Meet Chuck the Iguana — Your Guide to the Mighty Mo
Chuck isn’t just the Battleship Missouri Memorial's playful mascot; he’s inspired by a true story of life aboard the Mighty Mo and the Sailors who helped shape her legacy.
During one of the USS Missouri’s missions, crew member Angelo “Rosie” Rosselli encountered an iguana that quietly became known as the ship’s little stowaway. More than a companion, the iguana became a reminder that even at sea, moments of curiosity, connection, and joy could be found in unexpected places.
Inspired by Rosie’s story, Chuck the Iguana was brought to life as a guide for today’s young explorers — helping bridge generations and connect families through shared discovery aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Chuck embodies curiosity, exploration, and the joy of uncovering stories hidden in plain sight.
Chuck's Quest Experience
Young explorers can join Chuck on an interactive scavenger hunt aboard the Battleship Missouri during their visit. Designed for children ages 4-12 (but fun for all ages), this self-guided booklet transforms a ship tour into an exciting mission led by Chuck the Iguana.
Start Chuck's Quest at the ship's Quarterdeck desk and follow Chuck through 14 stops around the ship to search for hidden signal flags, decode crew messages, and uncover real stories from the Sailors who served aboard the world’s last battleship. Along the way, explorers learn about Navy jobs, history, and life at sea.
At the end of the adventure, participants can be sworn in as Honorary Mighty Mo Crewmembers and receive a special keepsake from the Battleshop.
Ticket Details
Bring your visit to life with Chuck’s Quest, the Battleship Missouri’s new interactive scavenger hunt!
PurchaseMeet Chuck's Friends
Chuck may be the most famous iguana aboard the Mighty Mo, but he's not the only animal who calls Pearl Harbor home. Meet his friends and learn about the incredible Hawaiian species that inspired them over on Chuck's Instagram channel.
Meet Kūpaʻa, Guardian of Pearl Harbor
Meet Kūpaʻa (pronounced koo-PAH-ah), Chuck’s steadfast underwater friend.
Kūpaʻa comes from a long line of guardian sharks inspired by Kaʻahupāhau, the legendary protector of Puʻuloa, known today as Pearl Harbor. While Chuck explores the Mighty Mo above the waves, Kūpaʻa patrols the harbor below, keeping a watchful eye on the waters surrounding the ship.
Her name means steadfast, loyal, and unwavering—the perfect name for a friend who never stops protecting what she loves.
This Shark Week, meet Kūpaʻa, discover the important role sharks play in keeping our oceans healthy, and learn more about the Hawaiian stories connected to the harbor long before the battleships arrived.
Join the Shark Week Story Hunt
Kūpaʻa is taking over Chuck’s Instagram for Shark Week! (July 26 - August 2)
Every morning at 8:30 a.m. HST, she’ll hide one secret letter in Chuck’s Instagram Stories. Collect all the letters, unscramble the mystery message, and send Chuck a DM with the answer for a chance to win a Chuck prize pack.
A new clue appears every day—and disappears after 24 hours—so be sure to check back daily.
Follow along for shark facts, games, behind-the-scenes fun, and surprises from Kūpaʻa.
Color with Kūpaʻa
Ready to create your own version of Pearl Harbor’s guardian?
Download Kūpaʻa’s coloring sheet, print it at home, and bring Chuck’s steadfast underwater friend to life with your favorite colors.
Restoration Updates with Chuck
Chuck may be known for mischief, but he also knows preserving the Mighty Mo is serious work. Follow along as Chuck shares restoration updates from around the ship and highlights the ongoing care that helps preserve this historic battleship for future generations.
Follow Chuck's Adventures
See what Chuck gets into next on Instagram.
Subscribe to Chuck's Newsletter
Your Inside Scoop on Mighty Mo Adventures
Chuck's Corner
Hear directly from Chuck about upcoming news, surprises, and kid-friendly activities aboard the Battleship Missouri.
Chuck's Quest - Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need To Know About The Family-Friendly Scavenger Hunt
Chuck’s Quest is a self-guided scavenger hunt experience aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Guests walk in the footsteps of history, decode signal flags, and uncover stories from the ship and the Sailors who served aboard her, guided by Chuck the Iguana, a curious stowaway.
Chuck is the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s newest mascot and “best-kept secret.” Inspired by the real iguana that once lived aboard the ship, Chuck represents curiosity, exploration, and storytelling. As a former “stowaway,” he now serves as a fun, friendly guide helping young explorers discover the Mighty Mo’s illustrious history.
Chuck was brought to life to help connect children and families to the Mighty Mo’s impressive history in a more engaging and approachable way. He brings storytelling, imagination, and fun into the visitor experience while still honoring the ship’s legacy and the Sailors who served aboard her.
Chuck’s Quest is designed primarily for school-aged children (approximately ages 4–12),
but it’s fun and engaging for guests of all ages. Families, school groups, and even adults enjoy following the clues and learning together.
Chuck’s Quest is $8 per participant and is available as a ticket package option with general admission. Guests can select the Chuck’s Quest package when purchasing adult or child general admission tickets, either online or on-site.
Each Chuck’s Quest experience includes:
- A scavenger hunt booklet with coloring pages inside
- A decoder to solve hidden clues
- Fun facts, Sailor slang, and activities
- A take-home experience that can be reused for coloring and learning
- A special keepsake and honorary crew ID upon completion
Booklets are picked up on-site at the Battleship Missouri Memorial pier, before boarding
the ship. Clear signage and staff will guide you to the pickup location.
Chuck’s Quest is designed to be completed at your own pace and follows the ship’s
standard tour path and takes an average of 45 minutes. Most families complete it during their visit without adding extra time, though guests are welcome to linger and explore.
Yes, we recommend one booklet per participating child so each explorer can fully engage with the activities and clues and officially join the Battleship Missouri’s honorary crew!
Yes! Chuck’s Quest is available daily as part of the Battleship Missouri Memorial experience.
Chuck’s Quest is not included with general admission. It is available as a separate ticket package option that combines general admission with the Chuck’s Quest experience.
No problem. Guests who purchase general admission only may add Chuck’s Quest at any ticket window when they arrive.
Bug Juice is a fun, kid-approved drink inspired by life aboard the Mighty Mo and Chuck’s favorite “fuel.” Don’t worry, there are no bugs
involved! It’s a playful part of the Chuck experience that adds to the adventure and a little history.
Chuck’s Quest turns a visit to the Mighty Mo into an interactive adventure, keeping kids engaged, encouraging curiosity, and helping families explore history together in a fun and memorable way.
Press & Media Resources
Access imagery, fact sheets, and background information about Chuck the Iguana and Chuck’s Quest.
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