We spent an afternoon touring the USS Alabama and the surrounding Memorial Park. We’ve driven east/west on I-10 a few times past this battleship park and finally came in to be able to visit. Any military buff will love this place. The USS Alabama is a beautiful lady, alongside her is the USS Drum WWII submarine, surrounded by military aircraft and vehicles, both inside the hangar and around the grounds. There is a great memorial set for Korea, Vietnam and the War on Terror/9-11.
This is my third post on ECRVJourney, the USS North Carolina, USS Yorktown and USS Laffey and now the USS Alabama. I love the history of these beautiful ships and the legacy of those who served and serve today.
Let’s begin with the main attraction, the Big-A herself. The USS Alabama served throughout WWII, earning nine battle stars.
The complement of 2,400 enlisted and officers served within these compartments.
Next to the USS Drum. Manned with 83 officers and enlisted, she served gallantly through the western Pacific from 1941-1946. She earned 12 battle stars and sank 80,580 tons of enemy shipping, eighth highest of all US submarines in total Japanese tonnage sunk.
For those who stood with right hand raised and spoke these words…thank you! We thank you and this nation thanks you!
“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
The museum within the hangar.
The aircraft and vehicles around the grounds.
The Memorials
Never forget the price of freedom!
