By Troy Turner
Much has been made of the late Jimmy Buffett’s ties to Alabama, including his brief time as a student at Auburn University, notable concerts that included the University of Alabama, and of course the beloved songwriter’s admired lifestyle along the Gulf Coast and beaches around the world, highlighted by his song “Margaritaville.”
Buffett’s generosity was well known, but another example of it only became public knowledge when the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park revealed shortly after his passing that Buffett had made two major contributions to the park during 2022.
“Buffett wished to remain an anonymous donor. As the world mourns his passing, we are pleased to finally be able to share his generous contributions to the park,” its Facebook page reported. “The Grumman Goose and Boeing Stearman are both on display in the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion.”
The Grumman Goose was an amphibious flying boat designed by Grumman and used as a transport plane by the American military during World War II.
The Stearman, made by Boeing, was a biplane primarily used by the military as a trainer aircraft during the 1930s and 1940s.
Buffett was born Dec. 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He passed away at the age of 76 on Sept. 1, 2023, at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, surrounded by family and friends.
“Visitors will see a wreath and an iconic Hawaiian-styled shirt that has been placed by the Grumman Goose in honor of Buffett,” the USS Alabama Facebook post said, sharing photos of the tribute.
