USS Alabama

Almost everybody who has driven past Mobile on I-10 going west has seen the USS Alabama, whether they knew what they were seeing or not. The battleship is an impressive site, impossible to miss if you're looking towards Mobile Bay. All who love military history and appreciate the sacrifices that the military have made to keep us safe should try to visit Battleship Memorial Park. The park is dedicated to all Alabamians who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The park is a pleasant day trip from Gulf Shores. Visit and you will understand why the USS Alabama is the state's number one tourist attraction.

During World War II, The battleship, known as "Mighty A," earned nine Battle Stars and saw 37 months of active duty during World War II. The Alabama served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean campaigns and amazingly never suffered any casualties or significant damage due to enemy fire. In 1947, the ship was "mothballed" on Puget Sound at Bremerton, Washington.

The Navy announced its plans to scrap the ship in May 1962. Word got back to Alabama, and the entire state got behind a plan to not only save it, but to bring it to Alabama. School children across the state raised $100,000, most of it in coins, to save the ship. The money raised was significant, but the publicity that was generated was worth much more. Ten times that, one million dollars, was donated by corporate sponsors.

The trip from Washington to Alabama set a world record for a non-military ton/mile tow - 5,600 miles, a record that still stands.

Every kid who donated money received a free pass to tour the ship. No doubt thousands actually used the passes. Since then, many of those kids have taken their children and even grandchildren to visit the ship.

The last time I was at the ship I was a chaperon for my daughter's field trip. If you have kids, they are going to love touring the Alabama.

The ship even offers overnight stays for organizations. That is something that I haven't done, but I imagine its a lot of fun for the kids and "challenging" for the adults who are responsible for them.

The USS Alabama is the focal point of Battleship Memorial Park, but there is much more to see. The entire park covers 175 acres. There are plenty of picnic tables and some good shade if visiting in the summer.

The WW II submarine USS Drum is another popular attraction at the park. In 1995, the Aircraft Pavilion opened, showcasing vintage wartime aircraft and the opportunity to hop inside a flight simulator.

A trip to the USS Alabama Memorial Park is something that everybody can enjoy. All who visit never forget it.



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