JEFFERSON CITY Gov. Matt Blunt recently announced the creation of the USS Missouri Commissioning Committee, a non-profit organization designed to raise awareness of the proud history of the battleship and the new Virginia Class Attack Submarine that will also bear that name.

The last ship to bear the name USS Missouri was the battleship that now rests adjacent to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, an historic site that offers guided tours for visitors. The USS Missouri(BB-63) is most famous for being the site upon which the unconditional surrender of Japan was accepted, thereby ending World War II.

It is a tremendous honor to have this new submarine named after the state of Missouri, and it will serve as a constant reminder of the deep respect and admiration that the citizens of our state have for our military, Gov. Blunt said. As a former Naval Officer and as a Missourian, I am pleased to launch this commission.

Executive committee members of the USS Missouri Commissioning Committee include: Sen. Kit Bond, honorary co-chair; Rep. Ike Skelton, honorary co-chair; Sam Bushman, chair; Harry Otto and John Sheehan, treasurers; Duane Schreimann, legal counsel; and Mike Kehoe, Trish Vincent and Adam Gresham, members.

All funds raised will benefit the ship and her crew.

Go Back