Step back in time to see what life was really like during WWII aboard the USS Alabama. Battleship Memorial Park presents Living History Crew Drills that will immerse you in a history that should never be forgotten!
Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama is a military history park and museum with a large collection of historic ships and planes. The facility is home to two National Historic Landmarks: the battleship USS Alabama and a historic submarine, the USS Drum.
The 175 acre park was opened in January 1965 as a home to the USS Alabama, which was due to be scrapped. A grass-roots campaign of Alabama residents raised enough money to have the USS Alabama preserved in Mobile Bay as a memorial to those who served in World War II. Thereafter, it was only natural to continue to add to the collection.
Despite the name, today the park contains much more than battleships, alone. Visitors are treated to a large collection of military gear, artillery, and vehicles. Battleship Memorial Park has artifacts from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard representing a variety of eras and conflicts.
The collection includes over 28 aircraft, a variety of tanks, personnel carriers, a Vietnam-era River Patrol Boat, the President’s helicopter, and much more. There are also a number of memorials on the grounds. These include a Korean Memorial, a Vietnam Memorial, the U.S. Coast Guard Fallen Guardian Memorial, and many others. There's even a Service Dog War Memorial.
Most exciting of all, however, is the opportunity to board and explore the USS Alabama. Battleship Memorial Park gives you access to 12 decks of this historic battleship. Man a 12mm gun, walk the decks, and take a turn in the brig for a sense of what life aboard her must have been like.
Visitors may also explore the USS Drum, the oldest American submarine on display in the world. Nothing can prepare you for the claustrophobic environment early submariners had to face aboard this historic, decorated ship.
For an even more informative experience, time your visit to coincide with a USS Alabama Living History Crew Drill!
During one of these special, historical reenactments, you'll witness history coming to life aboard this famous battleship. Watch as "crews" go through emergency drills, a call to battle stations, and their daily jobs. Thrill to Yak attacks by enemy airplanes and the sound of 20mm and 40mm guns.
Battleship Memorial Park Living History Crew Drill Schedule
June 24-25
August 19-20
October 7-8
December 2-3
