5 Fast Facts About Uss Missouri Sub

The USS Missouri, also known as "Mighty Mo" or "Big Mo," is a legendary American battleship that played a significant role in World War II and the Korean War. Commissioned in 1944, the USS Missouri is the last battleship to be built by the United States and is now a museum ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Here are five fast facts about the USS Missouri sub:

Fact #1: The USS Missouri is Not a Submarine

Contrary to its name, the USS Missouri is not a submarine. It is actually a battleship, also known as a dreadnought, which is a type of warship characterized by its large size, heavy armor, and powerful armament. The USS Missouri was the third ship of the Iowa-class battleships, which were designed to be fast and heavily armed.

Fact #2: The USS Missouri Was the Site of Japan's Surrender

On September 2, 1945, the USS Missouri played host to the formal surrender of Japan, marking the end of World War II. The ceremony took place on the battleship's deck, where Japanese Foreign Minister Shigemitsu Mamoru and General Yoshijiro Umezu signed the Instrument of Surrender in the presence of Allied representatives, including General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz.

Design and Construction

The USS Missouri was designed and built by the New York Navy Yard, with construction beginning in 1941. The battleship was 887 feet 3 inches long and had a beam of 108 feet 2 inches. It displaced over 45,000 tons of water and was powered by eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, which produced 212,000 horsepower.

Armament and Armor

The USS Missouri was heavily armed, with a main armament consisting of nine 16-inch guns mounted in three triple turrets. The battleship also had 20 5-inch guns, 80 anti-aircraft guns, and 49 machine guns. Its armor was composed of 12-inch thick steel plates on the belt, 10-inch thick plates on the deck, and 18-inch thick plates on the turrets.

Service History

The USS Missouri was commissioned on June 11, 1944, and served in World War II, participating in several battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, the battleship was decommissioned and placed in reserve, but it was reactivated during the Korean War, serving from 1950 to 1953. The USS Missouri was again decommissioned and placed in reserve, but it was reactivated once more during the Gulf War, serving from 1986 to 1991.

Fact #3: The USS Missouri Was Decommissioned and Recommissioned Multiple Times

The USS Missouri was decommissioned and recommissioned multiple times throughout its service history. It was first decommissioned in 1955, but it was reactivated in 1986 and served for another five years. The battleship was decommissioned for the final time on February 26, 1992, and is now a museum ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Tourism and Museum Ship

Today, the USS Missouri is a popular tourist attraction and museum ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Visitors can explore the battleship's deck and interior, including its engine rooms, gun turrets, and bridge. The USS Missouri also serves as a memorial to the sailors and soldiers who served on the battleship during its long and distinguished career.

Fact #4: The USS Missouri Has Been the Site of Several Movie and TV Productions

The USS Missouri has been the site of several movie and TV productions, including the 1992 film "Under Siege," starring Steven Seagal, and the 2012 film "Battleship," starring Liam Neeson. The battleship has also been featured in several TV shows, including "Hawaii Five-0" and "The X-Files."

Legacy and Preservation

The USS Missouri is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The battleship is also a member of the Historic Naval Ships Association and is maintained by the USS Missouri Memorial Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the battleship's history and legacy.

Fact #5: The USS Missouri is Still a Relevant and Important Part of American History

The USS Missouri remains a relevant and important part of American history, serving as a reminder of the country's military past and its role in shaping the world. The battleship is a powerful symbol of American strength and resilience, and its legacy continues to inspire and educate visitors from around the world.

We hope you've enjoyed these five fast facts about the USS Missouri sub. While the USS Missouri is not a submarine, it is an incredible piece of American history that continues to fascinate and inspire people to this day.

Share Your Thoughts

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