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All Hands on Deck: Maintaining the USS Missouri (The Mighty Mo) in Pearl Harbor

Program Number: 2617RJ
Start and End Dates:
12/4/2012 - 12/11/2012; 8/27/2013 - 9/3/2013; 12/4/2013 - 12/11/2013; 1/29/2014 - 2/5/2014;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii
Price starting at: $1,398.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Service Learning; National Parks Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 16; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    

Walk the decks of the historic USS Missouri and recall its storied history as the site of Japanese surrender in World War II, a veteran of four wars, and the last battleship to be active in any navy in the world. At one time, hundreds of sailors kept this powerful dreadnought fit and ready for duty. Now you will become a part of the “Mighty Mo’s” history as you join the volunteer crew of this magnificent vessel.




Highlights

• Learn intimate, little-known details about the ship through special classes and field trips.
• Relive the experience of life aboard the “Mighty Mo” by spending a night on the ship.
• Work in the beautiful Hawaiian weather with spectacular views of Pearl Harbor, mountains and ocean.



Activity Particulars

Walking from three blocks up to one mile over the course of the day. Some stairs, walking on boat decks and uneven surfaces. Optional snorkeling and swimming.



This program was featured in the Wall Street Journal as one of the best in Volunteer Travel in 2012!




Date Specific Information

8-27-2013

GE Elfun Charter Group



12-4-2013

Group will attend Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony on December 7 and stay on the Mighty Mo the night of December 6.



Coordinated by Hawaii Pacific University.




Honolulu (Oahu)

Honolulu, which means “Sheltered Bay,” possesses a unique blend of Hawaiian, Portuguese, and Asian and Pacific Islander influences that contribute to its cultural richness. Its Waikiki area, formerly wetlands, today evokes images of golden sand beaches and stunning sunsets.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel one block from Waikiki Beach; one night aboard the USS Missouri in former crew quarters.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Rose Meece
Rose Meece is a veteran group leader, world traveler, and knowledgeable “kamaaina” (local resident) for Road Scholar learning adventures. After raising her family, Rose received a degree in culinary arts, and started her career working first in Alaska as a cook on an oil patch ship in the Bering Sea in the late 70's. She followed that up by working as a chef for the Hyatt Hotel in West Lake, Calif. and taught cooking classes for Road Scholar in her free time. In 1997, Rose moved to Hawaii, and has been a Road Scholar group leader ever since. She has led groups throughout Hawaii, Fiji,Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, and French Polynesia. When she is not leading a program, Rose volunteers at the Ronald McDonald family room at Kapiolani Women's and Children's Hospital, at Hanauma Bay as a docent for education programs, and at church. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of Hawaii and the aloha spirit with all those who cross her path.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Waikiki Resort Hotel
  Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii 2 nights
   USS Missouri Memorial
  Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii 1 night
   Waikiki Resort Hotel
  Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii 4 nights
 Waikiki Resort Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Waikiki Resort Hotel is very well located in the heart of Waikiki, half a block away from the Kuhio Beach section of world famous Waikiki Beach and in the shadow of iconic Diamond Head. Being near Kuhio Beach is a real plus, as it is the most interesting part of Waikiki Beach because it is wide, sandy, nicely landscaped, and it is home to the beachboy stands which send out surfers and outrigger canoes. The hotel is also within walking distance of other popular attractions such as Kapi`olani Park (great for morning or evening walks), the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, the International Marketplace, King's Village shops, and a multitude of restaurants and other attractions.
  Contact info: 2460 Koa Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815 USA
phone: 808-922-4911
web: www.waikikiresort.com
  Room amenities: Each guest room is equipped with air conditioning, private balcony, high speed Internet access (plug in available in room, not Wi-Fi, for surcharge of $9.95 plus tax per 24 hour period as of 7/12), hair dryers, ironing boards with irons, refrigerator, shower or shower and 1/2 bath tub, clock radio, color TV with on demand movies and games, and an in-room safe (surcharge) .
  Facility amenities: Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and pool deck, sundry and gift shops, self-service laundry, a laundry and dry cleaning service, a 24-hour business center, two restaurants, and a 24-hour bell desk, front desk, Wi-Fi availalbe in lobby (no fee) and hotel security service.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: See rates in comments section 2012 Double/Single Rates: $115.00 + taxes for January-March, July-August, & December $105.00 + taxes for April-June, September-November 2013 Double/Single Rates: $120.00 + tax for January-March, July-August, & December $110.00 + tax for April-June, September -November
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: See rates in comments section 2012 Double/Single Rates: $115.00 + taxes for January-March, July-August, & December $105.00 + taxes for April-June, September-November 2013 Double/Single Rates: $120.00 + tax for January-March, July-August, & December $110.00 + tax for April-June, September -November
  Check out time: 12:00 PM

