WASHINGTON — Some $207,000 per year that the USS Missouri Memorial Association pays in rent to keep the Missouri moored at Pearl Harbor's Ford Island will be forgiven under a provision approved this morning by the House Armed Services Committee.

The committee this morning approved the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a provision by Rep. Neil Abercrombie, (D-Hawaii), requiring the U.S. Navy to eliminate the rent paid by the USS Missouri Memorial Association for two years.

"The nonprofit USS Memorial Association performs a great service to our country by maintaining a renowned symbol that would otherwise be lost to future generations," said Abercrombie, chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces. "The association depends on admission fees and donations to cover its rent and welcomes 400,000 visitors annually to the Missouri which is of no cost to the federal government.

"We must do all we can to help the association in its mission to preserve this priceless part of American and world history. The two-year rent break will help the Missouri and provide more time for our committee to discuss a long-term solution in regards to the rent issue."

The memorial operates at no cost to the federal government and pays $17,300 per month in rent to use Pier Foxtrot-5 at Pearl Harbor, which totals nearly $2 million since the original lease was signed in June 1998, according to Abercrombie's office.

The "Mighty Mo" is making plans for a shipyard overhaul for needed maintenance and repair on the ship's 887-foot hull, teak main deck and superstructure. But during the dry dock period, which could lasts two to three months, no revenue will be generated, Abercrombie's office said.