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1941 - June 1944 / Construction - Commissioning



12k Great Seal of the State of Missouri. Courtesy of Ed Gray.

862k (Original Caption) Assisted by captain J.J. Broshek (left) Rear Admiral Clark H. Woodward is shown setting in motion the machine that drove the first rivet in the keel of the 45,000 ton battleship Missouri (BB-63) at the Brooklyn Navy Yard today. The Missouri will be a sister ship of the Iowa (BB-61) which has been under construction since June 18. They will be the largest ships in the U.S. Navy. The Missouri is expected to be completed by February 1944, with the building of warships for the defense program now in full swing. The Brooklyn Navy yard is the busiest in its 140 year history. There are 20,000 men on its payroll, which totals $36,000,000 a year. Photo Bettmann Colletion via Getty Images courtesy of gettyimages.com.

108k Driving the first rivet, during keel laying ceremonies at the New York Navy Yard, 6 January 1941. Rear Admiral Clark Woodward, Commandant of the Navy Yard, (second from right) did the honors on this occasion. USNHC # NH 96796.

141k The Missouri (BB-63) as seen on 3 October 1941. She had been laid down on 6 January and her bottom plating is nearly finished. Most of the workers in the center of the ship are standing on the middle layer of the triple bottom. The keelson projects aft toward the water and on each side of the keelson can be seen the supports for the two inboard propeller shafts. U. S. Navy photo from the book "IOWA CLASS BATTLESHIPS-Their Design, Weapons and Equipment" by Robert F. Sumrall & Tom Walkowiak, submitted by Mike Green.

211k The Missouri (BB-63) is shown in mid-1942 with the engines and boilers in place and the torpedo defense system taking shape amidships. Segments of the lower main armor belt are visible. The keyway for fitting the upper belt and the adjacent plates of the lower belt can be seen. Also visible is the welded scalloped butt straps vertically joining the lower belt plates. U. S. Navy photo from the book "IOWA CLASS BATTLESHIPS-Their Design, Weapons and Equipment" by Robert F. Sumrall & Tom Walkowiak, submitted by Mike Green.

161k The Missouri (BB-63) is seen in mid-1943 at the New York Navy Yard. The side tanks of the torpedo defense system are visible along with the lower armor belt, with its 19 degree inclination. This belt also serves as Torpedo Bulkhead No. 4. The structure in the left foreground is the bow assembly, being constructed and readied for installation when the hull assembly reaches that point. U. S. Navy photo from the book "IOWA CLASS BATTLESHIPS-Their Design, Weapons and Equipment" by Robert F. Sumrall & Tom Walkowiak, submitted by Mike Green.

141k The Missouri (BB-63) is shown in November 1943, only two months before launching. The hull is complete up to the main deck and much of the superstructure is in frame. Amid the maze of scaffolding, air hoses and welding leads, splinter protection for the light weight anti-aircraft battery (quad 40mm) is being installed and the teak deck is being laid. U. S. Navy photo from the book "IOWA CLASS BATTLESHIPS-Their Design, Weapons and Equipment" by Robert F. Sumrall & Tom Walkowiak, submitted by Mike Green.

522k After end, outside cradle, 27 January 1944. USN photo # F1112C91 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

553k Looking forward from the Missouri's (BB-63) properless stern, 27 January 1944. USN photo # F1112C92, from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

416k MK 37 gun director being loaded aboard the Missouri (BB-63). Photo i.d. courtesy of Aryeh Wetherhorn.

USN photo from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

686k Bow clamp gear arrangement on main deck starboard, 28 January 1944. USN photo # F1112C111 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

450k View aft, 28 January 1944. USN photo # F1112C118 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

691k Bow clamp gear arrangement on main deck port, 28 January 1944. USN photo # F1112C112 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

371k The New York Navy Yard's newspaper "Shipworker" with the lead story of the day, the launching of the Missouri (BB-63), at the New York Navy Yard on 29 January 1944. Courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

32k Ticket for the launching of the Missouri (BB-63), at the New York Navy Yard on 29 January 1944. Courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

436k Picture of a shop window using the launching of the Missouri (BB-63) to help sell War Bonds, 29 January 1944. Accession number: 58-769-07 courtesy of trumanlibrary.org.

150k Cover of the Launch Bulletin for the Missouri (BB-63), at the New York Navy Yard on 29 January 1944. Courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

64k Christening champagne bottle, silver bottle cover and wooden case, prepared for the ship's launching, which took place at the New York Navy Yard on 29 January 1944. Photograph USNHC # 19-N-73093, from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

2434k The following 40 second silent clip is from a home video recorded by Bob McFarland, who worked at the Brooklyn Shipyard at the time of the Missouri (BB-63) launch. Mr. McFarland filmed the Missouri's launch from one of the nearby scaffolds. Video & text courtesy of eugeneleeslover.com courtesy of Jeff Jacobs. USNHC photo # NH 45923.

436k Truman Family at the Launching of the Missouri (BB-63). Accession number: 58-769-01 courtesy of trumanlibrary.org.

301k Launching of the Missouri (BB-63), the big picture. Photo courtesy of Dage Hargrave.

88k Miss Margaret Truman, Missouri's (BB-63) Sponsor, ready to christen the ship, during launching ceremonies at the New York Navy Yard, 29 January 1944. Looking on are (left to right): Rear Admiral Monroe R. Kelly, New York Navy Yard Commandant; Rear Admiral Sherman S. Kennedy, USN, and Senator Harry S. Truman of Missouri, the Sponsor's father. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-44891, now in the collections of the National Archives.

516k Early in the day of Missouri's (BB-63) launch at the New York Navy Yard on 29 January 1944. National archives photo #80-G-44893, courtesy of David Buell.

436k Things are looking up before Missouri's (BB-63) launching. Accession number: 58-769-16 courtesy of trumanlibrary.org.

85k View of the ship's bow, as she is prepared for launching at the New York Navy Yard, 29 January 1944. Note anchors and launching drag chains. USNHC # NH 45920.

423k Margaret Truman and Naval Officers Christening the Missouri (BB-63). Accession number: 58-769-03 courtesy of trumanlibrary.org.

115k Approaching the end of the building ways as she is launched, 29 January 1944, at the New York Navy Yard. USNHC # NH 45925.

85k Entering the water for the first time, during her launching at the New York Navy Yard, 29 January 1944. Note anchors and launching drag chains. USNHC # NH 45921.

87k New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York.Aerial photograph, taken 9 March 1944. Missouri (BB-63) is fitting out in the center. Carrier at the bottom is probably Bennington (CV-20). USNHC # NH 93234.

194k Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 22D intended for battleships of the Iowa class (BB-61 / 66). Missouri (BB-63) wore this pattern.

This plan, showing the ship's starboard side, superstructure ends, and exposed decks, is dated 18 May 1944 and was approved by Commander Arthur W. Colledge, USNR. Official USN photo # 80-G-109729, now in the collections of the National Archives.

138k Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 22D intended for battleships of the Iowa class (BB-61 / 66). Missouri (BB-63) wore this pattern.

This plan, showing the ship's port side is dated 18 May 1944 and was approved by Commander Arthur W. Colledge, USNR. Official USN photo # 80-G-109730, now in the collections of the National Archives.

392k Three dimensional cutaway of the Missouri (BB-63). Photo courtesy of unlimiteddetails.com .

97k Cover of the Commissioning Booklet for the Missouri (BB-63), 11 June 1944. Courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

511k Crewmen and other attendees salute the colors, as the ship is placed in commission. Ceremonies were held at the New York Navy Yard on 11 June 1944. Photographed from the battleship's after deck, with 16-inch gun turret Number Three in the foreground. USN photo # 80-G-345692 courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.

106k Commissioning ceremonies, at the New York Navy Yard, 11 June 1944. Photographed looking aft from atop her Number Three 16-inch gun turret. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-3858, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

Insert photos 19lcm-32 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

July - December 1944



143k Missouri (BB-63) and the Wisconsin (BB-64) were completed with enclosed square-faced bridges like this one. There were no baffles, but glass windshields could be raised to protect both primary and secondary conning positions. Note the siren bracketed to the side of the forward fire control tower, and the small Mark 27 radar that replaced the Mark 3 of earlier battleships atop the conning tower. Abaft it is a 36-inch searchlight. The newly completed Missouri is shown at the NYNY on 23 July 1944. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.

535k Bow view looking aft from inboard end of drydock. USN photo # F1112C194 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

438k Port side of upper bow looking inboard from side of drydock. USN photo # F1112C195 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

565k Port side looking inboard showing whaleboat davit stowage. USN photo # F1112C197 courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

500k Port side looking fwd. and inbd. showing #1 stack, foremast etc. USN photo # F1112C198 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

639k Port side looking fwd. and inbd. USN photo # F1112C199 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

568k Stern view looking forward from drydock caisson. USN photo # F1112C200 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

486k Stern view looking aft from bottom of drydock. USN photo # F1112C202 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

473k Starboard side looking forward from bottom of dry dock. USN photo # F1112C203 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

472k View of port outboard shaft, strut & propeller from bottom of dry dock. USN photo # F1112C206 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

700k Looking forward from top of conning and fire control tower into open bridge. USN photo # F1112C207 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

498k Main deck looking forward from anchor windlass control station. USN photo # F1112C208 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

618k Main deck looking aft from 20mm platform on stem head. USN photo # F1112C209 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

440k Looking aft at # 2 stack & main mast from pilot house top level. USN photo # F1112C210 courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

492k Port side looking forward from the top of the 5" mount #10. USN photo # F1112C211 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

506k Port side looking forward from the top of the 5" mount #10. USN photo # F1112C212 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

306k Looking aft from top of 5-Inch Mt. #10. USN photo # F1112C213 courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

639k Main deck looking aft from top of turret # 3. USN photo # F1112C214 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

391k Main deck looking forward from the stern, USN photo # F1112C215 courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

483k Pilot house looking forward & to starboard. USN photo # F1112C216 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

447k Pilot house looking aft at from abreast of conning tower, port side. USN photo # F1112C217 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

522k Pilot house cross passage aft of conning tower forward behind of chart room, looking to starboard and aft. USN photo # F1112C218 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

297k Main deck of the Missouri (BB-63) port side looking aft & outboard at whaleboat storage. USN photo # F1112C219 courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

389k Portside ladder. USN photo # F1112C221 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

553k View of the secondary armament. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

279k Port side looking aft from abreast of turret #2. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

948k Looking down the barrel of a 16 inch gun and secondary armament towards the stern. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

836k Propellers and rudder. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

618k Three views of Missouri (BB-63) at anchor in Chesapeake Bay after commissioning. A good detail shot of the forward deck/superstructure area. Noticeable atop #2 turret is a quad 40mm gun mount. Except for the Iowa (BB-61), all of the class were completed with a mount at this location. The Iowa was designed as a Fleet Flagship, like the South Dakota (BB-57). The Iowa was completed with a 20mm gun array on #2 turret so as not to block the view of the flag bridge, located below the conning bridge station. The Iowa was large enough and not restricted by treaty conditions, so she carried ten 5"/38 caliber twin mounts, like the others in the class. USN photo from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

267k A 350-ton Hammerhead Crane alongside the Missouri (BB-63) helps put the finishing touches on her. Drawing courtesy of artbywayne.com

265k July 1944 photo of the Missouri (BB-63) wearing her dazzle paint pattern. She is wearing 32/22D camo pattern. Note the OS2U Kingfisher scout plane in flight above her after 16" turret. Official USN photo from the Public Information Office, 3rd Naval District, 90 Church Street, N.Y. 7, N.Y., File # 2255-1 courtesy of David Buell.

