WASHINGTON, D.C. -- United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye is pleased to announce today that Secretary of the Navy Dalton signed the donation contract, officially transferring the historic battleship, USS MISSOURI to the USS MISSOURI Memorial Association (MMA).

"Arrangements are now being made to tow the majestic battleship from Brementon, Washington to Hawaii in mid-May," stated Senator Inouye.

"This is truly a momentous day in the history of Hawaii and our nation. The USS MISSOURI will most certainly be accorded the highest honors and utmost respect she deserves when she arrives at Pearl Harbor in June," continued Inouye.

As a part of her final voyage to Hawaii, the USS MISSOURI will be towed to a mooring on the Columbia River at Astoria, Oregon, where freshwater will eliminate marine saltwater organisms that might have accumulated on the ship's hull over the years. The "Mighty Mo" will then be repainted and refurbished by the MMA. The Memorial is scheduled to open to the public in January 1999.