The Battleship Missouri Memorial, part of the collection of memorials, public parks and government facilities on Oahu's Ford Island, reopened to visitors on Dec. 16 after implementing new health and safety procedures to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
The memorial is open for visitors Wednesdays to Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. but is scheduled to be closed Christmas and New Year's Day.
New protocols include regular sanitization of frequently touched surfaces, commonly used spaces and other areas throughout the site. Additional sanitizing stations will also be available around the ship for visitor use.
• Related: USS Missouri Memorial renovations underway
There are no restrictions on visitor numbers in place, since all attractions at the Missouri are outdoors.
"We really want to stress that the health and wellbeing of our guests are of the utmost importance, which is why we are asking visitors to follow basic CDC guidelines upon arrival, including wearing a face mask and maintaining physical distance," Mike Carr, president and CEO of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, said in a statement. "We've implemented operational changes and are providing static tours to safely engage with guests about the history, firepower and legacy of the 'Mighty Mo.' Guests are also welcomed to independently explore the USS Missouri."
The current exhibit showcasing artifacts from the atomic bombings of August 1945, "Of Silhouettes and Ash: The Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki" runs through February.
Additionally, a newly remodeled exhibit on Japan's kamikaze pilots includes new artifacts and pilots' last letters home on loan from the Chiran Peace Museum in Japan. It is the ship's first permanent exhibit to be translated into four languages (English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese).
The Battleship Missouri was the site of Japan's formal surrender at the close of World War II in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945. The ship also served in the Korean War and Desert Storm. The memorial opened in January 1999.
Update: This report was updated to add that there are no limits to the number of visitors permitted to visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial.