Ship History
Commissioned on June 11, 1944.

Wartime Histor
Originally commissioned with the 'Dazzel' paint scheme, designed to confuse German U-Boats targeting ships. She was later painted in overall gray scheme for operations in the Pacific.

Seahawk Loss On First Patrol
The Missouri lost an SC-1 Seahawk float plane on her first combat patrol, after it was catapulted on February 10, 1945, the aircraft developed engine trouble and crashed into the sea. Before he could be rescued by the USS Lewis Hancock, the pilot, Lt. Everett N. Frothingham was lost.

Official Surrender of Japan
The ship where WWII officially ended - the instrument of surrender signed on her deck in Toyko Harbor on September 2, 1945.

Postwar
Decommissioned in 1955 and returned to service. Again decommissioned in 1991. In 1996 she was towed to Pearl Harbor for permanent display.

USS Missouri Museum
Open to visitors with paid admission thru the USS Missouri Memorial Museum. The ship forms the bookend of WWII Naval history, permanently moored at Battleship Row, to the side of the USS Arizona Memorial.

Flying Bridge
Although the battleship was modernized during the 1980's the flying bridge controls are the same as those used in WWII.

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
October 6, 2009