The Battleship Missouri Memorial Unveils Senator Daniel K. Inouye Exhibit Aboard the Mighty Mo

Pearl Harbor, HI – (May 5, 2023) – Twenty-Five years ago, Senator Daniel K. Inouye was instrumental in bringing the Mighty Mo to its forever home as a museum ship at Pearl Harbor. Yesterday, the Battleship Missouri Memorial held a blessing and unveiling of a new exhibit – Senator Daniel K. Inouye: Hawai‘i’s Mighty Supporter, dedicated to his life and accomplishments and the USS Missouri’s journey to Hawai‘i. 

"Senator Inouye had such a big heart for this ship and the people of Hawai‘i," said, Mike Carr, president & CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association. “He had a vision for Pearl Harbor and knew the historic USS Missouri could best tell her story, resting bow to bow with the sunken USS Arizona. He position here had a business success story that would continue to support her restoration and preservation needs."

In attendance at the ceremony was Senator’s son, Ken, daughter-in-law, Jessica, granddaughter, Maggie, and friends. Kahu Kordell Kekoa conducted the blessing and shared personal memories of the late Senator. 

The exhibit features unique images and objects from the Daniel K. Inouye Institute, USS Missouri Memorial Association archives, and the personal collection of Roy Yee, former President of the USS Missouri Memorial Association (UMMA). Many of the artifacts on display have never been available to the public before, including a recording of Senator Inouye’s August 21, 1996 voicemail to the association, confirming that the Mighty Mo was on her way to Hawai‘i. This confirmation of the US Navy’s decision to award the ship to UMMA cemented his hard work to establish the bookends of WWII in Pearl Harbor.

In December, a dedication ceremony was held on the forward bollard where a custom bronze plaque and detailed informational sign highlighting Senator Inouye’s legacy and link to the Battleship Missouri was installed. The significance of the forward bollard physically links the ship to Hawai‘i as a fitting representation of Senator Inouye’s association with this historic ship. The exhibit will be on display on the ship’s Second Deck now through May 2024.

About the Battleship Missouri MemorialSince opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 9-million visitors from around the world with a compelling 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 4:00 p.m. Military, kama‘āina (local resident) and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (808) 455-1600 or visit USSMissouri.org.
The USS Missouri Memorial Association is dedicated to preserving the Battleship Missouri and sharing her story and place in history. For information or reservations visit USSMissouri.org.
Please credit images to the Battleship Missouri Memorial

Caption: A blessing and unveiling of the Battleship Missouri Memorial's newest exhibit Senator Daniel K. Inouye: Hawai‘i's Mighty Supporter. Kahu Kordell Kekoa conducted the blessing with Senator Inouye's son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter along with the Battleship Missouri Memorial team.Link: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/3isjepbvuztfhr3ifopv2ew8dcq0uikb
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Media Contact: Shere’e Quitevis Jaclyn Hawse(808) 741-1668 (808) 455-1600 x246Sheree.Quitevis@Finnpartners.com JaclynH@ussmissouri.org