Mighty Mo

The USS Missouri (BB-63), affectionately known as “Mighty Mo,” stands as one of the most iconic battleships in United States naval history. From her keel laying in 1941 to her final decommissioning in 1992, Missouri’s career spanned five decades, numerous battles, and several eras of naval warfare, culminating in her status as a museum ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This article delves into the rich history, significant events, and enduring legacy of this legendary vessel.

The USS Missouri was the last battleship commissioned by the United States Navy, part of the Iowa-class battleships known for their speed, firepower, and armor. Her design was a response to the escalating demands of naval warfare, incorporating advancements in technology, weaponry, and armor protection. Constructed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, her keel was laid down on January 6, 1941. Missouri was launched on January 29, 1944, and commissioned on June 11 of the same year, ready to serve in World War II.

Missouri’s entry into World War II came at a critical time. She served in the Pacific Theater, participating in battles that included Iwo Jima and Okinawa, providing formidable gunfire support and serving as a formidable presence against the Axis powers. Her guns roared across the Pacific, aiding in the island-hopping campaign that brought the Allies closer to victory.

Perhaps the most historic moment aboard the USS Missouri was the formal surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945. The ceremony, held on her deck while anchored in Tokyo Bay, officially ended World War II. This event was not only a pivotal moment in history but also underscored the USS Missouri’s significance as a symbol of peace and American naval power.

After World War II, Missouri served as a show of force during the turbulent times leading up to the Korean War. She operated in the Mediterranean Sea, showcasing American naval presence and strength during the early stages of the Cold War.

In January 1950, Missouri ran aground near Hampton Roads, Virginia, an incident that drew considerable attention. It took extensive efforts and over two weeks to refloat her, but this mishap did not mar her distinguished service record.

With the outbreak of the Korean War, Missouri was recommissioned into service. She provided naval gunfire support during several campaigns, bombarding North Korean positions and supporting United Nations forces on the peninsula.

Following her service in the Korean War, Missouri was decommissioned on February 26, 1955, and entered the reserve fleet at Bremerton, Washington. She remained in this “mothballed” state for nearly three decades, a silent sentinel awaiting potential future call to service.

As part of President Reagan’s 600-ship Navy initiative, Missouri was recommissioned in 1986 after undergoing extensive modernization. Her new armament included Tomahawk and Harpoon missile systems, significantly enhancing her combat capabilities for modern warfare.

Missouri’s combat service concluded with her participation in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Her Tomahawk missiles were among the first weapons fired in the conflict, marking the first time they were used in combat. She also provided naval gunfire support—her 16-inch guns firing in anger for the last time.

On March 31, 1992, USS Missouri was decommissioned for the last time, marking the end of an era as the last battleship to be decommissioned in the United States Navy. This final decommissioning was not just the end of her active service but the closure of the battleship era in the U.S. Navy.

In a fitting tribute to her storied past and in recognition of her significant place in American naval history, Missouri was moved to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. She now serves as a museum ship, anchored a short distance from the USS Arizona Memorial, symbolizing the beginning and the end of the United States’ involvement in World War II.

The legacy of the USS Missouri continues with the commissioning of the USS Missouri (SSN-780), a Virginia-class submarine, ensuring that the name and spirit of “Mighty Mo” live on in the U.S. Navy. The transition from a battleship to a submarine bearing the Missouri name reflects the evolution of naval warfare and technology.

The USS Missouri’s story is one of valor, resilience, and peace, embodying the spirit and strength of the United States Navy. From her pivotal role in World War II to her presence