Photo i.d. courtesy of Aryeh Wetherhorn.

99k Missouri (BB-63) on gunnery trials on Chesapeake Bay in August, 1944. The three in-flight shells fired from #3 turret are visible in the upper left of the photo. This photo was officially released in December, 1944, one month after the ship had left for the Pacific War zone. USN photo courtesy of Mike Green.

1.14k Target practice on board Missouri (BB-63). USN photo via USNIP courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

111k Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia. Warships at the Base piers, circa August 1944. Among them are: Missouri (BB-63), the largest ship; Alaska (CB-1), on the other side of the pier; Croatan (CVE-25), and destroyers of the Fletcher and "Four-Pipe, Flush-Deck" classes at the next pier. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-190547, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

523k 1 August 1944 view of the Missouri (BB-63) during battle practice in Chesapeake Bay. US National Archives photo # 80-G-453331 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

403k Black smokes pours from her one of her funnels in this broadside 3 August 1944 view of the Missouri (BB-63) during battle practice in Chesapeake Bay. US National Archives photo # 80-G-453332 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

71k Gunner's Mate Second Class Charles J. Hansen working on a 40mm quad machine gun mount, during the battleship's shakedown period, circa August 1944. Note his tattoos, commemorating service on Vincennes (CA-44) and shipmates lost with her in the Battle of Savo Island on 9 August 1942. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4510, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

143k Band concert on the main deck, during the ship's shakedown period, circa August 1944. Note sailor wearing a red "white" hat at left. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4513, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

71k Missouri (BB-63) fires a six-gun salvo from her forward turrets, during shakedown gunnery exercises, August 1944. Six 16-inch projectiles are visible in the air at the extreme right. Photographed by Arthur Stratham. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4515, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

79k Mass production of lemon pies in the battleship's bakery during her shakedown period, Summer 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4516, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

76k Two WAVES look out through the armored rear door of a 5"/38 twin gun mount, while visiting the ship in an east coast port during her shakedown period, circa August 1944. They are Yeoman Second Class Blanche Oswald and Yeoman Third Class Betty Martin. Note thickness of armor plating on the door and mount shield. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4520, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

115k Lieutenant Rival Joe Hawkins, Chaplain, leads a congregation of sailors in prayer, during services on the battleship's fantail. Photographed during her shakedown period, circa August 1944. Note portable organ at right, 16-inch triple gun turret in center background and censored ship which is Alaska (CB-1) in the right distance. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4531, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

382k Black & white view along the battleship's port side, during a high-speed run while on her shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4533, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

Insert photo from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

77k Men conning the ship from her open bridge during her shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Note armored conning tower and enclosed bridge structure, with cable runs below, sliding panels over bridge windows and window wipers. Also note floater nets in basket at the rear of 16-inch gun turret at left. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4534, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

62k Fire Controlman Third Class James Tucker adjusts the canvas "bloomer" on a 16"/50 gun, while standing on the gun turret's face plate ladder. Photographed during the battleship's shakedown period, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4535, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

68k Ship's Commanding Officer, Captain William M. Callaghan (center) with his "talker", Yeoman First Class Arthur Colton, and the Officer of the Deck, Lieutenant Morris R. Eddy, on the starboard side of her navigating bridge during the battleship's shakedown period, Summer 1944. Note sliding panels above the bridge windows and window wiper mechanisms below. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4536, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

78k Bridge watch, photographed during the battleship's shakedown period, Summer 1944. Those present are: Captain William M. Callaghan (left), Ship's Commanding Officer; Lieutenant Morris R. Eddy, Officer of the Deck, and Yeoman First Class Arthur Colton, Captain's Talker. Note Callaghan's khaki uniform and Eddy's wartime "Greys". Also note wiring overhead. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4537, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

86k Commander Jacob E. Cooper, the ship's Executive Officer, passes an order to his talker, Seaman Second Class Vincent Domino, in the primary conning station, part-way up the forward fire control tower. Photographed during gunnery exercises on Missouri's (BB-63) shakedown cruise, August 1944. Note the battleship's forward 16"/50 gun turrets trained out to port below; binnacle and other instruments in the conning station. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4538, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

116k Several harbor tugs push Missouri (BB-63) into the channel as she gets underway during her shakedown period in mid-1944. The battleship's crew is paraded on deck for morning roll call. Tugs present include four U.S. Navy YTs and two commercial tugs, with the Wood Towing Corporation's tug Camel closest to the camera. Note marking atop Missouri second 16-inch gun turret, indentifying the 40mm gun mount on its top as 40mm mount # 1. Those on the bow, ahead of the turrets, are marked as numbers 18 (port side) and 17 (starboard side). Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4540, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

71k A bit of light reading occupies the spare time of one of the ship's crew members, during Missouri (BB-63) shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. His booklet is the Public Affairs Committee publication What About Girls? Note helmets stowed on the 40mm gun tub shield behind the sailor. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4541, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

64k Leadsman taking soundings, as the battleship enters port during her shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Note line handler assisting the leadsman and talker standing by. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4542, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

62k Missouri (BB-63) fires a salvo from the forward 16"/50 gun turret, during her shakedown period, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4546, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

66k Missouri (BB-63) fires the center 16"/50 Mk.VII gun of each of her forward turrets, during a shakedown cruise night gunnery practice, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4549, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

53k Missouri (BB-63) fires her 5"/38 secondary battery during a shakedown cruise night gunnery practice, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4550, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

70k Machinist's Mate Second Class Reed Bankhead and Machinist's Mate First Class Ralph Weiss operating metal lathes in the battleship's machine shop, during her shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4553, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

84k Commander Louis E. Gilge, Medical Corps, makes his "rounds" in the battleship's sick bay as Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Frank Mancini stands by at left. Photographed during Missouri (BB-63) shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4554, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

70k Crew members get a drink of water from a crew's quarters scuttlebutt, as other men rest and read in hanging berths. Photographed during the ship's shakedown period, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4555, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

86k Dental Officers Commander Jessie B. Bancroft and Lieutenant George E. Wheeler at work in the battleship's dental spaces. Photographed during her shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4556, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

75k Fire Controlman First Class E.M. Smith, Gun Captain of one of the ship's nine 16"/50 Mk.VII main battery guns, opens his gun's breech plug, during Missouri (BB-63) shakedown cruise, August 1944. The gun's polished steel breech is marked with the stamp of its manufacturer, the Naval Gun Factory, Washington Navy Yard, DC. Note tattoo on FC1c Smith's left forearm. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4558, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

48k Electricians's Mate First Class Kenneth McNally and Seaman First Class George Skiratko operate a 36-inch searchlight, during the ship's shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4560, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

78k WAVES visiting the ship in an east coast port, during her shakedown period, circa August 1944. They are standing on the main deck at the bow, with the Navy Jack flying behind them. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4563, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

74k Yeoman Third Class Betty Martin exiting the rear door of a 5"/38 twin gun mount, while touring the ship in an east coast port during Missouri (BB-63) shakedown period, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4570, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

97k Signal flags flying from her port side halyards, as the battleship speeds along during her shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Note 5"/38 twin gun mounts below. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4571, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

59k Captain William M. Callaghan, ship's Commanding Officer, on the navigating bridge during her Summer 1944 shakedown period. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-4600, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

76k Crewmen at their battle stations in the 40mm quad anti-aircraft machine gun mounting atop Turret Two, during the battleship's shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Alaska (CB-1) is in the center background, with a destroyer beyond her. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-5579, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

111k Sailors loading the ship with supplies, probably during her shakedown period, circa July-September 1944. An endless "human chain" carries boxes of Lucky Strike cigarettes from the truck up the gangway and onto Missouri (BB-63) forward main deck. The original caption states: "An average of five cases of cigarettes is smoked during a tour at sea". Official USN photo USNHC # NH 96810, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

108k Crew members loading onions, during the ship's shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-46397, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

113k Crew members making purchases at the ship's store, probably during the ship's shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-47247, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

389k As the Missouri (BB-63) turns, her Kingfisher lands in her slick, taxies to her side. USN photo from the National Geographic March 1945 Photo Essay Battleship Missouri Comes of Age, courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).

216k Next time Missouri (BB-63) anchors, her hook may be frozen in hawsepipe. USN photo from the National Geographic March 1945 Photo Essay Battleship Missouri Comes of Age, courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).

191k Here the navigator tracks the ship's course & plots her position.

Commander Hylan B. Lyon, the battleship's Navigator, at work in the charthouse, during her shakedown period, Summer 1944.

A battleship's library may contain 2,000 books, in the Chaplin's care. Partial text courtesy of # 80-G-K-4522 from the USNHC. USN photo from the National Geographic March 1945 Photo Essay Battleship Missouri Comes of Age, courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).

127k If this metal piano gets loose in a storm, it would become a wild, butting ram. USN photo from the National Geographic March 1945 Photo Essay Battleship Missouri Comes of Age, courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).

452k Some of the fire control radars have been deleted by the censor, but not others, and also the SK-2 search radar has not been deleted either. BuShips photo # 71910 & text courtesy of David Buell.

