Let's go aboard the USS Alabama!

The USS Alabama (BB-60) is a decommissioned US Navy warship that is now on display at the Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, AL. The park also includes the USS Drum (SSN-228),a WWII era submarine.

The Alabama served proudly during her short naval career. She served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1947 first in the North Atlantic, then in the Pacific campaign. Her kills and awards are below.




Let's take a tour of the USS Alabama.






























The ship's bell.




The US Naval Jack on the jack staff at the bow of the ship. This jack is not currently used by the US Navy. They are currently using the First US Navy Jack during the Global War on Terror.

The First US Naval Jack onboard the USS Texas (BB-35)


Let's look at some of the weapon systems on board the Alabama.















20mm anti-air gun


This shows the 1st and 2nd 16 inch 45 caliber turrets.



This is the inside of the #2 turret.



5 inch guns.



This is the 5 inch radar director which controlled the 5 inch guns.

Let's go below.

First, let's take a look at sleeping quarters.

Here we have officer quarters. This stateroom is set up as LT W. T. Door's stateroom. During wartime, the staterooms would hold two officers and served as their office.





















Next we will take a look at some crew berthing.



Cramped would hardly describe this place!

Next we will take a look at the Skipper's sea cabin up by the bridge. This is where the captain lived while at sea.




Now, we will move to the most important part of the ship, the galley. Sailors don't work on empty stomachs!

First, the crew's galley.



This galley was were the officer's mess was prepared. The officers would have typically eaten in the wardroom.



Now we will look at some of the workstations on board the Alabama.

First, the supply officer



The sign on the right was in this office, just above the typewriter on the left.


This next office was of the Chief Master at Arms. Jimmy Legs served at the chief of the police for the ship. As the sign on the ship said, he did not win many popularity contests.



Is that a billy club on the rack? Note the various chief rating patches on the bulkhead.

The Alabama carried a detachment of Marines. Here is the landing force equipment office.




Next we have the radio room. This was Radio Central.



Next, the combat information center. Information was analyzed and disseminated here. The ship could also be navigated by radar from this compartment. One guy touring the ship said when passing this compartment, "They need to let me take this puppy for a spin!" I hope they don't.



Here is central station, which was the Executive Officer's battle station. The ship could be controlled from here. Note the master gyro-compass in the foreground.



Finally the power house of the ship, the engine room. The wheels would control the steam flow, one for forward, one for reverse. The generator is the high pressure steam turbine.



Fair winds and following seas.