On what battleship did the Japanese surrender, thus ending World War II?

The Japanese surrender that officially brought an end to World War II took place aboard the USS Missouri. This battleship, known for its significant role in the Pacific Theater, served as the site for the formal surrender ceremony on September 2, 1945. General Douglas MacArthur, representing the Allied Powers, oversaw the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, which involved high-ranking Japanese officials. The choice of the USS Missouri as the venue was symbolically powerful, showcasing the strength and resolution of the United States following years of conflict.

In contrast, the USS Arizona was famously sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor and became a symbol of the U.S. Navy's losses. The USS Nimitz, while a notable aircraft carrier, was commissioned later and did not play a role in the events surrounding the end of the war. The USS Midway also saw action during the war but was not involved in the surrender. Thus, the USS Missouri is accurately recognized as the battleship where the surrender occurred, marking a pivotal moment in history.