The battleship USS Missouri is best known as the site of Japan’s unconditional surrender in Tokyo Bay that ended World War II, and it is America’s last constructed battleship. The vessel is a living symbol of our national heritage, proudly displaying 11 battle stars for service in World War II, Korea and the Persian Gulf. The USS Missouri arrived in Hawaii on Father’s Day – June 19, 1998 – to find a final home in “Battleship Row” in Pearl Harbor.
USS Missouri Memorial Association engaged Alford Group in 2009 to conduct a study to test the feasibility of a $25 million capital campaign for dry-docking and pier-side renovation and repairs, education and outreach programs and legacy/endowment programs. Alford Group guided the establishment of a Feasibility Study Committee to oversee the process, conducted over 40 interviews and assessed internal readiness for the proposed campaign. Based on findings from the study, we recommended that UMMA commence a Project Readiness and Pre-Campaign Planning Phase focusing on case development, donor base and leadership development, internal infrastructure and early campaign planning. Readiness and pre-campaign planning activities continue.