Pearl Harbor Behind The Scenes

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in details of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor that marked America’s entry into World War II and stand on the deck of the USS Missouri, the battleship on which the Japanese later surrendered. To better understand the devastation of the attack and the soldiers’ immediate response, you will browse the fascinating exhibits in the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, a repository of aircraft used during World War II. You may see a B-25 bomber, a P-40 fighter and bullet-riddled hangars that survived the attack. Later, you will see the Ford Island Control Tower that broadcast the chilling words, “Air raid Pearl Harbor. This is no drill.” Nearly four years later, the Japanese signed the final surrender on the deck of the “Mighty Mo,” as the USS Missouri became known. You can not only stand on that deck, but also explore the decks below for a glimpse into life aboard the last battleship that the United States built.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse the restored fighter planes and helicopters in the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
• See bullet-riddled hangars that survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
• View the control tower that announced the attack on Pearl Harbor over the airwaves.
• Meander the decks of the USS Missouri, where the Japanese signed the final surrender.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.