The USS Missouri

The last battleship ever built by the US, the USS Missouri is now a museum for visitors to enjoy.

Today I got a chance to explore a real life battleship.  The USS Missouri was the last battleship to be built in the United States and it now sits in Pearl Harbour next to Ford Island in the state of Hawaii.  During World War II, not only was the ship used in battle, but it was also where the signing of the Terms of Surrender by all fighting countries happened.  It stands in the harbour not as a symbol of war, but one of protection and peace.

The USS Missouri was armed with nine powerful 16 inch guns that could fire as far as 20 miles.

During World War II the USS Missouri was attacked several times by Japanese Kamakazi jetfighters (pilots that would fly their planes directly into enemy targets).  As you can imagine some of these attacks left dents in the ship.  You can still see these dents today.

Sleeping quarters of the sailors.  Bunks stacked up 4 beds high.  The USS Missouri was
home to 2700 sailors during World War II.

It was emotional hearing the stories of the young sailors who left home back in 1944 (some as young as 18) to fight for peace aboard the USS Missouri.  For some of these men it was the first time they had ever left their rural communities, and they were always overwhelmed once they found themselves aboard the 209 foot tall battleship.  I can’t even imagine what would have been going through their heads.  I am glad that the ship now acts as a symbol of peace.  Hopefully all the soldiers in the world currently fighting for peace will be able to share their stories one day.

Standing outside the canteen with my empty tray waiting to be fed.