63k Signal flags flying from her port halyards during her shakedown cruise, circa August 1944. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-14527, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

233k Captain William McCabe Callaghan, USN, Commanding Officer of the Missouri (BB-63), in his cabin on board the 45,000 ton battleship on 27 October 1944. Painted on the bulkhead is the Great Seal of the State of Missouri. Captain Callaghan graduated from the Naval Academy in 1919. He was ordered to his command following duty on the staff of Admiral Nimitz at Pearl Harbor. Captain Callaghan is a brother of the late Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan, who was killed in action aboard the cruiser San Francisco (CA-38) in November, 1942. USN photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.

301k Captain William McCabe Callaghan steps into the chart room to talk things over with the Navigator aboard the battleship Missouri (BB-63) in late 1944. Photo courtesy of the Kibbe Museum via Bill Gonyo.

381k Five photo PDF of Missouri (BB-63) in camo photographed during her shakedown period, November 1944. US National Archives photos # 80-G-419723 & 46842 / 46845 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

860k En route from Panama to San Francisco, 22 November 1944. An escort carrier CVE (either Shamrock Bay (CVE-84) or Wake Island (CVE-65)), is following the battleship. Note that she is still camouflaged in MS32/22D scheme. This would be changed to MS22 in San Francisco. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-190546, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives via Mike Green.

347k Missouri (BB-63) nears San Pedro, California on 27 November 1944 during her journey to the Pacific war. Her convoy consisted of battleships Arkansas (BB-33) and Texas (BB-35), escort carriers Shamrock Bay (CVE-84) and Wake Island (CVE-65), and Destroyers Hank (DD-702), Weeks (DD-701), Destroyer Minelayer Henry A Wiley (DM-29), and Destroyer Escort Lewis (DE-535). After a short stop outside the San Pedro breakwater to exchange passengers, Missouri and Hank continued North for San Francisco and work at Hunters Point, arriving the next day. USN photo # 80-G-288337 now in the custody of the US National Archives, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.

312k Captain Mildred McAfee on board Missouri (BB-63), 27 November 1944. Shown with Admiral Cochrane and Republican Margaret Chase Smith. USN photo # 80-G-286997, courtesy of NARA via Rob Hanshew and Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.

1945



478k Undated, WW2 photo of the Missouri (BB-63) conducting air defense drills. Note the 40-mm quad mount atop #2 turret and the deck mounted single 20-mm mounts. An air defense officer and lookout in the foreground are viewing the results. Photo courtesy of US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 2001.256.054 via Mike Green.

788k Following the first carrier air strikes against Japan, the Missouri (BB-63) plows through heavy Pacific swells in company of other Fifth Fleet ships. Note the #1 turret turned fully to starboard. Photo courtesy of US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No.2001.256.115 via Mike Green.

3.07k The Missouri (BB-63) being resupplied by the Mount Baker (AE-4) in this 5 photo PDF. Photo i.d. courtesy of Gary Priolo & Aryeh Wetherhorn.

USN photo s from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

1.24k Missouri (BB-63) in a bad neighborhood in the Pacific. USN photo N-3010 courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.

858k About to be hit by a Japanese A6M "Zero" Kamikaze, while operating off Okinawa on 11 April 1945. The plane hit the ship's side below the main deck, causing minor damage and no casualties on board the battleship. A 40mm quad gun mounts crew is in action in the lower foreground. The photographer has been identified as Seaman Len Schmidt. Text courtesy of USNHC photo # NH 62696.

USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

123k Japanese A6M "Zero" Kamikaze hits Missouri's (BB-63) starboard side on 11 April 1945. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

419k Missouri (BB-63) and her escorting company as seen from the bridge of an escorting air craft carrier while under attack from Japanese aircraft. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

Photo i.d. and text courtesy of Herbert Fahr, Jr., USS Missouri (BB-63) Association, Inc.

800k Japanese A6M "Zero" Kamikaze, hits Missouri's (BB-63) starboard side on 11 April 1945.

The following PDF contains a series of related material. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

50k A 40mm barrel is seen impaled by a machine gun from the kamikaze hit at Okinawa on 11 April 1945. USN photo .

19k Damage from a kamikaze attack on the Missouri (BB-63), 11 April 1945, off the coast of Okinawa. Photo from WW II Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil.

308k Having landed in the slick created by Missouri (BB-63) making a sharp turn to port, one of the ships embarked OS2U Kingfishers taxis toward her for recovery. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

281k Sailors on board Missouri (BB-63) wield a long fender pole to prevent the wings of one of the ship's embarked OS2U Kingfishers from bumping against the hull as it is recovered by crane. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

17k Damage from a kamikaze attack on the Missouri (BB-63), 16 April 1945, off the coast of Okinawa. Photo from WW II Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil.

369k Missouri (BB-63) arrived Ulithi 9 May and thence proceeded to Apra Harbor, Guam, 18 May. That afternoon Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr., Commander 3d Fleet, broke his flag in Missouri. She passed out of the harbor 21 May, and by 27 May was again conducting shore bombardment against Japanese positions on Okinawa.

Missouri appears here at Guam with 2 CVE's for company in the background. Text courtesy of DANFS.

USN photo # 80-G-469991 by LCDR H. Bristol, now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

450k Two similiar views of the forecastle and business end of the Missouri (BB-63), May 1945? USN photo # 80-G-470299 & insert 80-G-470349, now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

128k Seen from Yorktown (CV-10). Note the bloomers on the 5in/38cal barrels, July 1945. USN photo .

42k Missouri (BB-63) transferring men to Iowa (BB-61) while en-route to Japan, August 1945. USN photo graph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

404k Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) & Missouri (BB-63), August 1945. USN photo # 80-G-470354, now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

Photo i.d. courtesy of Tracy White, Dick Jensen & Fabio Pena.

476k The Missouri (BB-63) transfers crew to her sister Iowa (BB-61) in the foreground for a landing party in Japan on 20 August 1945.

The Iowa now has the new Navigating Bridge and on her Fire Control Tower (Spot 3) Mk.27 radar. She now has radar equipment Mk.4/22 atop the Secondary Battery Directors Mk.37.

Just below her Forward Air Defense level a TDY jammer covering both low and high bands, back to back, has been fitted. The other two, flanking her foretop, remain. The SPT-4/ AS-37 have been removed from the Foretop.

Mk.8 Mod.1 main battery fire control radar has been fitted now atop her Mk.38 Director (Spot 1) and P/S of it two "Nancy" infrared beacons to her "SK" radar platform. The "SK" air search antenna itself is surmounted by a panel with BL-5 IFF. Fighting light flank her SU radome on her topmast.

Missouri had "SK-2" from the start and her SPT-4 (the 4 circular plates with long, thin spokes radiating from them) on all four sides of her Fwd. Air Defence Level) /AS-37 "Wagon Wheel" antennas are still there.

Note the very prominent Quad.Forty atop her No.two 16-Inch Main Battery turret.

Two Mk.57 A.A. Directors with their MK.37 antennas are visible on both sides of her #1 Mk.37 Secondary Battery Director. On Spot 1 and - 2 she has radar equipment MK.8 Mod 1.

She now has the new SC-1 "Seahawk" on both her catapults. USN photo & text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.



72k Surrender of Japan, 1945. Admiral William F. Halsey, Commander, Third Fleet, and other senior U.S. and British Navy officers toast the end of World War II, aboard Missouri (BB-63), 22 August 1945. Those present are (left to right): Rear Admiral Robert B. Carney, USN; Captain J.P.L. Reid, RN; Vice Admiral Sir Bernard Rawlings, RN; Admiral Halsey; Vice Admiral John S. McCain, USN, and Rear Admiral Wilder D. Baker, USN. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-331688, now in the collections of the National Archives.

72k Admiral Halsey's Saddle. Fancy tooled leather saddle presented to Admiral William F. Halsey, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet, by the Reno, Nevada, Chamber of Commerce in 1945. The saddle, which was high-lined to Missouri (BB-63), Halsey's flagship, on 25 August 1945, had been made in response to an earlier comment by the Admiral's Flag Secretary, Commander Harold Stassen, that "It won't be long before Admiral Halsey is riding the Emperor's white horse."Though Halsey never had an opportunity to put the saddle to its intended use, it became part of the collections of the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, in Annapolis, Maryland. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-17611, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

71k 27 August 1945. Japanese harbor pilot boards the Missouri (BB-63) with charts for sailing into Sagami Bay. USNHC # 80-G-490393, now in the collections of the National Archives.

90k Japanese naval officers go over charts of Sagami and Tokyo Bays during a piloting conference with Admiral William F. Halsey's Third Fleet staff, 27 August 1945, as preparations were being made for the entrance of U.S. Third Fleet and British Pacific Fleet ships into Japanese waters. At left, in baseball cap, is Rear Admiral Robert B. Carney, Third Fleet Chief of Staff. At right is Japanese language officer Commander Gilven M. Slonim. The State of Missouri Seal is on the bulkhead in the upper left corner. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-490401now in the collections of the National Archives.

45k Sagami Wan, Japan. Warships of the U.S. Third Fleet and the British Pacific Fleet in Sagami Wan, 28 August 1945, preparing for the the formal Japanese surrender a few days later. Mount Fujiyama is in the background. Nearest ship is Missouri (BB-63), flying Admiral William F. Halsey's four-star flag. British battleship Duke of York is just beyond her, with HMS King George V further in. Colorado (BB-45) is in the far center distance. Also present are U.S. and British cruisers and U.S. destroyers. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-339360, now in the collections of the National Archives.

86k Admiral Halsey welcomes Fleet Admiral Nimitz aboard the Missouri (BB-63), 29 August 1945. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-490425, now in the collections of the National Archives.

158k Escorted by the Nicholas (DD-449) and followed by the Iowa (BB-61), the Missouri (BB-63) steams up Tokyo Bay on 30 August 1945. Steaming to her anchorage in Tokyo Bay for the formal signing of the Japanese surrender, 29 August 1945. This photograph was flown to Washington, DC, directly from Japan, arriving on 2 September 1945, the day the Japanese surrender was signed. USNHC # NH 96780, now in the collections of the National Archives.

99k Oil on canvas print by the artist Tom Freeman entitled "Triumph and Peace" depicts the Missouri (BB-63) and the Nicholas (DD-449) as they enter Tokyo Bay 30 August 1945 to take the surrender of the Japanese. Photo and partial text courtesy of oldgloryprints.com



69k Anchored in Sagami Wan or Tokyo Bay, Japan, with other units of the U.S. Third Fleet, 30 August 1945. Mount Fujiyama is faintly visible in the distance. Missouri (BB-63) is flying Admiral William F. Halsey's four-star flag. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-490436, now in the collections of the National Archives.

