Veterans Day Tributes End at Pearl Harbor with a Virtual Sunset Ceremony Onboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial

Honoring the 30^th Anniversary of the End of Operation Desert Storm

Pearl Harbor, HI – (November 11, 2021) – The Battleship Missouri Memorial today honored all veterans, both past and present, who served with valor to protect America’s freedoms with a Veterans Day sunset ceremony onboard the iconic Mighty Mo.

The ceremony paid a special tribute to our Operation Desert Storm veterans in honor of the 30^th anniversary since Kuwait was liberated and free from Iraq’s rule on February 28, 1991. More than 700,000 American troops deployed and stationed on the Saudi-Iraqi border made the ultimate sacrifice during 42 days of relentless attacks.

“We offer our eternal gratitude to all of our veterans who served, sacrificed, and fought on battlefields around the world, and those who returned home to build the foundation of modern America,” said Michael Carr, President and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association, caretaker of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. “We especially dedicate this year’s Veterans Day ceremony to the honor and bravery of our Operation Desert Storm veterans.”

The virtual ceremony featured the elements of a traditional Veterans Day tribute onboard the fantail of the Mighty Mo, including a Joint Armed Forces color guard, music by the 25^th Infantry Division Band – Paradise Brass Quintet, and, in remembrance of those veterans who gave their lives fighting for America, a 21-rifle salute, the playing of Taps, and a performance of Amazing Grace on bagpipes.

The keynote address by Rear Admiral Timothy Kott, Commander of the Navy Region Hawai‘i and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. In his remarks, Rear Adm. Kott noted, “in many ways the history of USS Missouri following the surrender in 1945 is emblematic of America’s continued commitment to join with our allies in the pursuit of peace around the world. She and her crew served in the early stages of the Cold War, particularly in her two tours of duty in the Korean War; and that same allied spirit born at the end of the Second World War, and the unwavering commitment of the blood, sweat and tears of our veterans, and the veterans of our allies, stem the tide of communist aggression in the world.”

Rear Adm. Kott assumed command for the Navy Region Hawai‘i and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific in June 2021. He served at sea and at shore on various assignments. While he commanded USS Hopper (DDG 70) from 2008 to 2010, Sailors were recognized for their achievements with two consecutive Battle “E” awards – 2009 Spokane Trophy and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award for Pacific Fleet Destroyers. His major command tour was aboard USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) from 2013 to 2015, Sailors were also recognized for earning three consecutive Battle “E” awards, Chief Naval Operations Safety Award for Pacific Fleet Cruisers, and Secretary of the Navy Award for Surface Combatants.

Captain Ken Jordan joins the ceremony as a distinguished guest speaker and has the distinction of being the last Executive Officer that served aboard the USS Missouri before it was decommissioned for the second and final time in March 1992.

“My time on the Missouri was an exceptional opportunity for a service warfare officer. Nowhere else could I have seen such combat power up-close, enjoyed participating in the rich history of the ship and walked the same decks where previous generations of leaders and Sailors walked,” said Capt. Jordan. “As I look back some 30 years ago, I do remember the hard work and dedication the Missouri crew showed and executed every day. They were well trained, went about their duties without hesitation and performed admirably in combat.”

Battleship Missouri Memorial

Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 9-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.

Safety is our top priority. The Battleship Missouri Memorial is taking additional steps to assure guests will have a safe and healthy experience touring the Mighty Mo. We respectfully ask all visitors to abide by state of Hawai‘i safety guidelines while on site.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. General admission is $34.99. per adult and $17.49 per child (4-12). Military, kama‘āina (local resident) and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (808) 455-1600 or visit USSMissouri.org.

Please credit photos to the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Link to all photos: www.dropbox.com/sh/2k1vchmfskpizq7/AABqODfV_DkWqave0QLLQqd2a?dl=0
Link to virtual ceremony: www.facebook.com/Battleshipmissouri/videos/7267362636622758

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Caption: Parade the colors by the Joint Armed Forces color guard.

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Caption: U.S. Army 25^th Infantry Division Band, Paradise Brass Quintet performed throughout the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s Veterans Day sunset ceremony.