The Admiral Takes Off-U.S. Warships Arrive -- The Sikorsky helicopter takes off from the deck of the Missouri on its flight to Southsea Common. Rear-Admiral Smith, who was paying a call on the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, is seen at the rear window of the aircraft. Shortly after the 45,000-tons battleship Missouri and nine other ships of the United States Navy's 1949 Midshipmen's Practice Squadron arrived at Spithead today (Friday) for an eight-days visit to Portsmouth, Rear-Admiral Allan E.Smith, the flag officer, paid a call on the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth by helicopter. The aircraft took off form the battleship's deck and landed at Southsea Common. It was on board the Missouri that the Japanese surrender was signed in Tokyo Bay in September, 1945. June 17, 1949. (Photo by Reuterphoto).