MOBILE, Alabama – The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is celebrating its 59th anniversary this month, having opened to the public on Jan. 9, 1965, following a public campaign that included Alabama schoolchildren donating their pennies, nickels and dimes to have the historic ship towed to Mobile Bay.
USS Alabama, a 35,000-ton South Dakota class battleship, was built at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia. Commissioned in August 1942, she operated along the U.S. east coast in late 1942 and early 1943 and was then stationed in the North Atlantic to guard against the threat of raids by German heavy ships.
Alabama was transferred to the Pacific in August 1943. During November of that year, she took part in the operation to capture the Gilbert Islands. In 1944, Alabama participated in taking the Marshalls, the Marianas and Leyte, the Battles of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf, and raids on Japanese positions elsewhere in the Pacific.
Following overhaul and training in January-April 1945, the battleship rejoined the fleet for operations in the Western Pacific, including attacks on the Japanese home islands. She took part in the occupation of Japan and the return of veterans to the United States in August-October 1945.
USS Alabama decommissioned at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, in January 1947 and remained in reserve until struck from the Naval Vessel Register in June 1962. Two years later, she was turned over to the state of Alabama.
Since September 1964, Alabama has been berthed at Mobile as a memorial to those who served and sacrificed during World War II, opening to the public Jan. 9, 1965, for tours and educational programs.
“On this day, 59 years ago, the park welcomed its first visitors in 1965,” the park’s Facebook said in a celebratory post. “We cannot thank everyone enough for their continuous support over the years as we continue to honor those who have bravely served our country.”
The USS Alabama battleship today is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Once the home to a crew of 2,500, the ship and her crew culminated its World War II mission leading the American Fleet into Tokyo Bay on Sept. 5, 1945. Nine Battle Stars for meritorious service were awarded the “Mighty A.”
More than 15 million visitors later and a statewide economic impact approaching $1 billion, the park, which includes military aircraft, a submarine and numerous other displays representing every branch of the U.S. military, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the state of Alabama.
“Dedicated to all Alabama citizens who have worn the uniform of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, the Park’s numerous artifacts, exhibits, and displays all point to the fact that the park is America’s most unique military attraction,” its website states. “Come see for yourself.”
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