The Battleship Missouri Memorial is encouraging students to continue engaging, learning and exploring from home during this unprecedented time.

Students are invited to take a virtual field trip to the Mighty Mo and experience America’s last battleship. This year marks a significant opportunity to get a glimpse of the USS Missouri’s place in history as the Battleship Missouri Memorial commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II on Sept. 2, 2020.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial’s “Skype in the Classroom” began in 2009 and has since “traveled” over one million miles to classrooms all over the world. Bringing the history of the USS Missouri to life for those who are unable to visit the ship in person, this Skype-in educational program has allowed students in classrooms from countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand the unique chance to learn more about the historic Mighty Mo.

The one-hour virtual field trip takes students on a tour back in time, explaining the ship’s place in history, length of service, and the impressive magnitude of her size and power of her guns. For students grades 7–12, the discussion also includes a more in-depth conversation about World War II and the Missouri’s famous role in that war. Each field trip concludes with a student-based question and answer session.

Classes are available from 7 a.m. through 4 p.m. HST, Monday through Friday.

In order to take part in the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s virtual field trip, schools will need a Skype account, a web-enabled camera, speakers, and computer with reliable internet and YouTube access.

To schedule a free experience or to learn more, email Neil Yamamoto at neily@ussmissouri.org.

About the Battleship Missouri Memorial

Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted 9 million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945.

The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars—World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm—after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.

For information, call (toll-free) 808-455-1600 or visit USSMissouri.org.

Featured photo courtesy Battleship Missouri Memorial.