Few places on the Gulf Coast carry as much history as the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile. Sitting along the shores of Mobile Bay, this memorial park honors the men and women who served in all branches of the United States Armed Forces, with two National Historic Landmark vessels, more than 30 aircraft, tanks, artillery, and a series of memorials that cover every major American conflict from World War I through the present day.
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USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park was created by the Alabama State Legislature in 1963 with a specific mission: to establish a permanent public memorial honoring Alabamians who served in all armed conflicts of the United States, and to educate the public on the contributions and sacrifices of veterans across all branches of service.
What started with a battleship that nearly got scrapped has grown into one of the most comprehensive military memorial parks in the country.
When you arrive at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park you will need to pay for parking to enter the park. General parking is $5 and you pay that at the entrance gate. Larger vehicles are $30 (Rv's, tractor trailers, campers, and vehicles with 3 or more axles).
One really cool thing about visiting the USS Alabama is it is so much more than just the military ships. Plan time to explore the grounds.
Tanks, Artillery, and Military Vehicles
Throughout the park grounds you will find a substantial collection of tanks, artillery pieces, and military vehicles representing all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Tanks in the collection include a M-26 Pershing, a M-4 Sherman, a M-48A1 Patton, a M-60A1, and a T-55 Russian/Iraqi tank captured during Desert Storm. Artillery pieces include the M42A 1 Duster, several 5-inch 38-caliber gun mounts, a M1A1 120mm Skysweeper, a 155mm Field Piece, and personnel carriers. Outside at the Coast Guard Memorial are a 26-foot Motor Surf Launch and a 41-foot Utility Boat.
Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion
Look for the Aircraft Pavilion after exploring the grounds to head towards the USS Alabama and USS Drum.
The Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion is dedicated to all of Alabama's Medal of Honor recipients. A memorial wall inside pays tribute to these heroes by name.
The collection includes more than 30 aircraft spanning World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and Coast Guard history. Standout pieces include the A-12 Blackbird spy plane, which flew at 2,300 miles per hour and 93,700 feet for CIA missions in 1965, with a wingspan of 56 feet and a length of 102 feet.
Also on display is a Red-Tail P-51 airplane like those flown by the Tuskegee Airmen, and Army One, a restored VH-1N Bell 212 helicopter that transported Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. A Vietnam-era River Patrol Boat (PBR) is also displayed inside the pavilion.
The pavilion also houses The Great War exhibit, honoring the 100th anniversary of World War I. The exhibit includes a WWI-era Ford Model T and artifacts from the Alabama Army National Guard's 167th Infantry Regiment, which served under the 42nd "Rainbow" Division.
A flight simulator is available inside the pavilion.
The Aircraft Pavilion is fully accessible and has wide, flat pathways throughout.
Once you leave the aircraft pavilion there is a paved path to the USS Alabama. Depending on tide levels the ramp up to the ship can be a bit steep.
Please make sure you are prepared for the Alabama Gulf Coast weather especially the hot summer sun.
There are three tour routes through the USS Alabama on the self-guided tour. After purchasing or showing your entrance tickets, you will be given a welcome aboard guide that shares more information about both the USS Alabama and the USS Drum.
The Yellow Tour includes the main and upper decks including officer's living spaces, ain guns, anti-aircraft guns, ship's bridge, flag plot room, and fire control tower.
The Red Tour includes below deck, stern of the ship, crew living spaces, galley, bakery, brig, barber shop, and laundry.
The Green Tour includes the forwar part of the ship below dcks, including the Warrant officers living spaces, Marine Corps living spaces, post office, sick bay, engine room, and radio room.
Visitors can follow one route or combine them depending on how much time you have.
The top deck of the USS Alabama is where you can see the three massive 16-inch gun turrets. Each turret is capable of firing shells weighing over a ton a distance of 23 miles, and standing next to them gives you a real sense of the firepower the Alabama carried.
Scattered across the deck are the anti-aircraft guns that defended the ship during combat, the 5-inch dual-purpose guns, 40mm Bofors cannons, and 20mm Oerlikon cannons, all of which played a critical role during the Alabama's years in the Pacific.
The main deck is also the most accessible part of the ship, with ramps for boarding and pathways around the gun turrets that can be navigated by most visitors regardless of mobility.
There are stairs to access different areas within the USS Alabama. There is a floor that is accessible with signs showing the accessible route through the displays and information.
The Mobile Area Multi Attraction Pass includes the National Maritime Museum along with Bellingrath Gardens, Bragg-Mitchell Museum, Dauphin Island Aquarium, Conde Charlotte Museum, Historic Blakely State Park, Historic Oakleigh House, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, and more!