 USS Missouri Memorial
Type: Other
  Description: The overnight encampment aboard the USS Missouri offers a rare and unique opportunity to visit areas of the battleship normally off limits to visitors. Participants will gain insight to the many different systems and pieces of equipment aboard this historic battleship. Some Interesting Facts: Designing the Missouri took 175 tons of blueprint paper. The ship was built in three years and required over 3 million man-days to complete the job. For comparison’s sake, the Missouri is 279 feet longer and 11 feet wider than the USS Arizona. The Mighty Mo is also 5 feet longer and 18 feet wider than the RMS Titanic. Just how big is the Missouri? If you could stand the ship on end, it would be 332 feet taller than the Washington Monument. The nine 16-inch guns are the Mighty Mo’s trademark feature. Each gun barrel is 65 feet long, weighs an incredible 116 tons, and can fire a 2,700-pound shell 23 miles in 50 seconds – with pinpoint accuracy. The Missouri was the last battleship ever built. It was also the most formidable. Along with its firepower was a thick steel armor plating that protected the hull (13.5 inches), the gun turrets (17 inches in front; 13 inches on the sides), the citadel (17 inches), and the conning tower sides (17.3 inches).
  Ship Information: Class: Iowa-class battleship Length: 887 feet Height: 209 feet from keel to mast Beam: 108 feet Weight: 58,000 tons (full load); 45,000 tons (unloaded) Speed: In excess of 30 knots (35 mph)
  Contact info: Pearl Harbor
63 Cowpens Street,
Honolulu, HI 96818 USA
phone: 808-455-1600
web: www.ussmissouri.org
  Facility amenities: Mess Hall, public restrooms and showers
  Smoking allowed: No


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Registration between 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Waikiki Resort Hotel lobby. Upon arrival, please proceed to the hotel’s front desk to check in. You will then be directed to the Road Scholar registration desk. You will be staying at Waikiki Resort Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast. Independent check outs by 12:00 pm. You will be staying at Waikiki Resort Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Participants must also complete USS Missouri Memorial Association Encampment Program Waivers and Release Form, Skills Questionnaire, and a Mighty Mo Volunteer Application and Release Form.
  Parking availability:
Parking fee at Waikiki Resort Hotel is approximately $18 per day.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
  Nearest city or town:  Honolulu
  Nearest highway: H-1 Freeway
  Nearest airport:  Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
  From End of Program
  Location: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

HNL

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
AMPCO Express
phone: 808-861-8294

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx $35.00 - $45.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 min - 45 min depending upon traffic 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

AMPCO Express is the managing contractor of the Airport's Open Taxi System at Honolulu International Airport. The state established this Airport Open Taxi Management system for taxi drivers from all taxi companies to be able to pick-up at the airport. Taxi Service is available on the center median fronting the terminal baggage claim areas. See the taxi dispatchers (green shirts with black lettering, and the wording “TAXI DISPATCHER”) for service.

 

HNL

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
The Bus
phone: 808-848-4500

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$2.50 or $1.50 for Senior Citizen (with valid Medicare card)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes - 1 hour 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

Buses operate from 5:30 am - 10:00 pm Hawaii Standard Time. For More information, go online to www.thebus.org
 

HNL

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Waikiki Shuttle
phone: 866-898-2519

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$9.00 Round Trip $15 (subject to change)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30- 45 minutes depending upon traffic 
 

Distance:

 

Approximately 10 miles
   

Available 24 hours. The shuttle stops every 20 minutes in the median area outside of baggage claim. There are several pickup points along the Interisland and International terminal areas. Just look for a staff member in a yellow uniform reading, "Authorized Airport Waikiki Shuttle," or look for the yellow "Airport Shuttle" signs for the pickup location nearest you.

