Captain Albert Lee Kaiss and Admiral William M. Callaghan. Both served as commissioning Commanding Officers of USS Missouri (BB-63) - Callaghan in June 1944 and Kaiss in May 1986. Captain Kaiss is the only Commanding Officer to both commission and decommission the same ship, and is recognized as the “Last Battleship Sailor,” having been the final Sailor to depart the ship in March 1992. Photo taken at the USS Missouri reunion, Annapolis, MD, 1985. Courtesy of Shipmate Jim Hartman.

Artifact Spotlight

This month’s featured artifact is a preserved four-leaf clover given to WWII floatplane pilot LTJG Doug Anderson by his grandmother in Minnesota. The clover is attached to a card that reads, “Here’s a lucky charm for you and victory, a four-leaf clover locket you can carry in your pocket to keep you safe and bring you back to me!”

She also included a heartfelt note: “I’m waiting for my plane ride. Love from Grandma. May God’s protecting care [be] around Douglas Earl Anderson.”

Returning USS Missouri Crew Member

Louis D. Caporale

Served Aboard 1988–1990



Louis D. Caporale served aboard USS Missouri (BB-63) as Commanding Officer of the ship’s Marine Detachment (MARDET) from 1988 to 1990. Then a U.S. Marine Corps Captain (O-3), he was a member of the Wardroom and one of the ship’s division officers.

During a recent visit to the ship, Mr. Caporale generously donated a collection of artifacts and documents from his time aboard.

Thank you for your service, Mr. Caporale.

Are you a former BB-63 crew member planning a trip to Pearl Harbor? Our Curatorial team would love to assist with your visit - please reach out using the link below.

The Pen That Brought Peace To The Pacific

Discover how a small but powerful artifact made its way to our ship, and played a role in ending the world’s deadliest conflict. In this month’s blog post, we spotlight the pen used by General Yoshijirō Umezu to sign the Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945. Now on display in the Wardroom, this powerful symbol of peace connects visitors directly to the moment World War II officially came to a close.

Celebrating 100 Years! Honoring Mr. DeLeo & Mr. Boothroy

This month, we were honored to celebrate two remarkable milestones as World War II Veterans John DeLeo and Doyle Boothroy each turned 100 years old. As members of the “Greatest Generation,” they embody the legacy, service, and sacrifice that define the story of the USS Missouri.

John DeLeo 
Seaman First Class

Doyle Boothroy 
Aerographer's Mate Third Class

To celebrate their birthdays, guests visiting the Battleship Missouri Memorial were invited to write cards for both gentlemen. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our visitors, we collected more than 100 cards for each, messages of gratitude, admiration, and aloha sent from across the country and around the world.

Happy birthday, Mr. DeLeo and Mr. Boothroy, we are proud to know you and call you friends of the Association.

Remembering Our USS Missouri Crew

SAVE THE DATE - The 40th Recommissioning Anniversary

In 1986, the legendary USS Missouri returned to active service, marking a new chapter in the ship’s extraordinary history. Four decades later, the Battleship Missouri Memorial will commemorate the 40th anniversary of her recommissioning with a special weekend of events honoring the Sailors who brought the “Mighty Mo” back to life - The Recommissioning Crew.

Recommissioning Crew Members and guests are invited to join us for this meaningful reunion. Visit the event page to RSVP and learn more.

A Witness to History: Doyle Boothroy on the USS Missouri

As he just celebrated his 100th birthday, we recognize USS Missouri Crew Member and World War II Veteran Doyle Boothroy. In this CNN interview, filmed during last year’s 80th anniversary of the End of World War II, Mr. Boothroy shares his firsthand memories of serving aboard the Mighty Mo.

From joining the ship at just 19 years old to witnessing the Japanese Surrender on September 2, 1945, his reflections offer a powerful, personal perspective on one of history’s most defining moments.

Chuck's Quest:

Secrets Of The Mighty Mo

Bring your visit to life with Chuck’s Quest, the Battleship Missouri’s new interactive scavenger hunt!