The USS Drum
The USS Drum launched on May 12th, 1941, and spent its time during World War II prowling the waters of the Pacific, including the waters surrounding Tokyo and Iwowa Jima. The USS Drum had a crew of 72, including a dog called Stateside.
During its war patrols, the submarine performed reconnaissance missions, sunk enemy cargo ships and naval ships. During its fourth war patrol, the USS Drum was also responsible for planting mines in the Bungo Channel.
The USS Drum patrolled the waters during several major engagements in the Pacific, including the Battle for Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Iwo Jima. The USS Drum has an impressive number of sinkings at 15, sinking 80,580 tons of enemy cargo. The submarine was decommissioned in 1947.
When you leave the aircraft pavilion, you will ascend the staircase next to the submarine and then go down the hatch into the Forward Torpedo Room. You caan walk the length of the submarine before coming up the hatch in the After Torpedo Room.
The Hatches (door openings) are small!
Picnic and Recreational Area
The bayside picnic area has individual covered picnic tables and benches with small grills available for use. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.
Why you will love visiting the USS Alabama
- Two National Historic Landmark vessels to tour at your own pace
- More than 30 historic aircraft spanning multiple conflicts T
- anks, artillery, and military vehicles from World War II through Desert Storm
- Multiple war memorials covering every major American conflict
- Bayside picnic area
- Locally owned restaurant on site
- Free bike repair station
- One of the most comprehensive military memorial parks on the Gulf Coast
The Mobile Area Multi Attraction Pass includes the National Maritime Museum along with Bellingrath Gardens, Bragg-Mitchell Museum, Dauphin Island Aquarium, Conde Charlotte Museum, Historic Blakely State Park, Historic Oakleigh House, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, and more!
Things to know when planning a visit to the USS Alabama
Address - 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile, Alabama 36602
Phone - 1-800-GANGWAY (1-800-426-4924) or 251-433-2703
Hours - Open daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last ticket sold at 4:00 PM. Ticket office and gift shop close at 4:00 PM. Open every day except Christmas Day. Christmas Eve hours are 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with the last ticket sold at 1:00 PM.
Please confirm with the park to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - The aircraft pavilion is accessible with everything on a concrete floor with space to maneuver around. The USS Alabama has sections that are accessible. They are clearly marked with signs and arrows. The USS Drum is not accessible.
Plus Size Seating - There are airplane seats near a few of the movie areas so you can sit and watch the informational fims. On the USS Alabama there are chairs in a couple rooms that you can rest on.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, Please make sure you are prepared for the Alabama Gulf Coast sun and humidity!
Pets - There are kennels on-site for dogs. They have fans but are outside.
Parking - There is a large parking area available.
History of the USS Alabama
Located along the picturesque shores of Mobile Bay in Alabama, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park stands as a testament to the valor and sacrifice of those who served in the United States Military.
This memorial complex not only honors the storied past of the USS Alabama battleship but also those of the USS Drum and all those who received the Medal of Honor from Alabama.
World War II
World War II, the conflict to which the USS Alabama took part in, was a global conflict that began in 1939. The war initially began in Europe, igniting when the leader of Germany, Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland, causing Britain to declare war on Germany. But soon, it spread to other parts of the world.
The United States joined the war in 1941 when Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Naval fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the 7th of December, 1941. The United States actively engaged in warfare in the Pacific Theater, as well as on the European Front.
America's involvement in World War II was marked by tremendous sacrifice and heroism, with 16 million servicemen and women serving in the war around the globe. World War II remains the deadliest conflict in human history, leaving an estimated 80 million people dead.
The USS Alabama
The USS Alabama, preserved as a memorial at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, was known as the "Heroine of the Pacific" or the "Mighty A"
during her time in World War II. The USS Alabama is a South Dakota Class of battleships built during the 1940s.
The keel of the USS Alabama was laid on February 1st, 1940, at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Portsmouth, Virginia. The USS Alabama was the sixth ship in U.S. Naval history to bear the name Alabama.
When America declared war on Japan in December of 1941, the hull of the USS Alabama was nearly completed. The South Dakota Class battleship was completed in 1942 and launched on the 16th of February of that year. The ship was placed in full commission on the 16th of August, 1942, with Captain George B. Wilson in command.
During World War II, the ship had a crew of 2,500.
The performance of the ship was tested in the Chesapeake Bay area and Casco Bay, Maine, during the ship's shakedown training which began on November 11, 1942. On March 20th, 1943, Captain Wilson was replaced by Captain Fred D. Kirtland. Under Kirkland, the USS Alabama took part in the Murmansk Run, protecting lend-lease convoys to Britain and Russia.
The USS Alabama in the Pacific
In late August 1943, the USS Alabama arrived in the Pacific and in September, began serving with the Pacific Third Fleet at Efate, New Hebrides. The first major engagement the ship was involved in was in the November and December of 1943, in the Gilbert Islands.
