Battleship Missouri Division History

Inaugural Division requested establishment on 28 February 1961 as the USS Higgins and sponsored by THE NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES - ST LOUIS COUNCIL.  The request was granted and the unit established in March 1961.

The “Oldest and Boldest”, Inaugural is the oldest unit operating in USNSCC Region 07 (Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska) and one of the oldest units which has been continuously operating from the US Naval & Marine Corps Reserve Center – St. Louis Missouri (Lambert Field).  During all of that time, NLUS – St. Louis Council has staunchly supported the Inaugural Division.

On 1 June 2001, the Inaugural Division, USNSCC received approval to change its name to Battleship Missouri Division, USNSCC.  Training Ship Inaugural also requested a name change to Training Ship Missouri.  That change received approval also.

Battleship Missouri is made up of TWO units, USS Battleship Missouri for cadets 14 to 18 years of age, and Training Ship (TS) Missouri for cadets 10 to 13 years old.  The X-ray training company is an orientation unit that forms for a four month period of indoctrination of new sea and league cadets.

During the year, the division participates in various events and training exercises in Region 07.  Flagship test the operations readiness of the unit by holding competitions in various events such as regulation drill, first aid, marksmanship, semaphore, and line heaving.  The Battleship Missouri Division has won many trophies at these competitions.

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