 
Driving Directions
  From the Continental US to Hawaii: Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is Hawaii's major airport, serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii's visitors. All twenty-three major domestic carriers (such as American, Continental, Delta and United, etc.) and sixteen international carriers serve Oahu, so you can get here from just about anywhere. You can buy your flights through Road Scholar Travel Services, your local travel agent or over the Internet using the airline’s own website or through a travel website such as Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, Orbitz.com or Kayak.com. Hawaii’s Airport Code HNL – Honolulu, Oahu
Equipment Requirements: No specialized equipment required. Work materials will be provided on-site.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome/Introductions & Orientation
(Tuesday, December 4)
   
 Afternoon: Program Registration
 Dinner: Hotel restaurant
 Evening: Introductions and Overview of Service Projects
   
Accommodations: Waikiki Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Mighty Mo Introduction and Orientation/Service Work/Welcome Dinner/Free Evening
(Wednesday, December 5)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel restaurant
 Morning: Bus departs for Pearl Harbor where our group will register with Security/Volunteer Department Orientation to the Mighty Mo – Class and Tour Orientation to Service Projects aboard Mighty Mo. If time permits, we will start volunteer projects prior to lunch.
 Lunch: Mighty Mo
 Afternoon: Service Work on Mighty Mo: The main focus of our service work will involve becoming part of the "teak crew", which is responsible for repairing and maintaining the ship's teak deck, other parts of its deck structure, and other woodworking and shop work projects. This will generally involve being outside in the beautiful Hawaiian weather with great views of Pearl Harbor, the ocean, and the mountains. Of course we do try to work in the shade where possible, and those who are particularly sensitive to the sun can be assigned projects out of the sun. No specific skills are required to participate in this service program, but we are certainly interested in identifying and using your specific talents, so let us know! More information will be culled from a questionnaire sent to you before your program begins.
 Dinner: At hotel restaurant
 Evening: Free Evening to explore and/or pack overnight bag for tomorrow's night aboard the Mighty Mo
   
Accommodations: Waikiki Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Service Work/Behind the Scenes Tour/Sunset BBQ Dinner Pier Side/Overnight on the Might Mo
(Thursday, December 6)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel Restaurant
 Morning: As you will be overnighting aboard the USS Missouri, check out of your hotel room. Bus will depart for Pearl Harbor after breakfast. Service Work until lunch
 Lunch: At the Mighty Mo
 Afternoon: Afternoon Service Work, shower and clean up for evening activities. Approximately 4:15 pm, Behind the Scenes of the Mighty Mo: We’ll engage you in shipboard life and the experiences of a battleship sailor. You will visit the officer's wardroom and radio room, where the word of Japanese surrender was sent to other ships throughout the fleet. You'll also visit our Chief Petty Officer's legacy center where you'll learn what it means to "Ask The Chief.”
 Dinner: BBQ Dinner on the pier.
 Evening: Historical War movie
   
Accommodations: USS Missouri Memorial
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: December 7 Memorial Ceremony/USS Arizona Visit/Service Work/ Class
(Friday, December 7)
   
 Breakfast: Aboard the Mighty Mo
 Morning: Pearl Harbor Day Anniversary Commemoration: Highlights of the ceremony generally include military band music, morning colors, a Hawaiian blessing, a rifle salute by members of the U.S. Marine Corps, wreath presentations, echo taps, special speakers and recognition of the men and women who survived that December 7, 1941 and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Free morning to experience the commemorative events - listen and talk to special speakers and experience tours of the harbor on your own. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Catch the Pearl Harbor free shuttle back to the Mighty Mo on your own.
 Lunch: At the Mighty Mo
 Afternoon: Afternoon service work. Depart on bus back to the Waikiki Hotel late afternoon. Check into hotel.
 Dinner: Hotel Restaurant
 Evening: Class: "Date of Infamy"
   
Accommodations: Waikiki Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Free Day to Explore the Island of Oahu
(Saturday, December 8)
   
 Breakfast: Free Day to Explore or rest. All meals and activities are on your on your own today
 Lunch: On your own
 Dinner: On your own
   
Accommodations: Waikiki Resort Hotel

Day 6: Service Work/Service Work/National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
(Sunday, December 9)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel Restaurant
 Morning: Depart for Pearl Harbor and continue service work until lunch.
 Lunch: At Mighty Mo
 Afternoon: Continue service work. After cleaning up, depart for field trip: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in a dramatic natural setting in extinct Puowaina crater which was formed 75,000 to 100,000 years ago.
 Dinner: Arrive Hotel - Free Evening. Dinner is on your own to explore local fare Suggested Evening Activity: Visit the original site of the Hawai`i Calls radio program, the Banyan Court, at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel
   
Accommodations: Waikiki Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Service/Service Work/Aloha (Farewell) Dinner
(Monday, December 10)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel Restaurant
 Morning: Morning Service work
 Lunch: At the Mighty Mo
 Afternoon: Last afternoon of service work.
 Dinner: At a local restaurant
 Evening: Free Evening.
   
