Experience the "Mighty A" - memorial to Alabama's fallen soldiers
The Ship
The 44,500 ton USS Alabama is half as long as the Empire State Building is tall, or 680 feet. Armed with nine 16-inch guns and twenty 5-inch guns, the USS Alabama could attack targets more than 20 miles away. In places the side armor is over a foot thick, and tapers to less than an inch at the bottom of the keel. Her propellers (4) could drive her through the water at up to 28 knots, and she had a 15,000 nautical mile range without refueling.
The Service
In 1942 the ship was dearly needed, the Axis powers had the Allies tied up in the Atlantic, and the Pacific Fleet was still reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor. The slugfest with Japan was quickly sapping the strength of the US Pacific forces. The USS Alabama saw 37 months of active duty during World War II, earning nine Battle Stars. The "Mighty A" never suffered any casualties or significant damage from enemy fire. At the end of the war she was mothballed on Puget Sound at Bremerton, WA in 1947.
The Monument
As the military transitioned to a "Peacetime Navy", many ships were scrapped to save money. In May of '62 the Navy announced it would scrap the USS Alabama. In 1964 a campaign was started to move the USS Alabama and convert it into a museum and memorial for Alabama's fallen. In the effort to raise the capital needed schoolchildren gathered nickels, dimes, and quarters for a total of almost $100,000. Corporate backers provided the remainder of the money needed to acquire the ship. In early January of 1965, the "Mighty A" was opened to the public. More than 13 million visitors have tread her decks since then.
A Monumental Deal
Enjoy Battleship Memorial Park as you walk the decks of the “Mighty A,” the USS Alabama. Go below in the USS Drum, a World War II Submarine. View cockpits of combat aircraft, including one similar to what was flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. You’ll also see tanks, a Vietnam River Patrol Boat, and planes from several decades and armed service branches. It’s all here, all waiting to be discovered by you!
This package includes:
- Overnight accommodations in our hotel
- USS Alabama Battleship Park admission for two adults
- Two Homewood Suites beverage huggers
Extra person and children's tickets may be purchased from park operator. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance.
