The Missouri was commissioned in 1944 and served during World War II, the Korean War and most recently, the 1991 Desert Storm Gulf War. The most significant event occuring during the U.S.S. Missouri's commission was the signing of the surrender documents between the United States and Japan that ended World War II in 1945.

During her return from the Gulf War in 1991, the U.S.S. Missouri made a stop at Pearl Harbor. At that time, the U.S. Navy held an open house where the general public was allowed to visit and stroll the decks of this historic battleship.

I was lucky enough to take that short tour of "The Mighty Mo" and managed to snap a few pictures. They're featured in this section.

I also went to Diamond Head to view the Mo's homecoming as she made her way to her permanent home at Pearl Harbor. The event was extensively covered in the media and it brought thousands of Oahu residents out to the beaches and shorelines to catch a last glimpse of the U.S.S. Missouri at sea.

In the future when the U.S.S. Missouri museum opens (sometime next year), I'll take and post a more photos.

-- Melvin Ah Ching
-- June 21, 1998