Albert L. Kaiss, Last Commander of the Mighty Mo, Dies at 78

Albert L. Kaiss, the last commanding officer of USS Missouri (BB-63), passed away on July 25, 2018, at the age of 78 in his hometown of Hagerstown, Maryland. As the final captain of the legendary battleship, Kaiss played a crucial role in the ship’s historic journey, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the United States Navy.

On March 31, 1992, Captain Albert L. Kaiss stepped off USS Missouri for the last time in Long Beach, California, marking the end of an era. Having served two separate tours as the ship’s commander, he was the last person to captain a U.S. Navy battleship. Under his leadership, the Mighty Mo remained an enduring symbol of American naval power.

Brought back into service in 1985 as part of the U.S. Navy’s expansion plan, USS Missouri once again became a force to be reckoned with. Captain Kaiss took command of the ship, but in 1986, a heart attack forced him to temporarily step down. Following his recovery, he returned to the helm in 1990, just in time to lead the battleship into action during Operation Desert Storm.

Under Kaiss’ command, USS Missouri launched Tomahawk missiles and provided naval gunfire support during the Persian Gulf War. This marked one of the last times a battleship participated in active combat, solidifying the ship’s—and Kaiss’—place in history.

As a testament to the ship’s significance, President George H.W. Bush ordered USS Missouri to Pearl Harbor for the 50th anniversary of the infamous December 7, 1941 attack. Although Kaiss had not been born when the attack occurred, he commanded the ship with honor during its final act of service. USS Missouri’s presence at Pearl Harbor symbolized America’s resilience and remembrance of those lost during World War II.

Three months after the Pearl Harbor commemoration, USS Missouri was decommissioned for the final time. In his farewell message to the crew, Kaiss expressed his gratitude: “It’s often said that the crew makes the command. There is no truer statement. You are a special breed of sailors and Marines, and I am proud to have served with each and every one of you.”

As the last active-duty service member to command a U.S. battleship, Kaiss retired just two days after USS Missouri was decommissioned, cementing his name in naval history alongside the iconic warship.

Though he passed away in 2018, Kaiss’ contributions to the U.S. Navy and USS Missouri will never be forgotten. Today, the Mighty Mo stands proudly in Pearl Harbor as a museum ship, welcoming visitors from around the world. Kaiss’ leadership and dedication continue to be honored through the preservation of the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Albert L. Kaiss was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Sharpsburg, Maryland. In his memory, his family requested donations be made to the USS Missouri Memorial Association to support the ongoing preservation of this historic battleship. His legacy as the last commander of the Mighty Mo lives on, inspiring future generations to remember the significance of USS Missouri and its storied past.