91k Oil on canvas painting by the artist Stan Stokes entitled "Best of Their Breed". The Missouri's (BB-63) bow frames Mt. Fuji, Japan. August 1945. Photo and partial text courtesy of oldgloryprints.com



62k Missouri's (BB-63) bow frames Mt. Fuji, Japan. 1945. USNHC # 80-G-700863, now in the collections of the National Archives.

1.30k Watercolor of Missouri (BB-63) & Massachusetts (BB-59) & other units of the Pacific Fleet at war's end by Tom Freeman. Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.

219k VIP's arriving for the on the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay, 2 September, 1945. USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.

67k At anchor in Tokyo Bay, Japan, 2 September 1945, the day that Japanese surrender ceremonies were held on her deck. Note SC-1 floatplanes on her catapults and boats moored at her stern. Photograph SC # 210636, from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

Photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).

304k Surrender ceremonies in progress, as seen from Missouri's (BB-63) foredeck, with the Marine guard and Navy band in the center foreground and the ship's embarkation ladder at lower left. The backs of the Japanese delegation are visible on the 01 level deck, to the left of 16-inch gun turret # 2. Photograph SC # 210628, from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives via Bill Gonyo.

68k Oil painting by the artist SYDNEYSimon, entitled "U.S.S. Missouri".

Surrender ceremonies in progress, as seen from Missouri's (BB-63) bridge, with the Marine guard and Navy band in the center foreground and the ship's embarkation ladder at lower left. The Japanese delegation are visible on the 01 level deck, to the left of 16-inch gun turret # 2. Oil painting by the artist SYDNEYSimon, entitled "U.S.S. Missouri", courtesy of pbs.org., from the series "They Drew Fire, Combat Artists of WWII".

59k The Japanese delegation signs the instrument of surrender on the morning of 2 September, 1945, aboard Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay. General of the Army Douglas A. MacArthur, Supreme Allied Commander, signed for the Allies. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz signed for the United States. USN / Jose Vigil



016356c 3.97k Surrender of Japan, Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945; Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, signs the Instrument of Surrender as United States Representative, aboard Missouri (BB-63), 2 September 1945. Standing directly behind him are (left-to-right): General of the Army Douglas MacArthur; Admiral William F. Halsey, USN, and Rear Admiral Forrest Sherman, USN. USN photo courtesy of Wolfgang Hechler.

Insert From: U.S. Naval Institute, Naval History Magazine, Page 64, October 2020 via Tommy Trampp.

501k Surrender of Japan, Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945: Lt. General Kuzma Derevyanko representing the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is shown signing the Allied copy of the Instrument of Surrender. Photo i.d. courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).

USN photo from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

370k Gen. Douglas MacArthur signs the Japanese surrender documents aboard the Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay. Lt. Gen. Jonathan Wainwright, left foreground, who surrendered Bataan to the Japanese, and British Lt. Gen. A. E. Percival, next to Wainwright, who surrendered Singapore, observe the ceremony marking the end of World War II. AP Photo by Frank Filan courtesy of the denverpost.com via Ronald Norford, whose brother, Robert Nelson Norford, F1/C, USNR was lost on the Escolar (SS-294).

171k The second commemorative plaque of the Japanese Surrender on the bulkhead above the quarterdeck, where the first plaque marks the actual surrender site, on the deck. This plaque lists the names of Allied and Japanese principal actors in the drama of 2 September 1945. Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

96k Japanese representatives on board Missouri (BB-63) during the surrender ceremonies, 2 September 1945. Standing in front are: Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu (wearing top hat) and General Yoshijiro Umezu, Chief of the Army General Staff. Behind them are three representatives each of the Foreign Ministry, the Army and the Navy. They include, in middle row, left to right: Major General Yatsuji Nagai, Army; Katsuo Okazaki, Foreign Ministry; Rear Admiral Tadatoshi Tomioka, Navy; Toshikazu Kase, Foreign Ministry, and Lieutenant General Suichi Miyakazi, Army. In the the back row, left to right (not all are visible): Rear Admiral Ichiro Yokoyama, Navy; Saburo Ota, Foreign Ministry; Captain Katsuo Shiba, Navy, and Colonel Kaziyi Sugita, Army. (Identities those in second and third rows are from an annotated photograph in Naval Historical Center files.) Official USN photo USNHC # USA C-2719, now in the collections of the National Archives.

81k General Yoshijiro Umezu, Chief of the Army Japanese General Staff, sign the official surrender aboard Missouri (BB-63) on 2 September 1945. Lt.Gen. Richard K. Sutherland stands near the table while General of the Army Douglas MacArthur is at the microphone. USN photo # 1478-46, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.

Photo i.d. courtesy of Bob Turner & Herbert Fahr, Jr. USS Missouri (BB-63) Association, Inc.

93k Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz signs the official surrender document aboard Missouri (BB-63) while RADM Sherman stand to one side of Nimitz. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur speaks with Admiral William Halsey at the microphone. USN photo # 1480-46, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.

110k Another view of the Japanese delegation at the surrender aboard Missouri (BB-63) on 2 September 1945. USN photo # 1481-46, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.

105k The Japanese delegation receives honors as they depart Missouri (BB-63) at the conclusion of the surrender ceremonies, 2 September 1945. General Yoshijiro Umezu is in the center, saluting. Photographed by Lieutenant Barrett Gallagher, USNR, from atop Missouri's forward 16-inch gun turret. Note photographers on platforms in the background, band in the lower left and "seahorse" insignia on the shoulder by the Marine in lower right. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-472629, now in the collections of the National Archives.

537k Surrender of Japan, 2 September 1945. Navy carrier planes fly in formation over the U.S. and British fleets in Tokyo Bay during surrender ceremonies. Missouri (BB-63), where the ceremonies took place, is at left. Detroit (CL-8) is in the right distance. Aircraft include TBM, F6F, SB2C and F4U types. Text from USNHC # 80-G-421130.

Photo # HD-SN-99-03029, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.

38k Oil on canvas painting by the artist Robert Taylor, entitled "Victory Flyover".

The mass flyover Tokyo Bay, 1945 heralding the Surrender on board Missouri (BB-63). Text and drawing courtesy of naval-art.com

86k USAAF B-29 bombers fly in formation over Missouri (BB-63), during the surrender ceremonies, 2 September 1945. Photographed from on board the ship, looking up past her forward superstructure, which is crowded with spectators and photographers. Photograph SC # 211875, from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

619k 4 photo PDF showing the Japanese version of the surrender agreement and some inside Missouri (BB-63) during the surrender with unknown Japanese military. Photos courtesy of Larry B. Lynn, IC2, Inchon (LPH-12), 1974-1977.

91k In Tokyo Harbor with IJN Nagato. Photo courtesy of Yu Chu.

654k View of the Missouri (BB-63) taken during the Surrender Ceremony in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945. Image taken by Ted H. Lambert, from his B-29 Superfortress. Photo courtesy of his son via Robert Hurst.

264k Spectators and correspondents from all over the world pick vantage positions on the deck of the Missouri (BB-63), in Tokyo Bay to watch the formal Japanese surrender ceremony marking the end of World War II. AP Photo by Frank Filan courtesy of the denverpost.com via Ronald Norford, whose brother, Robert Nelson Norford, F1/C, USNR was lost on the Escolar (SS-294).

111k Spectators and photographers crowd Missouri's (BB-63) superstructure to witness the formal ceremonies marking Japan's surrender, 2 September 1945. The framed flag in lower right is that hoisted by Commodore Matthew C. Perry on 14 July 1853, in Yedo (Tokyo) Bay, on his first expedition to negotiate the opening of Japan. It had been brought from its permanent home in Memorial Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy for use during the surrender ceremonies. Photograph SC # 210644, from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

86k Fleet Admiral Nimitz presents an award to Admiral William F. Halsey aboard the Missouri (BB-63), 2 September 1945. Official USN photo # USNHC # K-6424, now in the collections of the National Archives.

86k Painting of Fleet Admiral Nimitz by Albert Murray. In the background are Gen. MacArthur and Admiral William F. Halsey aboard the Missouri (BB-63), 2 September 1945. Note: The artist has reversed the actual orientation of the scene. Official USN photo USNHC # K-6424, now in the collections of the National Archives.

123k Exhibit featuring copies of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender and an article, entitled The Sailor and the General, concerning preparations for the surrender ceremonies held on board Missouri (BB-63) on 2 September 1945. Photographed on board the ship, at the Bremerton, Washington, Reserve Fleet facility, 19 March 1970. Photograph USN # 1143632, from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

104k Surrender of Japan, Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945, Wallet card souvenir of the occasion, issued to Lieutenant Robert L. Balfour, USNR, a member of Admiral Halsey's staff. These cards were designed by Chief Shipfitter Donald G. Droddy and produced by Missouri's (BB-63) print shop. One was issued to each man who was on board the ship on 2 September 1945, when the surrender of Japan was formalized on her decks. The cards contain the facsimile signatures of Captain Stuart S. Murray, ship's Commanding Officer, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and Admiral William F. Halsey. USNHC # NH 100856-KN, now in the collections of the National Archives.

419k Plaque on Missouri (BB-63) commemorating the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay, 2 September, 1945. USN photo # 19lcm-32 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

74k Rounding the east end of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, in late September 1945. Photographed from the top of the Makalapa Administration Building. USNHC # NH 82812, now in the collections of the National Archives.

1.38k Naval Gun Factory, Washington Navy Yard, D.C.

President Harry S. Truman views two bronze plaques commemorating the surrender of Japan, during his visit to the Naval Gun Factory on 25 September 1945. Accompanying the President are Rear Admiral Theodore D. Ruddock, Navy Yard Superintendent, and Mr. J.H. Brown. The plaques were designed and cast at the Gun Factory. Copies of them were mounted on board Missouri (BB-63). U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph # NH 43168, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.

577k The Missouri (BB-63) as she left Pearl Harbor and sailed past Diamond Head on her way back the United States mainland after the end of World War II and the signing of the Japanese surrender on her decks on 2 September 1945. The date of this photo is 29 September 1945, as she sailed from Pearl, escorted by the destroyer Kimberly (DD-521), (not shown in this photo). Note that at this time, she has already had her hull painted solid Navy Blue, eliminating the area of Haze Grey on her bow. USN photo & text courtesy of David Buell.

