With the advent of air power and the need to gain and maintain air superiority came a need to protect the growing fleet of allied aircraft carriers; to this end, Missouri was fitted with an array of Oerlikon 20 mm and Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft guns to defend allied carriers from enemy airstrikes.
Missouri received three battle stars for her service in World War II, five for her service during the Korean War, and three for her service during the Gulf War.
Missouri also received numerous awards for her service in World War II, Korea, and the Persian Gulf.
Today she sits tied up serenely at Pearl Harbor, where she serves as a museum and war memorial.
