The USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc. (Association) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation established in Hawaii in 1994. The initial purpose of the Association was to relocate the USS Missouri to Pearl Harbor, then to establish, operate and maintain a national memorial commemorating the end of hostilities in World War II.

In 1998, the ownership of the USS Missouri was transferred from the U.S. Navy to the Association. Now, the mission of the Association is to “preserve the Battleship Missouri and share her story and place in history.” The Association strives to provide a “world class experience that inspires, educates and motivates all nationalities and generations on the universal values of duty, honor, strength, resolve, sacrifice and peace."

The USS Missouri is a majestic living museum that provides a personal experience with one of America’s most beloved battleships. The tours – either self-guided or with a knowledgeable tour guide – provide a unique glimpse into the USS Missouri’s role in World War II, the Korean War and Liberation of Kuwait, as well as an opportunity to learn more about the crew who served aboard her during those wartime conflicts.

Restoration and maintenance of the ship is a never-ending process. In October of 2009 the USS Missouri was taken into drydock at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for three months of extensive maintenance and preservation work. She emerged in shipshape sporting a refurbished hull, fresh coat of paint, and state-of-the-art cathodic protection and humidity detection technologies, the ship is now fortified against corrosion for decades to come.

Since returning from drydock the Association has made significant strides in the restoration and preservation of the ship. Notable projects include the 2017 Superstructure preservation project which consisted of comprehensive repairs of the 05 level and above, and the 2019 After Superstructure preservation effort, ongoing dehumidification of the ship’s cofferdams and the restoration of the ship’s 53,000-sq. ft. teakwood decks.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial has been doing exceptionally well as an attraction and has welcomed over 10-million visitors since opening in 1999.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial provides a few virtual options to view or engage with the Mighty Mo:
         • Skype in the Classroom is a virtual field trip that takes students on a one-hour tour of the USS Missouri’s place in history, length of service, and impressive size and power of her guns. For students in grades seven through twelfth, the discussion also includes a more in-depth conversation about World War II and the Missouri’s famous role in that war. Each field trip concludes with a student-based question-and-answer session.
         • The Mo-Joe Series is a one-hour virtual history lesson hosted by the Battleship Missouri Memorial. The quarterly event highlights historical events and lessons and provides history buffs with an opportunity to hear from topic experts from around the globe.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. General Admission is $39.99 for adults and $19.99 for children (4-12). The pass includes admission and a guided tour. For $30 more, guests may upgrade to the Captain’s Tour or the Chief Engineer’s Tour. This 45-minute guided tour focuses on the Commander of the Battleship (Captain’s Tour) or the extensive mechanics behind this Iowa-class battleship, which was designed for speed and firepower (Chief Engineer’s Tour). For visitor information or to reserve a tour, call (808) 455-1600 or visit ussmissouri.org.