1.04k Missouri (BB-63) drew a large crowd of spectators as she passed through the Panama canal on 13 October...... USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.

275k 13 October 1945 photo showing the Missouri (BB-63) passing through the Gatun Locks en route from the Pacific Ocean to the East coast. Note the crowd gathered to view the famous ship where the surrender was signed. US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No.2001.2756.072 via Mike Green.

704k In the Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal, 13 October 1945, & out of the Miraflores Locks while en route from the Pacific to New York City to take part in Navy Day celebrations. Note the close fit of the ship in the locks. The beam of battleships of this era was determined by Panama Canal lock dimensions. Text courtesy of USNHC.

USN photo # 80-G-701368 (insert) & 80-G-701369, from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.

109k Crewmen paraded at quarters as the battleship steams toward New York City to participate in the Navy Day Fleet Review. Photographed in early October 1945. Note small radar antenna atop Missouri's (BB-63) armored conning tower, near the bottom of the view. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-6565, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

247k Aerial view of the Renshaw (DD-499) alongside the Missouri (BB-63) on 25 October 1945. The Renshaw is transferring President Harry Truman to the Missouri during the Navy Day celebrations held in New York City. The photo is a good aerial view of the armament layout of both ships. US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 2001.256.079 via Mike Green.

467k Searchlights aboard the aircraft carrier Enterprise (CV-6); and battleships Missouri (BB-63) and New York (BB-34) provide fans of light from their berths in the Hudson River as the biggest Navy Day celebration in NY history commences, New York, New York, 26 October 1945. Photo by Underwood Archives/Getty Images, courtesy of gettyimages.com.

646k Navy Day, 27 October 1945. Renshaw (DD-499) dwarfed in comparison, stands alongside Missouri (BB-63) to pipe President Harry S. Truman onboard for Navy Day luncheon.

Donated by Mr. Thomas J. Watson from a recording America's tribute to its victorious fleet in first peacetime Navy Day since the start of World War Two. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph # Lot 10625-14, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.

2.90k 14 page PDF entitled "The Missourian" dated "Navy Day, 27 October 1945." The booklet has many photos, including a center spread of the Surrender Ceremonies that ended the war with Japan. PDF courtesy of Bob Carey AF2, USN.

252k President Harry S Truman waves from the destroyer Renshaw (DD-499). The Missouri (BB-63) & New York (BB-34) are in the background and off the bow. Photo i.d. courtesy of Evan Dwyer.

USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.

385k Sailors line the deck of Missouri (BB-63) as Renshaw (DD-499) comes alongside for transfer of President Harry S. Truman during Navy Day celebrations in New York. USN photo & text courtesy of National Naval Aviation Museum via Bill Gonyo.

3.23k "On Navy Day in 1945, a seven-mile line of U.S. Navy warships anchored in the Hudson River and some 1,200 Navy planes flew overhead in commemoration of the event."

Tugboats and U.S. Navy warships pictured in the Hudson River with the New York City skyline in the background on the occasion of Navy Day on 27 October 1945. Visible in the foreground are the anchored heavy cruisers Augusta (CA-31), Helena (CA-75), and Macon (CA-132); carriers Midway (CVB-41) and Enterprise (CV-6); and battleships Missouri (BB-63) and New York (BB-34). USN photo & text courtesy of National Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 2001.256.009.

2.54k Navy Day - 27 October 1945: President Harry S. Truman joins Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet ADM Jonas H. Ingram and FADM William D. Leahy, Chief of Staff to the President in examining the commemorative plaque marking the spot on the deck of Missouri (BB-63) upon which the Japanese surrender treaty was signed. In this address to a New York City audience, Truman pays tribute to the four million men and women in the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard and to the ships which carried them to victory in World War II. The President describes the need of four principal military tasks and the fundamentals of American foreign policy—all of which are directed not toward war or conquest, but rather toward a lasting peace.



FYI, there was more than one commemorative plaque marking the spot. For further reading, see the enclosed PDF.

In 1945 soon after the surrender of Japan on the deck of the Missouri, it was decided to have two plaques made to commemorate this and installed on the ship. One plaque was more rectangle and the other circular or oval in shape. At the time there were four different types made of the round one, one by the Naval Gun Factory here at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC and one by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, also in DC. Not sure who created the other two types of plaques, but the designs were submitted and the one by the Naval Gun Factory was chosen to be installed on the ship. Four of each of these plaques (round and rectangular ones) were made and one set installed on the ship by December 1945. Three of the other sets were installed on Victory Trains travelling through the United States on a bond drive and one set went to the museum at the Naval Academy (the only Navy museum at the time). USN photo & text courtesy of National Naval Aviation Museum via Bill Gonyo.

PDF text inspired by Clay Shill and written by Lea French Davis, Associate Registrar for Acquisitions, Curator Branch, Naval History and Heritage Command.

648k Seated at the same table upon which the instrument of surrender was signed in Tokyo Bay the previous month, President Harry S. Truman signs the guest log on board Missouri (BB-63) during a visit to the ship on the occasion of Navy Day, 1945. Standing behind him left to right are ADM Jonas H. Ingram, Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet, CAPT Stuart S. Murray, skipper of Missouri, Mr. Grover Whalen, chairman of the mayor's reception committee for the President, Fleet ADM William Leahy, Chief of Staff to the President, New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia (partially obscured), and Commodore James K. Vardaman, Jr., naval aide to the President. USN photo & text courtesy of National Naval Aviation Museum via Bill Gonyo.

140k The Missouri (BB-63) with her name painted amidships, which was done during this period right after the war ended but only for a short time around Navy Day. USN photo courtesy of David Buell.

81k Captain Stuart S. Murray commanded the battleship Missouri (BB-63) from 14 May 1945 to 6 November 1945. Official USN photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.

54k N.Y. Governor Thomas H. Dewey and wife on Missouri (BB-63), October 1945. Official USN photo USNHC # K-6552, courtesy of the U.S. Naval Historical Center.

58k Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal is saluted as he comes abroad Missouri (BB-63), October 1945. Official USN photo USNHC # K-6546, courtesy of the https://catalog.archives.gov/id/176251226.

107k Crew members painting a decorative chart of the ship's wartime travels, on the forward bulkhead of the Wardroom, in preparation for public visits during Navy Day at New York City, 27 October 1945. Photographed some days earlier, while Missouri (BB-63) was en route from the Pacific to New York. Those present are (left to right): Signalman Third Class Jose de la Torre, Jr.; Signalman Second Class Gerald Parker and James H. Reichart, Jr. (from Muncie, Indiana). Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-K-6582, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Michael Weidenbach, Curator, Battleship Missouri Memorial.

238k Mt Fuji escorts the navy. Accession number: 58-560 courtesy of trumanlibrary.org.



016331c NR Blind Read Surrender Plaque.

When two hundred blind children from the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind visited the mighty battleship Missouri (BB-63) they "read" the surrender inscription sunk in the deck. Image and text provided by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ.

Photo & text by The Coolidge Examiner. [volume] (Coolidge, Ariz.) 1930-current, 23 November 1945, Section A, Image 7, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

1946 - 1950



805k Tugs are pushing the Missouri (BB-63) away from a pier at the Naval Shipyard Annex at Bayonne, New Jersey in April, 1946. The ship was carrying the body of former Turkish ambassador Mehmet Munir Ertegun10who died in November, 1944. The cruise was also used to show the Soviet Union and other countries, the United States concern about the region's political instability. US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 2001.256.090 courtesy of Mike Green.

71k A game of cards in the Flag Cabin, while the ship was en route to Istanbul, Turkey, 3 April 1946. Those present are (left to right): Alexander W. Weddell, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey; Admiral H. Kent Hewitt, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; Captain Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, Missouri (BB-63) Commanding Officer, and M. Kadri Rizan, Turkish Minister of Protocol. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-365725, now in the collections of the National Archives.

102k Missouri (BB-63) (center). Off Istanbul, Turkey, 5-9 April 1946. She had brought the body of the Late Turkish Ambassador to the United States, Mehmet Munir Ertegun, home for burial, on a mission that was also made to influence Soviet Middle East policy. Power (DD-839) is at left, and the Turkish Battlecruiser Yavuz (formerly the German (Goeben) is at right. Dolmabahce Mosque is in the foreground. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-366179, now in the collections of the National Archives.

95k Admiral Henry Kent Hewitt, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (center) with Captain Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, Commanding Officer of Missouri (BB-63) and U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Alexander W. Weddell, on board Missouri off Istanbul, circa 5-9 April 1946. The plaque behind and above them commemorates the Surrender of Japan, which took place on board Missouri, 2 September 1945. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-702450, now in the collections of the National Archives.

86k Admiral Henry Kent Hewitt, USN, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe greets Archbishop Damaskinos, Regent of Greece, on board Missouri (BB-63) off Piraeus, Greece, circa 10-14 April 1946. Directly behind Admiral Hewitt are (left to right): Commodore Tully Shelly, USN, and Captain Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, Missouri Commanding Officer. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-702531, now in the collections of the National Archives.

75k Admiral Henry Kent Hewitt, USN, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (second from right). Examines the plaque in Missouri (BB-63) deck that marks the spot where the Surrender of Japan took place on 2 September 1945. Photographed while Missouri was visiting Piraeus, Greece, circa 10-14 April 1946. To the left of Admiral Hewitt are (left to right): Constantine Tsaldaris, Foreign Minister of Greece; Greek Prime Minister Panajiotia and Commodore Tully Shelly, USN. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-702560, now in the collections of the National Archives.

113k Missouri (BB-63) tied up to the pier, 9 - 12 May 1946 at Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia. An unidentified air craft carrier perhaps HMS Ruler (A-731) is off to her starboard side. What is left of her hull number identifies her as one of the British CVEs used as aircraft transports in the Pacific, late in WW2. What looks like an attack transport is off her stern. Photo by Joseph Albright, courtesy of Christopher Albright. Text courtesy of Fabio Pena.

17k Commanding Officers of the Missouri (BB-63):

Captain William M. Callaghan, USN - June 11, 1944 - May 14, 1945

Captain Stuart S. Murray, USN - May 14, 1945 - November 6, 1945

Captain Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, USN - November 6, 1945 - May 31, 1946

Captain Tom B. Hill, USN - May 31, 1946 - April 2, 1947

Captain Robert L. Dennison, USN - April 2, 1947 - January 23, 1948. He appears here on the left.

