Born in the midst of world war, USS MISSOURI (BB- 63), one of four completed Iowa-class battleships, and the fourth ship named for the "Show Me" state, was launched on January 29, 1944, and went on to participate in critical operations during the final months of World War II, including the Allied invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and the Allied advance on the Japanese home islands.

Following capitulation by Japan, the last of the Axis powers, USS MISSOURI was the site for the formal signing of the "Instrument of Surrender" on September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay by representatives of Japan and the Allied Nations — thus ending World War II.

It is only when you are standing on her main deck, see the size of the gun turrets, and walk between her different sections that you realize that this ship belongs to an era long past.

An era where GPS and missiles controlled by satellite navigation were decades into the future, it was nothing but the raw fire power of her nine 16"/50 caliber guns, three feet deep armored walls, and the sheer courage of her crew that allowed this battleship survive that chaotic hell.

During our visit we encounter an interesting event: Two navy officers were raising and lowering several US flags on the main mast of the ship. Upon request, you can send your own US flag to be flown on the USS Missouri.

Roberto Ramirez
Sent from my android device.