Touring the Mighty Mo

     The USS Missouri was built during World War II, although her keel had already been laid when Pearl Harbor was attacked. She was commissioned in June of 1944 and sailed into Pearl Harbor on Christmas Eve of that same year.  It was a rather modest beginning for this famous ship. 

     The Mighty Mo was assigned to the Third Pacific Fleet, to build up the fleet that had been destroyed. She had impressive firepower with her nine 16 inch guns. She also had 20 anti-aircraft guns. She completed many missions during WWII, not the least of which was being the flag ship for Admiral Bull Halsey.  This historic ship definitely got to see its fair share of battle, for good or bad.

     The most defining moment came when unconditional surrender papers were signed on her deck on September, 2, 1945.  That is why it is so special that she is now docked on Ford’s Island, close to the USS Arizona Memorial. The ship that saw the end of the war in Japan, now rests in the place the started the whole thing.

     While you can’t drive directly to the Mighty Mo to visit, you can visit the ship by purchasing tickets at the USS Bowfin, which is located next to Pearl Harbor Memorial. You will then be shuttled over to the USS Missouri.  This is really the way to go anyway, as you can learn so much while en route.

     Once you arrive at the USS Missouri, you will be allowed to tour the battleship on your own with a few exceptions. There are volunteers there to help you with any questions. There are also guided tours available. This is a real battleship, and the maze can be a bit confusing. Plus, the guides are former military personnel that have a real love for the ship and the history that is involved. Either way is a great way to tour the ship, or a combination of both.  Spend some time in the tour, then guide yourself for a bit.

     I am a fan of the guided tour, just because of the information you can pick up from the guides. You can gather so much information from these folks, and some parts of the ship you will only be allowed to see with a guide. There is also a tour called the acousti-guided tour that is a combination of sorts.

     Here is something I did not expect, was how hot the deck of the ship was. The literature for the USS Missouri tells you to hydrate before you arrive at the ship. Take this advice to heart! The sun on shining up from the deck can be unexpectedly brutal. Drink plenty of water, before and during your tour. Do not hesitate to step into the shade every chance you get. Early morning is usually the least crowded and coolest time to visit the ship as other visitors are at the USS Arizona. Going to the USS Missouri first is an advantage crowd wise but you will have a fairly long wait then at the USS Arizona if you do them both on the same day. You need to allow at least 90 minutes to tour the USS Missouri.

     There are no bags allowed on the ship and this includes purses, fanny packs, diaper bags. There is a storage facility available. You will want some money for the bookstore and snacks that are pier side.  Covered drink containers are allowed on the ship. Take some water, have I said that enough?

     There are no restroom facilities on the ship itself, so be sure to avail your self before you get on the ship. You will also want to wear comfortable, practical shoes. You will be climbing ladders and more ladders so dress appropriately.  All the ladders make carrying a camera and a water bottle a bit problematic. Big pockets that will hold a camera and a water bottle are really handy on this tour.

     Unlike the USS Arizona, there is an entrance fee to get on the USS Missouri. The battleship is docked at Ford Island so it is on an active naval base, which is why you can’t drive to the ship, but the USS Missouri is not affiliated with the Navy or federal government. So National Parks passes are not valid here.

     At the time that this article is written, the USS Missouri is in dry dock getting some repairs done. She is scheduled to return to Ford Island in January of 2010.