The “Mighty Mo” Missouri and the ships of its class would have to steam at 33 knots (five knots speedier than the South Dakota-class) to keep up with the Essex-class carrier battle groups. Larger size and more powerful weapons were also required if the Navy was to dominate the Japanese. The USS Missouri Was a Faster, Mightier ShipĪfter Pearl Harbor, the Navy knew it would need a faster battleship to improve on the South Dakota-class. The Missouri finally reported to duty in the First Gulf War, where it shelled Iraqi targets in Kuwait and fought in the Battle of Kafji in 1991. The battlewagon came out of retirement in 1986 and cruised the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers. īy 1955, the Missouri was decommissioned. It blasted North Korean positions during the Korean War, participating in the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The battleship also escorted the aircraft carriers that sent bombers to attack Japan toward the end of the war. The Missouri supported the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa during WWII’s Pacific campaign. It was also honored for service during Operation Desert Storm, wrapping up the honors of a 51-year career. It earned five battle stars for the Korean War in addition to the three it won during World War II. But the Missouri fought more than one war during its history – the Iowa-class battleship lived many lives. You may recognize it as the ship where the Japanese surrendered to end World War II in 1945. The USS Missouri has the distinction of being the last battleship built by the U.S.
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