More Than 9,000 Volunteer Hours and 2,800 Visits Support the Mighty Mo
Posted on 4/21/25.Pearl Harbor, HI – (April 21, 2025) – In 2024, the Battleship Missouri Memorial was supported by an extraordinary 1,400 volunteers who generously gave their time across 2,879 individual visits. Collectively, these volunteers contributed 9,129 hours of service, a remarkable contribution of time, energy, and service. According to Independent Sector’s 2023 estimate of $33.49 per volunteer hours, this equates to more than $305,500 in contributed labor, a powerful testament to the dedication and passion of our volunteer community.
“Our volunteers are the backbone of the Battleship Missouri Memorial—not only supporting us as a nonprofit organization but also playing a vital role in preserving her place in history,” said Michael Carr, President and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association. “Their thousands of hours of dedicated, hard work have been essential to the upkeep of the Mighty Mo, ensuring that visitors from around the world can continue to learn her remarkable story.”
Throughout the year, volunteers supported a wide range of projects, including the ongoing removal and replacement of teak on the main deck, the restoration of a sea mine and a BOFORS 40mm gun. They also assisted the Curatorial team with refreshing existing exhibits and preparing new exhibit spaces, a few examples of the many contributions made across the ship.
“Our volunteers take on some of the most hands-on, impactful projects aboard the ship,” said Keven Williamson, Director of Volunteers at the USS Missouri Memorial Association. “From restoring historical spaces to assisting with daily maintenance, their efforts directly preserve the USS Missouri."
The Battleship Missouri Memorial extends its sincere gratitude to all the volunteers who generously dedicated their time and talents in 2024. Your commitment plays a vital role in preserving the Mighty Mo as a living symbol of freedom and a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served aboard her.
To celebrate these contributions, the USS Missouri Memorial Association hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation event, recognizing the individuals whose efforts help keep history alive. The following is a complete list of award recipients:
Battleship Missouri Memorial Volunteer Award Winners
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year 2024
Ian Moore
USS Missouri Legacy Award 2024
Outstanding Military Support
Matt Gagaoudakis
Truman Centennial Award
Outstanding Senior Volunteer 2024
Chuck Malefyt
Big Guns Award 2024
Jack of All Trades
Tristin McCann
Outstanding Group Support
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Senior Elders 2024
Elder & Sister Clemons
USS Missouri Years of Service Award
25 Years of Outstanding Group Support
Edler Hostel, Road Scholars
Outstanding Military Support Group
NIOC Chief Petty Officer Association
MCBH First Class Petty Officer Association
Outstanding Youth Group Support
Key Club Aiea, Mililani & Pearl City
Outstanding Volunteer Tour Guide
John Fernie
Outstanding Volunteer Student of the Year 2024
Ryu Kondo
Outstanding International Support 2024
Heather Bremmer
Interested in joining the Battleship Missouri Memorial volunteer crew? Visit https://ussmissouri.org/get-involved/volunteer to learn more about opportunities aboard the Mighty Mo.
Please credit images to the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Link to Images: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/mrov7q368ljtcexe25rooyttkxp9yo0w
Caption: The Battleship Missouri Memorial was supported by an extraordinary 1,400 volunteers who generously gave their time.
About Battleship Missouri Memorial
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 10-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 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.
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Media Contact:
Shere’e Quitevis
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Sheree.Quitevis@finnpartners.com
Jaclyn Hawse
(808) 455-1600 x246