Intro
Discover the rich history of the USS Missouri, the iconic battleship that served as a symbol of American power. Learn about its significant role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, as well as its historic significance as the site of Japans surrender. Explore six fascinating facts about this legendary warship.
The USS Missouri, also known as the "Mighty Mo," is one of the most iconic battleships in American history. Commissioned in 1944, the USS Missouri played a significant role in several major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. Here are six historic facts about the USS Missouri:
1. The USS Missouri Was Commissioned in 1944
The USS Missouri was commissioned on June 11, 1944, at the New York Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York. The ship was the third Iowa-class battleship to be built, and it was named after the state of Missouri. The USS Missouri was designed to be a fast battleship, capable of keeping up with the fast aircraft carriers of the time.
Design and Construction
The USS Missouri was built by the New York Navy Yard, with a total cost of $265 million. The ship was 887 feet 3 inches long, with a beam of 108 feet 2 inches, and a draft of 29 feet 1 inch. The USS Missouri was powered by eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, which produced 212,000 horsepower. The ship's top speed was over 33 knots.
2. The USS Missouri Played a Significant Role in World War II
The USS Missouri played a significant role in several major battles during World War II, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. The ship also served as a escort for the fast aircraft carriers of the time, providing anti-aircraft defense and gunfire support. On September 2, 1945, the USS Missouri hosted the formal Japanese surrender ceremony, marking the end of World War II.
The Japanese Surrender Ceremony
The Japanese surrender ceremony took place on the deck of the USS Missouri, with General Douglas MacArthur, Admiral Chester Nimitz, and other high-ranking Allied officials in attendance. The ceremony marked the formal end of World War II, and it was a significant moment in American history.
3. The USS Missouri Was Decommissioned in 1955
After the end of World War II, the USS Missouri was decommissioned on February 26, 1955. The ship was placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet, where it remained for over 30 years. During this time, the USS Missouri underwent several modernizations, including the installation of new radar and electronic systems.
Modernization and Refurbishment
In the 1980s, the USS Missouri underwent a major modernization program, which included the installation of new Tomahawk missile launchers and Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers. The ship's electronics and radar systems were also upgraded, making it one of the most advanced battleships in the world.
4. The USS Missouri Played a Significant Role in the Gulf War
In 1990, the USS Missouri was recommissioned and deployed to the Persian Gulf, where it played a significant role in the Gulf War. The ship provided gunfire support for the coalition forces, and it also launched Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets.
Gunfire Support and Tomahawk Missiles
The USS Missouri provided gunfire support for the coalition forces during the Gulf War, using its 16-inch guns to attack Iraqi positions. The ship also launched Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets, including military command centers and air defense systems.
5. The USS Missouri Was Decommissioned for the Final Time in 1992
After the end of the Gulf War, the USS Missouri was decommissioned for the final time on March 31, 1992. The ship was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1995, and it was donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association in 1998.
USS Missouri Memorial Association
The USS Missouri Memorial Association is a non-profit organization that was established to preserve the history of the USS Missouri. The association has worked to restore the ship to its original condition, and it has also established a museum on board the ship.
6. The USS Missouri Is Now a Museum Ship
Today, the USS Missouri is a museum ship, moored at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The ship is open to the public, and it features a museum and memorial to the crew and sailors who served on board. Visitors can tour the ship and see many of its original features, including the 16-inch guns and the Tomahawk missile launchers.
Visiting the USS Missouri
The USS Missouri is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in American history and naval warfare. Visitors can take a guided tour of the ship, which includes the museum and memorial, as well as the ship's engine room and anchor. The USS Missouri is a significant piece of American history, and it is a fitting tribute to the sailors and crew who served on board.
USS Missouri Image Gallery
The USS Missouri is a significant piece of American history, and its legacy continues to inspire and educate people around the world. We hope you have enjoyed this article and have learned more about the USS Missouri's rich history. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below!