USS Alabama (BB-60)
Alabama
USS Alabama (BB-60) is a retired fast battleship of the South Dakota class, built for the United States Navy during World War II. Commissioned in the 1940s, she was designed under treaty restrictions but armed with powerful 16-inch guns and strong armor. Alabama served initially with the British Home Fleet protecting convoys, then was transferred to the Pacific Theater where she participated in major campaigns including the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Mariana and Palau Islands, and the Philippines. She provided escort for aircraft carriers and bombarded Japanese positions in support of amphibious assaults. After a refit, Alabama took part in the Battle of Okinawa and attacks on the Japanese mainland. Following the war, she contributed to Operation Magic Carpet, repatriating American servicemen. Decommissioned in 1947, she was preserved as a museum ship at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile Bay, Alabama. The ship features nine 16-inch guns, numerous anti-aircraft weapons, and housed large crews during wartime. Visitors can explore the battleship along with aircraft exhibits, memorials, and military vehicles in the park.
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Tip: The best time to visit USS Alabama is during the mild weather months in spring and fall to enjoy comfortable exploration. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but buying in advance online is recommended to avoid lines. The park offers discounts for veterans, seniors, and groups. The museum opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last tickets sold by 4:00 PM. Note the park is closed on Christmas Day and has reduced hours on Christmas Eve. Comfortable footwear is advised due to the ship's size and many decks to explore.
Interesting facts
- •USS Alabama was the fourth and final South Dakota-class battleship built for the US Navy during World War II.
- •She carried three Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes for aerial reconnaissance.
- •During wartime, her crew expanded to approximately 2,500 officers and enlisted men.
- •The battleship was powered by four General Electric steam turbines, enabling speeds up to 27.5 knots.
- •USS Alabama participated in major Pacific campaigns including the Battle of Okinawa and bombardments of the Japanese mainland.
History
USS Alabama was commissioned in the early 1940s as the final ship of the South Dakota class of battleships designed under the Washington Treaty limitations.
She served during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, participating in major campaigns and naval battles.
After the war, she was decommissioned in 1947 and placed in reserve.
In 1962, after being stricken from the Naval Vessel Register, a public campaign successfully preserved her as a museum ship at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile Bay, Alabama, where she remains as a tribute to naval history and veterans.
Place Guide
Main Gun Turrets1940s
USS Alabama is equipped with nine 16-inch/45 caliber Mark 6 guns arranged in three triple turrets, two forward in superfiring positions and one aft, representing some of the most powerful naval artillery of her time.
Aircraft Catapults and Reconnaissance Planes1940s
The ship carried three Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes launched by two catapults on the fantail for reconnaissance missions, reflecting the ship's multi-role capabilities during WWII.
Battleship Memorial Park Exhibits
The park surrounding USS Alabama features aircraft, tanks, artillery pieces, and the USS Drum submarine, offering a comprehensive military history experience beyond the battleship itself.
Contact
Phone: (251) 433-2703
