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Hawaii: USS Missouri marks 15 years at Pearl Harbor

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The USS Missouri, one of the United States’ most iconic warships, this summer marks the 15th anniversary of its permanent mooring at Pearl Harbor.

The ship saw action in World War II, the Korean conflict, Operation Desert Storm and a motion picture.

It arrived in Honolulu in June 1998 and is moored bow to bow with the submerged USS Arizona, sunk in the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Visitors to the Battleship Missouri Memorial are immersed in the history of World War II, beginning with America’s entry into the war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and concluding with the Axis power’s signing of documents of surrender on Sept. 2, 1945.

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That world-changing event in Tokyo Bay took place on the deck of the USS Missouri. More than 5 million visitors have stood on what’s now known as “Surrender Deck” since the floating museum opened in 1999.

“The USS Missouri was warmly welcomed to Hawaii 15 years ago, and we have received incredible support since then in developing this inspiring memorial and honoring all that this battleship represents to America and our freedom,” Michael A. Carr, president and chief operating officer of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, said in a statement.

The Mighty Mo returned briefly to the high seas during the filming of the 2012 movie “Battleship.” It is one of several sights at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor, which was visited by 1.75 million people in 2012.

The anniversary of the end of World War II will be remembered on Sept. 2. At 9 that morning, a larger-than-life statue of Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz will be unveiled. On that day in 1945 - on the deck of the Missouri - Nimitz signed the Japanese document of surrender on behalf of the United States.

Admission to the ceremony is free, but by invitation. To receive one, send an email to rsvp@ussmissouri.org. Invitations will be mailed in August.

Admission to the memorial costs $22 for adults and $11 for children 4-12 and includes an optional guided tour.

Information and tickets are available online or by calling (877) 644-4896.

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