Commander John B. Colwell, USN - January 23, 1948 - February 24, 1948

Captain James H. Thach, Jr., USN - February 24, 1948 - February 5, 1949

Captain Harold P. Smith, USN - February 5, 1949 - December 10, 1949

Captain William D. Brown, USN - December 10, 1949 - February 3, 1950

Commander George E. Peckham, USN - February 3, 1950 - February 7, 1950

Captain Harold P. Smith, USN - February 7, 1950 - April 19, 1950

Captain Irving T. Duke, USN - April 19, 1950 - March 2, 1951

Captain George T. Wright, USN - March 2, 1951 - October 18, 1951

Captain John Sylvester, USN - October 18, 1951 - September 4, 1952

Captain Warner R. Edsall, USN - September 4, 1952 - March 26, 1953

Commander James R. North, USN - March 26, 1953 - April 4, 1953

Captain Robert Brodie, Jr., USN - April 4, 1953 - April 1, 1954

Captain Robert T. S. Keith, USN - April 1, 1954 - September 18, 1954

Commander James R. North, USN - September 18, 1954 - February 26, 1955

Captain Albert Lee Kaiss, USN - May 10, 1986 - June 20, 1986

Captain James A. Carney, USN - June 20, 1986 - July 6, 1988

Captain John J. Chernesky, USN - July 6, 1988 - June 13, 1990

Captain Albert Lee Kaiss, USN - June 13, 1990 - March 31, 1992

All Commanding Officers were Regular Navy.Three Commanding Officers were full Commanders, previously the Executive Officer.

One Commander served twice as Commanding Officer. Three Captains served twice as Commanding Officer.

Captain Kaiss is the only Commanding Officer in history to put a US Navy ship into commission, and take the same ship out of commission. He is also the last Commanding Officer of a Battleship and in essence, the last Battleship Sailor. He was the last sailor to leave the ship on 31 March 1992. Image from the Harry S. Truman Presidential Museum & Library, courtesy of Bill Gonyo.

37k Commemorative post mark on the occasion of Missouri's (BB-63) visit to Turkey on 5 April 1946. Photo courtesy of Cüneyt Demir.

225k President Truman greets President Dutra of Brazil, 2 September 1947. Accession number: 66-1201 courtesy of trumanlibrary.org.

286k President Truman meets "Davy Jones". Accession number: 66-1286 courtesy of trumanlibrary.org.

101k President Harry S. Truman appears before Master Sgt. A. Waclawski, Royal Prosecutor of the Royal High Court of the Raging Main, to participate in a ceremony for those who have not previously crossed the equator to become a "Shellback." Margaret Truman in sun glasses stands next to Bess Truman in the background on the left. The President is aboard the Missouri (BB-63), returning from Brazil on 11 September 1947. Accession numbers: 2009-1669 (insert) & 66-1299 courtesy of trumanlibrary.org.

102k A volunteer walks down "shillalah alley," a 60-foot double line of shellbacks armed with stuffed canvas billies, as they prepare to whack the pollywogs (those crossing the equator for the first time), a punishment meted out by the Royal Court during ceremonies held aboard the Missouri (BB-63) carrying President Harry S. Truman from Brazil to the U.S.A. Accession numbers: 2009-1690 courtesy of trumanlibrary.org.

108k The Truman Chow Line. Not only Harry S. Truman, but Bess and Margaret Truman went through the chow line and ate with the crew. This was on the return trip from Rio in 1947. Photo courtesy of Herbert Fahr, Jr., USS Missouri (BB-63) Association, Inc.

341k Inspection of African American sailors, 13 September, 1947. Accession number: 66-1343 courtesy of trumanlibrary.org.

66k Arriving at the Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Virginia, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with President Harry S. Truman and his party on board, 19 September 1947. She is manning the rails in his honor. Itara (YTB-391) is pushing on the battleship's port bow. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-387418, now in the collections of the National Archives.

689k (Original Caption) 9/20/1947: Aboard Missouri (BB-63): President Harry S. Truman leads the members of the Truman Athletic Club in calisthenics on the deck of the battleship Missouri as he returned to the U.S. from Brazil. Reporters on the trip formed the club and presented the President, who was named 'coach,' with a T-shirt with six stars on the sleeves. Photo by Bettmann/Getty Images, courtesy of gettyimages.com.

679k President Truman is seen here looking through a movie camera aboard the Missouri (BB-63). Photo by Bettmann/Getty Images, courtesy of gettyimages.com.

NR MISSION OF MERCY ON HIGH SEAS

Comdr. J. A. Murphy, Navy physician, leaves deck of battleship Missouri (BB-63), handhold fashion, to board the hovering helicopter for transfer to the carrier Leyte (CV-32) (left background). Comdr. Murphy went to the Leyte to attend a Marine who was struck by a whirling propeller during air operations in recent North Atlantic maneuvers. AP Photo.

Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Photo & text by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 25 November 1948, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

NR KANSAS CITY.—SILVER FOR THE MISSOURI (BB-63)

—Judge John Caskie Collet (right) and George Goldman preview part of the $10,000 silver service to be presented Saturday to the battleship Missouri at Norfolk, Va. Mr. Goldman is holding a water kettle, part of a seven-piece tea service. On the table are two 5-branch candelabra, six of 18 goblets in the service, a water pitcher, a sugar bowl and a cream pitcher. The two men were advisers to Gov. Phil M. Donnelly in allocating the funds appropriated by the Missouri Legislature for the purchase of the service. Gov. Donnelly will make the presentation. A .P. Wirephoto .

Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Photo & text by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 02 December 1948, Image 22, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

NR NORFOLK.—"MIGHTY MO" GETS SILVER SERVICE

President Truman looks over part of the silver service presented to the battleship Missouri (BB-63) yesterday by Gov. Donnelly (right), on behalf of the State of Missouri. Secretary of the Navy Sullivan (left) and Capt. James H. Thach, JR., the Missouri's skipper, look on. Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Photo & text by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 05 December 1948, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

73k Sikorski HO3S-1 helicopter (Bureau # 122527) landing on the forward 16-inch gun turret, during the 1948 Midshipmen's cruise. Guard mail, ships' newspapers and personnel were exchanged via helicopter while the Midshipmen's cruise squadron was at sea. Most exchanges were made by "hovering pick-up". The forward turret was used as a landing platform since the floatplane catapults on the ship's fantail prevented helicopters from operating there. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-706093, now in the collections of the National Archives.

100k Firing her main battery at Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, during Caribbean amphibious maneuvers, circa March 1949. Note floatplanes on the ship's catapults. Planes and catapults were removed in May 1949. Pocono (AGC-16) is in the right background. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-706922, now in the collections of the National Archives.

162k Photo taken on 17 January 1950. The photo was taken from an altitude of 800 feet. The time was approximately 1630 hours. It shows the Missouri (BB-63) hard aground on Thimble Shoal in Chesapeake Bay. Official USN photo graph # USN-412241, submitted by Robert M. Cieri.

103k Aground on Thimble Shoals, Virginia, with tugs alongside and astern attempting to pull her off, during one of four unsuccessful attempts to free her after she ran onto the shoal on 17 January 1950. She was freed by the fifth attempt on 1 February, following dredging to open up a path between her position and the main shipping channel. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-707571, now in the collections of the National Archives.

91k Aground on Thimble Shoals, Virginia, 21 January 1950, as several harbor tugs attempt to free her. She went aground on 17 January and was refloated on 1 February. Note minesweepers and other ships in the shipping channel beyond Missouri (BB-63) stern. Their apparent closeness indicates that the photograph was taken with a telephoto lens. USNHC # NH K-14925.



016303d NR NEW CHANNEL CUT IN ATTEMPT TO FREE BATTLESHIP

A DREDGE CARVES A CHANNEL in Chesapeake Bay mud in an attempt to free the Missouri (BB-63) from shoals off Old Point Comfort, Va. The "Big Mo" rammed the mud bank a week ago and has frustrated all efforts to get her afloat. Old Point Comfort is in the background. Image and text provided by University of Florida.

Photo by The Key West Citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 26 January 1950, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.



016336c NR BLASTS NUDGE MIGHTY MO

In a preliminary move to free the battleship Missouri (BB-63), the Navy set off explosive charges near her hull yesterday. A rising geyser of water may be seen near the stern here. A .P. Wirephoto.

Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Photo by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 30 January 1950, Image 5, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.



016301j NR THIS PHOTO DIAGRAM, based on the Navy's maneuver chart, details the projected plan for "Operation Pull-Off", an all-out attempt to free the Missouri (BB-63) from the Chesapeake Bay mudbank near Norfolk. Va. The operation is scheduled for 2 February. Part of the effort will be by the Missouri herself. Powerful winches on the battleship's deck will haul on nine cables (black lines tanning out from Missouri) to four-ton anchors embedded in the bottom of the bay. Two windlass-type beach salvage ships, the "Windlass" and the "Salvager", will be linked to the Missouri by tow cables and will haul against beach gear cables anchored far astern. Five sea-going tugs, held together by a lead tug and two harbor tugs pressing from opposite sides, will work in a surging or rocking pull. Heavy broken lines outline channel dredged from Missouri's stern to main ship channel, a half-mile away. Other tugs will work alongside the Missouri with two harbor tugs alternating in pushing against the bow of the ship in a "whipsaw" motion to help break the suction grip of the mud. Mooring lines (light broken lines) from bow to stern are intended to keep the big ship from turning out of the dredged channel. Image and text provided by University of Florida & Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Photo by The Key West Citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 30 January 1950, Image 1, & Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 29 January 1950, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

2.79k The photo was taken from the bridge of the Missouri (BB-63) and was processed by the Missouri's own Photo Lab. The photo was taken on 1 February 1950 showing three ATR's(Seagoing rescue and salvage tugs) forward of the Missouri, in the last all-out effort to pull her free of Thimble Shoal. USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

For more info, see The Crack in Barbette III & hamptonroadsnavalmuseum.

Insert photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.

63k View of the ship's stern, showing how far it was raised above her normal waterline while she was aground on Thimble Shoals, Virginia, 17 January - 1 February 1950. USNHC # NH 96789.



016305d NR BATTLESHIP MISSOURI (BB-63) FREED THIS MORNING

A NAVY TUG ATTACHES A SUBMARINE PONTOON to the side of the Battleship Missouri for the mighty effort that freed her this morning from a mud bank in Chesapeake Bay off Hampton, VA. Twenty one tugs made a concentrated attempt to pull the huge vessel free. A .P. Wirephoto.

