Battleship Missouri Memorial

Nicknamed the “Mighty Mo”, the USS Missouri is perhaps the World’s most famous battleship. She is the biggest and one of the last to retire. She is most known as the site of the Japanese Surrender ending World War Two. However, a younger generation might be familiar with her acting roles in the movie Battleship and in Steven Segal’s Under Siege.

Battleship Missouri Moves to Pearl Harbor

The Missouri was not at Pearl Harbor during the 1941 attack. She was not even built yet. She moved to Pearl Harbor in 1998. The Battleship Missouri Memorial opened in 1999 just 500 yards away from the Arizona Memorial. The Might Mo looks like she is guarding over the Arizona.

There was some controversy before the move as rangers at the national park and some others were concerned that the ship would overshadow the important Arizona. However, the move happened anyway and the opposite has happened. For a number of reasons (one being the presence of the Might Mo), Pearl Harbor has grown in popularity since the Battleship Missouri arrived.

How to Tour the Battleship Missouri Memorial

You can choose an audio tour or a guided tour. The guided tours are much better because you can ask questions and the guides will tailor the tour to suit your interests. When you buy a tour that includes the Missouri, a guided tour is included (along with transportation).

All tours to the Battleship Missouri involve driving across the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island. Like all of the sites at Pearl Harbor, Ford Island has security restrictions. Without security clearance, you cannot drive to Ford Island. You can, however, go with an authorized tour company. All of our tours are authorized. Please review the Pearl Harbor Security Polices before going to Pearl Harbor.

The Battleship Missouri is a retired battleship so it was not designed for those with disabilities. However, the memorial has been made to welcome visitors with disabilities. There are two elevators, handicapped restrooms, and an acoustiguide script available. Other accommodations can be made as necessary. Please notify us at the time of your reservation. Guided tours are recommended as guides are helpful in warning about potentially dangerous areas of the ship.

Tours to the Missouri are generally combined with tours to other sites at Pearl Harbor. There are currently no tour packages that do not include the Arizona Memorial.