PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — The Battleship Missouri Memorial announced on Thursday the preservation project to restore the teak main deck of the USS Missouri was completed as Mike Carr, president and CEO of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, ceremoniously laid the final teak plank on the main deck after nearly 14 years.

What You Need To Know

  • Teak wood was used on battleships to protect against the sparks generated from metal-on-metal contact reducing the risk of fires during the transport of gunpowder

  • The State of Missouri, under the leadership of Gov. Mike Parson, played a pivotal role in the restoration effort by contributing $436,500 to support the project

The project that began following the Battleship Missouri’s drydock in 2010 was a huge undertaking. It involved an estimated 68,514 man-hours by dedicated craftsmen and numerous volunteers to restore over 48,000 square feet of teak deck and an investment of $6,193,535 covering the cost of teak, supplies and labor.

Teak wood was used on battleships to protect against the sparks generated from metal-on-metal contact, reducing the risk of fires during the transport of gunpowder. Teak also served as insulation to shield the deck from the harsh sun.

It was on the teak deck of the USS Missouri docked in Tokyo Bay that officials from the U.S. and Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender on Sept. 2, 1945, officially ending World War II.

The State of Missouri, under the leadership of Gov. Mike Parson, played a pivotal role in the restoration effort by contributing $436,500 to support the project, according to a news release.

Teak Preservation Supervisor Ruwe Jibas has been instrumental in leading the teak preservation team since 2012, supported by dedicated assistants whose efforts have been indispensable in achieving this milestone.

“This journey has been truly incredible, and being a part of this monumental project fills me with immense pride. Despite the hot and humid days, every moment dedicated to preserving this historic vessel has been truly rewarding,” stated Jibas in the release.

The completion of the deck restoration ensures the structural integrity of the USS Missouri and also “reaffirms its status as a living testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served aboard her,” noted the release.