The USS Alabama may have been mothballed in 1947, and found her way her way back home to Alabama in 1965… I can now say firsthand that She is still an awesome sight to behold. In her career she won 9 Battle stars.
USS ALABAMA measures 680 feet from stem to stern, half as long as the Empire State Building is tall. Armed with nine, 16-inch guns in three turrets and 20, 5-inch, .38-caliber guns in 10 twin mounts, her main batteries could fire shells as heavy as a small car accurately for a distance of more than 20 miles. Impressive…. Right!
In 1964, a campaign was launched to bring the “Mighty A” home to ALABAMA as a memorial to the state’s sons and daughters who had served in the armed forces. Alabama school children raised almost $100,000 in mostly nickels, dimes, and quarters to help bring her home to her final resting place.
A corporate fundraising campaign raised the balance of the $1 million needed for the Navy to donate the ship. The money raised financed the cost of what is still the longest non-military ton/mile tow in history.
You may have noticed it was a little wet… that did not stop us from experiencing the sheer strength and dignity of the USS Alabama and the USS Drum along with the bravery and courage of those who served aboard these vessels.
This is a tour for anyone who wishes to experience history first hand. There is a lot of climbing in one part of the tour, but the way they have it set up there are other ways to explore this battleship. You should check it out…A nice day with plenty of things to see and do at the park.
Start planning your experience and visit Battleship Park on your next trip thru Mobile, Alabama!
As usual I picked up something for a giveaway… I will be including this little gift with other surprises at the end of my trip.. so stay tuned…
(Hint) You will need to give USS Alabama Memorial Park a like on facebook
This is so awesome! Love the pictures!
Thanks for sharing….I love history! Especially when a piece of history has been transformed into a museum. Looks like a fun day…also nice to know that it is a rain proof adventure! Have Fun…I am looking forward to your next destination.
I hope to take my kids there some day! My dream is to tour the east coast/south… Glad to know the weather didn’t keep you from having fun!
That is huge! Sounds like fun too!
Too cool! I need to get away….my upcoming Lake Eerie fishing trip cannot compete with this…lol
How amazing! That thing looks massive! My kids are almost at the age where I could get them interested in a tour like that. i love to learn about old battleships, fighter planes, etc!
This would be so awesome to see in person!
Great post – wish I could be there seeing it myself in person!
Looks like you are off to a good start on your trip!
I love this! I miss the ships. My husband was in the Navy and he would take me on tours. These were some great pictures, thank you for sharing with us!
Sounds like a great time!! Thanks for sharing!!
It sounds like you are having a great time! I visited the USS Alabama when I was a kid, but I would love to go back as an adult. I didn’t appreciate it at the time
. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. I can’t wait to read about more of your adventures!
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