Image and text provided by University of Florida.

Photo & text by The Key West Citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 01 February 1950, Image 5, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

3.74k 7 photo PDF showing the Grounding Incident at Thimble Shoals, 1950 - Hampton, Virginia. It took 23 vessels and dredging around the battleship to free it on 1 February 1950. Photo from the Collection from the Norfolk Public Library (Va.) Photograph Collection



016383c NR BIG MO BACK IN SERVICE

Norfolk, Va.: Pushing and pulling, a score of tugs and lighter craft got the battleship Missouri (BB-63) off the Chesapeake Bay mudbank, where she has been stranded since 17 January.

Capt. William D. Brown, USN, commanding officer of the Missouri, in the conning tower during the salvage operations. Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Photo & text by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 01 February 1950, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

291k (Original Caption) One of the happiest men on board the Missouri (BB-63), when she was finally liberated from her mud bank this morning was Bevin E. Travis, Quartermaster Second Class, who was at the wheel of the big battleship when she got into her humiliating predicament. He is shown at his station here. Lest there be any smart cracks about Travis, be it understood that he doesn't decide on the direction in which to steer, he gets those orders from navigation officers. Photo by Bettmann/Getty Images, courtesy of gettyimages.com.

76k Captain Irving T. Duke reads his orders during change of command ceremonies on the battleship's after deck, at Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia, 19 April 1950. He relieved Captain Harold P. Smith (2nd from left, in background) as Missouri (BB-63) Commanding Officer. Captain Roland Smoot is at left. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-414591 now in the collections of the National Archives.

146k Operating off the Virginia Capes as part of Task Group 22.1, 2 May 1950. An aircraft carrier and a heavy cruiser are steaming in the background. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-476437, now in the collections of the National Archives.

120k July 1950 photo of the Missouri (BB-63) transiting the Panama Canal Zone. In a little more than a month she would sail for the Korean War Zone. USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

Korean War



166k Fuel lines hang from the Missouri (BB-63) while refueling the destroyer Joesph P. Kennedy Jr. (DD-850), circa post August 1950. USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

506k Harbor at Inchon: The time is 15 September 1950. The place Inchon, in the Republic of Korea. The largest amphibious landing since the end of World War II is underway.

The Missouri (BB-63) is pictured left of center. Official USN photo # HD-SN-98-07598 & Air & Space Museum # 306-FS-237-2 from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.

51k U.S. Naval personnel during the Korean War during church services aboard the Missouri (BB-63), 17 September 1950. Official USN photo courtesy of the USNI.

90k Scene in the ship's main battery plotting room, during operations off Korea, 17 September 1950. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-420319, now in the collections of the National Archives.

83k General of the Army Douglas MacArthur boards Missouri (BB-63) off Inchon, Korea, 21 September 1950. Official USN photo USNHC #: 80-G-420485, now in the collections of the National Archives.

80k Vice Admiral Arthur D. Struble, USN, Commander, Seventh Fleet In his office aboard Missouri (BB-63), off the coast of Korea, circa October 1950-March 1951. Original photo is dated 20 July 1950, when Missouri was still in the Atlantic. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-430079, now in the collections of the National Archives.

1.50k 21 October 1950 photo shows the Missouri (BB-63) bombarding Communist positions off Chong Jin, Korea. She is only about forty miles from the Soviet border, so all hand are at General Quarters. Being the only Iowa class (BB-61 / 66) ship that wasn't put into reserve after WW2, the Missouri was immediately sent to the far east at the beginning of the war. Text courtesy of USNHC # 80-G-K-12603.

Photo courtesy of Dan Wilmes.

318k New Jersey (BB-62) gets double billing in this photo, dated 11 February 1954. In the center as first recommissioned in 1951, and also after her first post-war overhaul, with changed radars and fire control.

The Missouri (BB-63) (upper left), is pictured on 21 October 1950 bombarding Communist positions off Chong Jin, Korea.

Wisconsin (BB-64) (lower right) and Iowa (BB-61) (upper right).

The Iowa is pictured off Pearl Harbor in 1952 & shows the standard fleet painting adopted after WW2. Small war time hull numbers have been replaced with larger, easily seen block numerals. The catapults were removed after WW2, the area now a helicopter landing area. Some 40mm mounts are gone, but most remained on board until she was decommissioned on 24 February 1958. All 20mm gun mounts have been removed. Official Navy Photo, # 633578, released by Department of Defense. Courtesy of David Buell.

927k Splash Colors of the Iowa class (BB-61 / 66). PDF courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).

90k Chief Gunner's Mate W.L. Stull (left) and Ensign R.H. Sprince relay an order to load all guns of turret one, during bombardment operations off Korea, October 1950. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-421187, now in the collections of the National Archives.

96k Crewmen receiving food supplies on board, during replenishment at sea by Graffias (AF-29) in the Sea of Japan, 17 December 1950. Each cargo net high lined between the two ships contains twenty boxes, holding a total of 2000 pounds of potatoes. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-424636, now in the collections of the National Archives.

86k Teleman First Class Howard Bursley, USNR, carries bags of Christmas mail received on board during operations off the Korean coast, 18 December 1950. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-424639, now in the collections of the National Archives.

67k Missouri's (BB-63) forward turret fires a 16-inch shell at enemy forces attacking Hungnam, North Korea, during a night bombardment in December 1950. In the background, LSMRs are firing rockets, with both ends of the trajectory visible. This is a composite image, made with two negatives taken only a few minutes apart. Photograph is dated 28 December 1950, but was probably taken on 23-24 December. USNHC # NH 96811.

70k Forward turret trains to port, as the Missouri (BB-63) moves into firing position off Kansong, Korea. Photo is dated 5 February 1951. USNHC # NH 96782.

79k Crewmen load 16-inch projectiles aboard Missouri (BB-63) in preparation for further Korean War bombardment operations. Photographed at a base in Japan, circa February 1951. Photo is dated 14 February 1951, a day when Missouri was at Inchon, Korea. Note shell carts, used to move the projectiles on the battleship's upper deck. USNHC # NH 96784.

89k Crewmen of starboard midships 40mm quad gun mounts stand by as the after 16"/50 gun turret fires a salvo at enemy forces at Kansong, Korea, in February 1951. Photographed from the forward fire control tower. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-426473, now in the collections of the National Archives.

76k Fires a salvo from her forward turrets, during bombardment operations off Korea in February 1951. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-426474, now in the collections of the National Archives.

1.54k Bow to the Missouri (BB-63) underway in 1951. Photo courtesy of Dan Wilmes.

67k Fires a three-gun salvo from her number two turret at a Korean Target, circa February 1951. Note U.S. flag and the ship's hull number used as identification markings on the forward turret. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-426954, now in the collections of the National Archives.

608k The General Visits Battleship via Helicopter: Lt. Gen. Matthew Ridgeway 8th Army Commander in Korea, salutes Vice Admiral Arthur Struble, 7th Fleet commander (right) after being landed aboard the Missouri (BB-63) by helicopter in Korean waters on 12 February A.P. Wire photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp.

370k April 1951 photo of the Missouri (BB-63). She departed Yokosuka Japan 28 March, and upon arrival Norfolk 27 April became flagship of Rear Adm. J. L. Holloway, Jr., commander, Cruiser Force, Atlantic Fleet. Text courtesy of DANFS.

USN photo courtesy of Ed Zajkowski.

605k The photo was taken 27 April 1951 upon the Missouri's (BB-63) return from her first deployment to Korea during that conflict. She is in the process of docking at Norfolk Naval Station Pier 7. The "stepped" main mast to support the SP height finder was installed at New York Naval Shipyard (Brooklyn, NY) during overhaul from 18 October 1947 thru 28 February 1948.

Curtis SC-1 float plane operations continued off the ship as late as February 1949. The catapults were removed in a yard period in 9 - 26 May 1949 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Portsmouth, Va.) - and prior to the ships grounding on Thimble Shoals on 17 January 1950.

While in this photo, the ship does sport her peacetime black funnel caps, she still carries her small wartime hull pennant numbers – which were changed to the normal large numbers during her shipyard availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard 29 August 5 / September 1952 (just prior to leaving for her second Korea Deployment, 16 September 1952).

In this photo, the Cruiser on the adjacent side of Norfolk Pier 7, is the Albany (CA-123). Text courtesy of Capt. Dan DeCosta, USN. (Ret.)

USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.



016317c NR Battleship Missouri (BB-63) Changes Commanders

CAPT. GEORGE C. WRIGHT Commands the Mighty Mo. Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC

Photo & text by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 02 March 1951, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

92k Midshipmen holystone the deck during a summer training cruise. Holystoning the deck with sand, soap and sea water is traditional for Midshipmen on their first cruise. Photograph courtesy of Stan Svec / Springfield (MASS.)Republican, ROTOGRAVURE Section, June 1951.

78k "After the battle" sailors paint Missouri's (BB-63) 16"/50 guns. Photograph courtesy of Stan Svec / Springfield (MASS.)Republican, ROTOGRAVURE Section, June 1951.

88k New Jersey (BB 62) and the Missouri (BB-63) lie alongside at anchor in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, January 1952. U.S. New Jersey web site.

88k Captain John Sylvester, USN (left) and Captain Warner R. Edsall, USN shake hands, after Captain Edsall relieved Captain Sylvester as Commanding Officer of Missouri (BB-63). The change of command ceremonies were held on board the ship at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia, 4 September 1952. Note fancy life ring. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-641308, now in the collections of the National Archives.

67k Captain Warner R. Edsall, USN, Commanding Officer, Missouri (BB-63). On the bridge of his ship, observing results of recent attacks on transportation facilities along the east coast of North Korea, 5 November 1952. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-448876, now in the collections of the National Archives.

106k Vice Admiral Joseph J. Clark, Commander, Seventh Fleet, accompanies Republic of Korea President and Mrs. Syngman Rhee as they visit the ship, off Pusan, Korea, 20 November 1952. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-641315, now in the collections of the National Archives.

97k Missouri (BB-63) is shown in port, at Norfolk, VA, after returning from a tour in Korean waters. The heavy cruisers Albany (CA-123) and Macon (CA-132) are shown at the left, 8 December 1952. USNI photo.

