships could rival the firepower of the USS Missouri as this ship joined the war well-prepared for battle. The battleship has nine 16-inch turrets capable of firing shells weighing 2,700 pounds up to 23 miles. There were also 12 5-inch turrets that the crew could use to shoot 55-pound shells over 10 miles. Moreover, the crew could use over 80 guns on board for short and long distances in case of an airstrike or other attack.
The USS Missouri pioneered naval aviation operations, becoming the first battleship in U.S. history to have a helicopter detachment. This development marked a significant shift in how battleships adapted to emerging technologies and new forms of warfare.
Due to the helicopter detachment, the USS Missouri could deploy helicopters for various purposes, such as:
This innovation underscored the battleship’s adaptability, ensuring it remained a crucial asset even as naval warfare evolved.
The USS Missouri etched its name into history as the first American battleship to destroy installations on Japan’s mainland. More specifically, the crew of the USS Missouri bombarded Iwo Jima and Okinawa, Japan, alongside the Allied powers. These attacks were crucial in forcing Japan to surrender as World War II ended.
Although the USS Missouri debuted and gained fame during World War II, her service extended far beyond the 1940s. During the Korean War, the Missouri was the first American battleship to reach Korean waters, providing crucial fire support for United Nations forces.
Additionally, the U.S. Navy called upon the Mighty Mo once more during Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War 1991. The U.S. military used the turrets to fire explosive rounds at Iraqi positions during the conflict.
The resilience of the USS Missouri is perhaps best illustrated by the scars she bears from a World War II kamikaze attack. On April 11, 1945, a Japanese pilot deliberately crashed a plane into a battleship during operations near Okinawa. Remarkably, despite the devastating nature of kamikaze tactics, the ship sustained minimal damage, and its crew remained resolute. The next day, another kamikaze craft flew into the USS Missouri.
While the attack caused some damage, the pilots were the only casualties, but a few sailors were injured; most of the ship remained intact throughout the war. These attacks did leave visible scars on the Mighty Mo, which you can still see today.
The USS Missouri’s legacy extends beyond military and historical circles into pop culture. Over the years, multiple Hollywood productions have featured “Mighty Mo,” showcasing her iconic stature. Perhaps her most notable onscreen roles include appearances in Battleship (2012) and Under Siege (1992). These film portrayals brought USS Missouri’s story to a broader audience, spotlighting her design, firepower, and wartime contributions.
Another lesser-known fact about the USS Missouri battleship is that it was the site of several famous people who served on board. Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person on the moon, was a pilot during the Korean War.
One of the USS Missouri’s most iconic moments came on September 2, 1945. That day, Japan formally surrendered to Allied forces, marking the end of World War II. The surrender ceremony occurred on the Missouri’s deck in Tokyo Bay, with dignitaries from both sides present.
This historic event solidified Missouri’s place in global history, symbolizing the triumph of peace after years of devastating conflict. Today, this moment is commemorated as a crucial turning point in the 20th century.
The USS Missouri is one of several historic battleships that remain open for public tours. These tours allow visitors to step aboard and experience the ship’s storied legacy. They offer a glimpse into the vessel’s impressive engineering, weaponry, and military operations. Likewise, you can observe what life on the battleship may have been like for the crew during times of war.
Additionally, visiting the USS Missouri provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact of American naval power and honor those who served bravely aboard her. The battleship inspires awe and admiration among all who encounter it, ensuring its enduring place in history as one of America’s greatest warships.
A guided tour of the USS Missouri is an immersive experience that delves deeper into the ship’s history, operations, and significance. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors to explore areas such as the bridge, captain’s cabin, gun turrets, and more.
Pearlharbortour.org offers guided Pearl Harbor USS Missouri tours for public and private groups. As we walk you through the memorial, one of our guides can tell you about the battleship’s journey from World War II to its final voyage. Our guides are experts at telling stories from the past, and we’re sure you’ll learn something new on our tour. Plan your tour today for an in-depth experience at this memorial.