Accommodations: Waikiki Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Check out
(Tuesday, December 11)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel restaurant
 Morning: End of program. Check out of hotel by noon with independent departures.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Comprehensive listing of events and activities for the state. Contains much information about local events and activities. Searchable by dates, activity, etc. - To find information on the island's events and activities; click on the island in the map at the top of the home page. Or, you may call 1-800-Go-Hawaii. For additional information, visit www.gohawaii.com
  Waikiki at Night
At night Waikiki is an exuberant world of shops, bistros and neon lights, alive with people, and complete with amusing street entertainers. Often heralded as the ambassadors of aloha, these musicians, singers, mimes, drummers, and a myriad of other performers give Waikiki a local color and ambience found nowhere else in the Hawaiian Islands. Street performers start about 8pm and ends about 10pm. For additional information, visit www.gohawaii.com
  Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium, founded in 1904, is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States. A part of the University of Hawaii since 1919, the Aquarium is located next to a living reef on the Waikiki shoreline. Our exhibits, programs, and research focus on the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. The Waikiki Aquarium has been designated as the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center for the Pacific Island Region of the Coastal America Partnership. Located near Kapiolani Park, on the southern shoreline of the island of Oahu. 2777 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI 96815 Tel: 808-923-9741 Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily Admission: Adult (18+) - $9; Seniors, Students, Locals, Military - $6 For additional information, visit www.waquarium.org
  Music, Fire, Dance & Romance
The Sheraton Moana Surfrider has always been home to island musicians. From 1935 to 1975, the live radio show "Hawaii Calls" was broadcast from the Banyan Court stage to bring the sounds of Hawaii to thousands of listeners on the West Coast. Nightly entertainment at the Banyan Court features the musical talents of a variety of local groups. There is no better way to relax than to spend an evening listening to beautiful island melodies accompanied by graceful hula dancers. Every Friday at 7:30 pm, the Komo Mai to the Courtyard (Come to the Courtyard) program offers a complimentary keiki (children) hula show followed by conch shell blowers and a spectacular Tahitian fireknife dancer. On Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm couples are invited to take part in the Promise Me Again, wedding vow renewal program. Couples lovingly exchange vows and a fresh flower lei during the ceremony and then dance to the Hawaiian Wedding Song-made famous by the Elvis Presley hit movie, "Blue Hawaii"-as they express the rededication of their lives and their love to one another. The Banyan Courtyard Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel 2365 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki Tel: 808-922-3111 Every Evening 5:30-10:30 pm Admission: Free For additional information, visit www.moanasurfrider.com/calendar.htm
  The Honolulu Academy of Arts
The only general fine arts museum in Hawaii, the Honolulu Academy of Arts encompasses 32 galleries surrounding six courtyard gardens. The academy is designed as an elegant amalgamation of the various cultures from East and West that have made Hawaii their home. The museum houses an impressive collection of world art and one of the largest collections of Asian art in the United States. The Academy also conducts tours of Shangri La, Doris Duke's architecturally significant Honolulu estate. 900 South Beretania Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814-1495 Tel: (808) 532-8701 Recorded Information Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission: Adults $7.00; Seniors $4.00 For additional information, visit www.honoluluacademy.org/cmshaa/academy/index.aspx
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Advanced Force Pearl Harbor


Author: Burlingame, Burl


Description: World War II



Hawaii Goes to War - Life in Hawaii from Pearl Harbor to Peace.


Author: Brown, De Soto


Description: World War II



Shoal of Time: A History of the Hawaiian Islands


Author: Daws, Gavan


Description: Based on years of work in the documentary sources, Shoal of Time emerges as the most readable of all Hawaiian histories.



Prisoners of the Japanese


Author: Daws, Gavan


Description: World War II



The Illustrated Atlas of Hawaii (Paperback)


Author: Daws, Gavan


Description: This perennial favorite offers a wonderful introduction to the Hawaiian Islands.



War in the Pacific, Vol. I,


Author: Hagen, Jerome, T


Description: World War II



Best Little Stories from World War II


Author: McComas, Terence


Description: World War II



Last Battleship Book - The story of the USS Missouri (BB-63).


Author: Stone, CDR Scott C. S. (USNR Ret).


Description: Published in 1999, this is one of the few books that covers Missouri's history from construction in Brooklyn, New York, to memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.





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