“Mighty Mo” Celebrates 7-millionth Visitor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“MIGHTY MO” CELEBRATES 7-MILLIONTH VISITOR
Pearl Harbor, HI – (June 6, 2016) – The Battleship Missouri Memorial celebrated a special milestone today as it welcomed aboard its 7-millionth visitor this morning. Devon Fitts, a Major in the U.S. Air Force, and his family were greeted at the historic battleship. Fitts, originally from New Hampshire, is currently serving at Hickam Air Force Base in Pearl Harbor, and it was his family’s fourth time visiting the Mighty Mo.
“This is a memorable day for the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and we congratulate Major Devon Fitts for being our 7-millionth visitor,” said Mike Carr, President and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association. “Our efforts to educate the public and preserve this important piece of our history would not be possible without the support we receive from our visitors, volunteers and donors. Mahalo to our entire team for all their hard work in achieving this significant milestone, and together we look forward to welcoming the next 7 million visitors to the Mighty Mo.”
When asked how it feels to be the 7-million visitor, Major Fitts simply replied – “It feels pretty neat!”
The Fitts family chose the 16-inch gun turrets as their favorite feature of the battleship, and today, they got an exclusive look behind the turrets as part of a VIP tour. They also received special Mighty Mo gifts including a teak plank from the storied decks of the USS Missouri when she was in active-duty, a collectible beginning and end coin, a Mighty Mo baseball cap, and lei.
The USS Missouri, affectionately known as America’s last battleship, secured her spot in history as the site of Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces on Sept. 2, 1945, ending World War II. The Missouri was decommissioned for the final time in 1992 concluding a career that spanned five decades and three wars, bringing the Battleship era to an end. On Jan. 29, 1999, 55 years to the day after she was launched, the Battleship Missouri Memorial opened to the public.
To download video of the 7-millionth visitor milestone, please click here: http://bit.ly/1WCvFqr.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 7-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.
The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. General admission, which includes choice of an optional tour, is $27 per adult and $13 per child (4-12). Military, kama‘aina (local resident) and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (toll-free) 1-877-644-4896 or visit USSMissouri.org
Link to image: http://i.imgur.com/LPlnpTj.jpg
Caption: Mike Carr, President and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association, welcomes Devon Fitts and family as the Mighty Mo’s 7 millionth visitor.
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Media Contact:
Megan Hesselink Jaclyn Hawse
(808) 539-3430 (808) 455-1600 x246
Megan.Hesselink@AnthologyGroup.com JaclynH@ussmissouri.org