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Volunteers Welcome at the Battleship Missouri Memorial

When the USS Missouri was in commission, there were 2,500 Sailors maintaining the ship. Today, there are less than 25 maintenance staff working on the ship. We are pleased and grateful that you are interested in volunteering your time and effort in order to help restore and preserve one of the world’s most famous battleships.

Launched in 1944, the “Mighty Mo” provided gunfire support for the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. On September 2, 1945, she served as a stage for the signing of the Instrument of Surrender in Tokyo Bay, bringing WWII to an end. This day in history is remembered as the start of a new era of friendship and cooperation in the Pacific. The USS Missouri also participated in the Korean War and the Persian Gulf war.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is an American icon that stands watch over the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Battleship Missouri welcomes visitors from around the world and is conveniently located less than three miles from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and approximately eleven miles from Waikiki.

By volunteering, you make a difference and help to support the mission to preserve the Battleship Missouri and share her story and place in history.

Types of volunteer work available:

  • Cleaning (this is a great opportunity to see parts of the ship that are not open to the public)
  • Sanding, rust removal, & painting
  • Sweeping up to level 06
  • Polishing brass
  • Amateur Radio Operators to keep KH6BB on the air
  • Tour Guides
  • Assistance with special events such as the End of WWII Ceremony, Veterans' Day, & Living History Day
  • Other jobs and special projects to meet the needs of the ship

Minimum age:

  • 12 years old, accompanied by an adult.
  • 16 years old, unaccompanied

Attire:

  • Covered shoes must be worn. Protective boots highly recommended if available.
  • Long pants highly recommended.
  • No tank tops or shirts that would be considered in bad taste to the reasonable person.
  • Wide brim hats with chin strap recommended.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided if needed.

Highly Recommended:

  • Bring bottled water. There is a refill station and ice machine next to the volunteer building.
  • Sunscreen

Contact:

Please contact our office and schedule your visit before your planned arrival.

Volunteers Department: (808) 455-1600 ext. 224 or ext. 249

Email: volunteers@ussmissouri.org or complete Volunteer Interest Form at https://ussmissouri.org/get-in... and someone will get back to within 72 hours.

Volunteer Director: Keven Williamson 

Volunteer Coordinator: Kristan Dunston

    Hours available:

    • Monday through Saturday between 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM*

    Please allow a minimum of 2 hours of your day as a volunteer (transit time to and from the Battleship Missouri Memorial is not included in minimum hours). Transportation onto Ford Island takes approximately 30 – 40 minutes: a 10-minute shuttle ride plus wait time. Shuttle busses run between the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and Battleship Missouri Memorial approximately every 20 minutes.

    Please note that bags and backpacks are NOT allowed. Mobile phones, small wallets and small clear plastic bags are allowed but subject to inspection. Water bottles are approved.

    *7-day advance notice to our Volunteer Department is required for groups and preferred for individuals.  Not all groups will be able to be scheduled on a day requested. Please have a few options in mind.