Australia's connection to the Mighty Mo will be honored with a "Down Under Tour" throughout January, in connection with Australia Day, which occurs Jan. 26.

Visitors to the Battleship Missouri Memorial who take the Explorer's Tour in January will see places in the battleship not normally open to the public.

The tour includes a visit into Turret No. 1, where the interior features a hand-painted mural of Australia created by the crew during a port visit to the continent. They also will see restricted areas as far as three levels below the Missouri's main deck, including fire and engine rooms, battery plots, the post office, machine shop and mess hall.

The tour will end on the Surrender Deck, where Australia's Sir Thomas Blamey joined U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur and representatives of 10 nations on Sept. 2, 1945, to sign Japan's Instrument of Surrender, bringing World War II to a close.

"Australia has a special place in the Missouri's history book," said retired U.S. Navy Capt. Don Hess, president and chief operating officer of the memorial, in a statement. "Australia was the first of eight countries the Missouri visited during her around-the-world cruise. The people of Australia greeted the Mighty Mo and her crew with astounding enthusiasm. We are delighted to celebrate Australia Day with this special offer."

After the Missouri's refurbishment and recommissioning in 1986, the first international port of call during its goodwill tour around the world was Sydney. More than 200,000 Australians turned out to see the Missouri during the scheduled public visits, and it was reviewed, along with ships of six other nations, by Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. During that time, the Missouri also took part in the 75th anniversary celebration of the Royal Australian Navy.

Australia Day is Australia's official national day and is observed as a public holiday in all its states and territories. It marks the anniversary of Jan. 26, 1788, when Capt. Arthur Phillip and "The First Fleet" arrived at Sydney Cove and set up the colony of New South Wales.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $16 per adult and $8 per child 4 to 12. Military and kama'aina rates are $10 per adult and $5 per child. Guided tours are an additional $7 and up.

An Explorer's Tour ("Down Under Tour" in January) is $29, $12 for children.

For more information, call 877-644-4896 (877-MIGHTYMO) or visit www.ussmissouri.org.