268k Cover art of the 1952-1953 far-eastern cruise book of the Missouri (BB-63). This is one of the more than 8,000 cruise books to be found in the Navy Department Library. The library does not regularly receive newly issued cruise books because they are unofficial, privately published works. Veterans and commanders of current naval activities are strongly encouraged to donate new or old copies of cruise books to the library. Navy Historical Center File Photo # N-0000X-001, courtesy of chinfo.navy.mil.

84k Captain Warner R. Edsall, USN,Commanding Officer, Missouri (BB-63) stands by the 16-inch gun muzzles of his ship's forward turret, at Yokosuka, Japan, 14 January 1953. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-641289, now in the collections of the National Archives.

61k Moving slowly in close ashore at Wonsan, Korea, to deliver gunfire on enemy positions, 7 February 1953. USNHC # NH 96790.

75k Captain Robert Brodie, Jr., USN reads his orders to assume command of Missouri (BB-63), during ceremonies held on board the ship at Yokosuka, Japan, 4 April 1953. Vice Admiral Joseph J. Clark, Commander, Seventh Fleet, is at left. Captain Brodie relieved Commander James R. North, who had been acting Commanding Officer since the death of Captain Warner R. Edsall on 26 March 1953. USNHC # 80-G-641298.

81k Naval Academy Midshipmen practice sending and receiving messages with a 24-inch signal light, during Midshipman's cruise, June 1953. Those present are (left to right):Peter W. Sandusky, 3rd Class;Edward H. Browne, 3rd Class;Robert F. Rigling, 1st Class. USNHC # 80-G-633588.

1954 - 1987



339k Tugs of war with the Missouri (BB-63) in the early 1950's. Photo courtesy of Mueller-Debus via Gary Priolo.

210k The battleship Missouri (BB-63) at anchor circa 1954. She has, on Stack #2 a tripod mast to support the new SP air search set on the maintop. On the maintopmast is the SG surface search radar. USN photo courtesy of David Buell.

Photo i.d. courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

155k The Missouri (BB-63) taken just before her 1954 inactivation. She has had the rotating shields on Mounts 41, 42, 417 and 418 removed already. Photo courtesy of David Buell.

68k Battleship Division Two: In line abreast formation, 7 June 1954, in the Virginia Capes operating area, on the only occasion that all Iowa class (BB-61 / 66) battleships were photographed operating together. Ship closest to the camera is Iowa (BB-61). The others are (from near to far):Wisconsin (BB-64); Missouri (BB-63) and New Jersey (BB-62). Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-638938, now in the collections of the National Archives.

69k Battleship Division Two Steaming in column, 7 June 1954, in the Virginia Capes operating area, on the only occasion that all Iowa class (BB-61 / 66) battleships were photographed operating together. Ship leading the column is Wisconsin (BB-64). The others are (in no particular order): Iowa (BB-61); New Jersey (BB-62) and Missouri (BB-63). Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-638966, now in the collections of the National Archives.

29k Battleship Division Two: In line abreast formation, 7 June 1954, in the Virginia Capes operating area, on the only occasion that all four Iowa class (BB-61 / 66)s were photographed operating together. Ship closest to the camera is Iowa (BB-61). The others are (from near to far):Wisconsin (BB-64); Missouri (BB-63) and New Jersey (BB-62). Official USN photo courtesy of martinipundit.com.

297k Oil on canvas painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci showing Battleship Division 2 off the Virginia Capes on 7 June 1954. They are (F to B ) Iowa (BB-61), Wisconsin (BB-64), Missouri (BB-63), New Jersey (BB-62). Drawing courtesy of artbywayne.com



609k Change of Command goes North: Capt. North releives Capt. Keith., 18 September 1954. Photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.

327k North strikes twice:26 March 1953 – 4 April 1953 & 18 September 1954 – 26 February 1955. Photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.

80k Missouri (BB-63) pictured in Toulon, France, probably taken after she departed Norfolk 7 June 1954 as flagship of the midshipman training cruise to Lisbon and Cherbourg. USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

Text courtesy of DANFS.

47k Missouri (BB-63) approaching the first step for the transit of Panama Canal at Pedro Miguel Locks as seen from Control House. Photo i.d. courtesy of Darrin Spain.

Photo courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).

66k Missouri (BB-63) steams away from Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia, 23 August 1954, en route to Bremerton, Washington, to be decommissioned. Sailors and Navy families are watching her departure from the fantail of Iowa (BB-61). Official USN photo USNHC # NH 96791, now in the collections of the National Archives.

249k The Missouri (BB-63) and the New Jersey (BB-62), Summer 1954. NOB Norfolk, Va. Courtesy of Larry Bohn.

140k The Missouri (BB-63) at Pier 7, Summer 1954. NOB Norfolk, Va. Courtesy of Larry Bohn.

80k Captain Karl Poehlmann, Commander of the Bremerton Group of the Pacific Reserve Fleet, accepts Missouri (BB-63) into his custody, during decommissioning ceremonies at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, 26 February 1955. Missouri Commanding Officer, Captain James R. North, is in the center, holding her final commissioning pennant. At left the ship's Executive Officer, Commander William Davis. Rear Admiral Homer N. Wallin, Commander of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, is between Commander Davis and Captain North. Official USN photo USNHC # 80-G-659069, now in the collections of the National Archives.

109k Ship's ensign is hauled down by Seaman Carl Dewesse, during her decommissioning ceremonies, at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, 26 February 1955. Fire control man Apprentice Lynn Jex is assisting. Official USN photo USNHC # NH 96792.

619k The decommissioned Missouri (BB-63) and Maryland (BB-46) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard 1955. Photo by Bettmann via Getty Images via Joe MacDonald courtesy of gettyimages.com.

290k Model Missouri (BB-63) in 1955. Photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).

148k Independence Day 1963 see's yet another year for the Missouri (BB-63) in mothballs at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington. USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

107k Memorial service honoring the late General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, held on the decommissioned battleship's after deck, at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington. Photograph by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, released for publication by Thirteenth Naval District Public Affairs Office on 10 April 1964. Seattle Post-Intelligencer /Official USN photo USNHC # NH 96793.

58k Shrouded in fog, at the Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, 19 March 1970. At that time, approximately 180,000 visitors boarded the ship each year. Official USN photo USNHC # USN 1143674.

85k Laid up at the Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, Bremerton, Washington, 19 March 1970. Official USN photo USNHC # USN 1143677.

270k Missouri (BB-63) in mothballs at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, September 1975. Photo courtesy of Leland Barnecut, Seattle, Washington.

178k Stern view of the Missouri (BB-63) in mothballs with a partial view of the heavy cruisers Canberra (CA-70) and St. Paul (CA-73) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, September 1976. Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Anthony Trotta,

USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

744k Bremerton Washington - 1977 Program for Missouri (BB-63). Courtesy of Anthony Trotta.

384k Balloons are released into the air as the Missouri (BB-63) begins the trip to Long Beach Naval Shipyard, California, where it is scheduled to undergo reactivation/modernization construction. It is currently at Bremerton, WA., 14 May 1984. Official USN photo # DN-SN-84-10585, by JOCS Jones, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.

321k Tugs guide the Missouri (BB-63) toward the dock at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, where it will undergo reactivation/modernization construction. Note the "igloos" used to protect the 40 mm gun mounts while the ship was in reserve, 25 May 1984. Official USN photo # DN-SN-84-10409, by PH2 (NAC) Lawrence B. Foster, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.

44k The following 2 photos were taken during the rigging of the tow for Missouri (BB-63). They took place in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, in May, 1984. Missouri being rigged in tow behind Beaufort (ATS-2); for her tow to Long Beach California, for re-activation in 1984. The Missouri was brought out from Bremerton (Puget Sound Naval Shipyard) by tractor tug, and then Beaufort picked up the tow there in the strait. Brian O'Connor MM1(SW/DV)Ret.

44k Missouri (BB-63) being towed in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, in May, 1984. Brian O'Connor MM1(SW/DV)Ret.

900k A view of the support blocks laid out in dry dock No. 1 for the Missouri (BB-63) which is currently undergoing modernization at the shipyard at Naval Shipyard Long Beach, CA., 7 August 1984. Official USN photo # DN-SC-93-00824, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.

60k Robert M. Cieri holds the front page of the San Francisco Examiner on 28 June 1985. The photo was taken at NAS Alameda Officer's Club and announced that the City of San Francisco won the right to homeport the Missouri (BB-63) in San Francisco. Actually, she would have been berthed at Naval Station Treasure Island, where the Navy built a new pier just for her. Courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

241k Montage of photos of the Missouri (BB-63) undocking from start to finish in Dry Dock # 1, circa 1985-88. Courtesy of Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR RET.

153k Front cover of the Welcome Aboard Program of the Missouri (BB-63), circa 1985-88. Courtesy of Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR RET.

658k Crewmen march double-time while manning the battleship Missouri (BB-63) during recommissioning. Official USN photo from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. via Pieter Bakels.

80k Missouri (BB-63) passes the Golden Gate Bridge while en route to San Francisco for its recommissioning, 10 May 1986. The US Navy Large Harbor Tug Poughkeepsie (YTB-813) sprays water into the air. USN photo by PH2 Steve Grzezdzinski.

881k Crew members man the rail as the Missouri (BB-63) passes under the Golden Gate Bridge while en route to San Francisco for its recommissioning, 10 May 1986. Official USN photo # DN-SC-86-06956, by PH2 Steve Grzezdzinsk, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.

117k The national ensign flies on the fantail of the Missouri (BB-63) during its recommissioning. The Oakland Bay Bridge is in the background. Official USN photo # DN-ST-86-07093, by PH2 Michael D.P Flynn, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.

43k Missouri's (BB-63) Tomahawk Launchers wrapped up in bunting on her recommissioning day. Photograph courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

855k Captain Albert L. Kaiss, commanding officer of the battleship Missouri (BB-63), introduces Dianne Feinstein, mayor of San Francisco, during the ship's recommissioning, 10 May 1986. Image from the National Archives DN-SN-86-06997 via Bill Gonyo.

134k The star of the day appears in the center during her recommissioning day as viewed from afar. Photograph courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

393k Captain Albert Lee Kaiss and retired Admiral William M. Callaghan. Both were commissioning CO, Callaghan in June 1944 and Kaiss in May 1986. Kaiss is the only CO to commission and de-commission the same ship, and it is known that he is the "last battleship sailor" being the last to leave the ship in March 1992. The picture was taken at the Missouri (BB-63) reunion in 1985 in Annapolis, MD by Shipmate Jim Hartman. Photo courtesy of Herbert Fahr, Jr., USS Missouri