After the Gilbert Islands, the Alabama made its way to Roi and Nauru where it heavily shelled several military targets. After that, the ship was anchored in the Kwajalein and Majuro Islands, where plans were made for an attack on the Caroline and Marianas Islands.
The attack took place on the 12th of February, 1944. After the attack the USS Alabama bombed military bases on the Marianas, during which it endured several air attacks from Japanese forces, managing to down one plane.
Throughout the rest of her time in the Pacific, the USS Alabama took part in strikes on Ponape and Truk, Saipan, and the battle of the Philippine Sea.
The Alabama also took part in invasion support operations at Guam. The Alabama was involved in operations to occupy the Southern Carolines and the Palaus, and later, several operations in the Philippines.
The Alabama often endured heavy fire from Japanese planes, and provided anti-aircraft cover for the American fleet and airforce during the many raids and strikes it participated in. One of the Alabama's last operations took place in the Philippines during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
On Christmas Eve 1944, the USS Alabama retired for a period of leave to the United States, after 2 years of active duty. After a period of leave, the Alabama returned to the Pacific, this time it's target was the Japanese home islands.
For the remainder of the war, the USS Alabama participated in several operations on the Japanese Home Islands. In July 1945, the USS Alabama heavily bombarded targets on Honshu Island.
At the end of World War II, the Alabama was anchored in Tokyo Bay, where her crew assisted with the occupation of the Yokosuka-Tokyo area. The USS Alabama returned to the United States shortly after. The battleship was decommissioned in 1947.
Mobile Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Mobile Restaurants
Bistro Saint Emanuel - Brunch and dinner in downtown Mobile's Fort Conde Village with Southern flair and French colonial history. One of the most interesting restaurant spaces in Mobile.
Callaghan's Irish Social Club - A neighborhood restaurant in Mobile with one of the best burgers in the city. Don't let the neighborhood location fool you.
Nova Espresso - A relaxed downtown Mobile coffee shop with a great espresso bar and pastries from Dropout Bakery on hand. Good spot to start the morning before heading to the park.
Mobile Attractions
National Maritime Museum of the Gulf - More than 80 interactive maritime exhibits in a ship-shaped building in downtown Mobile. A natural companion stop for anyone spending the day at the battleship park.
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center - Downtown Mobile's hands-on science museum with a digital dome theater and rotating exhibits. Great for families with kids.
Mobile History Museum - Two floors of exhibits covering Mobile's full history, including a standout Mardi Gras exhibit and the miniature house gallery that is genuinely worth slowing down for.
Colonial Fort Conde - A one-third scale replica of the 1723 French fort that once guarded Mobile, with a full museum inside covering the city's colonial past. Admission is through the History Museum of Mobile across the street.
Conde Charlotte Museum - A historic Mobile landmark home that tells the story of the city through five different flags of rule. Tours available Tuesday through Saturday.
Mardi Gras Park - A downtown park celebrating Mobile as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, dating back to 1703. Remnants of the original Fort Conde are visible from the park.
Perdido Queen Riverboat - Sunset dinner cruises, brunch cruises, murder mystery nights, and scenic port tours on Mobile Bay. A fun way to see the city from the water.
What's New in Mobile, Alabama - Our running guide to new restaurants, attractions, and events in Mobile. Worth checking before your visit.
Celebrate Mardi Gras in Mobile - If your visit falls during Carnival season, this is everything you need to know about Mobile's Mardi Gras celebrations.
Mobile Tours
3 Day Mobile City Attraction Pass - Visit some of the top attractions in Mobile with this great attraction pass. Find out more here
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park - pre-purchase your entrance tickets to the USS Alabama here
Downtown Mobile Food Tour- Join an amazing food tour of Mobile's LoDa neighborhood with stops at some truly fantastic local restaurants. Book your tour here
Mobile Ghost Tour - An expert local guide will take you through the historic district of Mobile learning about the spine-chilling stories of spirits and the cities past. Book your tour here
Mobile Smartphone guided walking tour - Learn more about the historic of Mobile and the iconic attractions of downtown Mobile from this great walking tour app you can do at your own pace. Download the tour here
Mobile Hotels and Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
The Battle House Hotel - The historic Battle House Hotel offer luxurious comfort in the heart of Downtown Mobile. Book your hotel stay here
Renaissance Mobile Riverview - Gorgeous hotel with views of the Mobile River and downtown. Book your stay here
Fort Conde Inn - Great luxury boutique hotel located close to the Mobile cruise terminal and Fort Conde historic area. Book your hotel stay here
The Admiral - Located in Downtown Mobile's historic district the Admiral is gorgeous! Filled with art, an epic steakhouse and, gorgeous rooms. Book your stay here.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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