If you’re a history buff, military enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique family outing, Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama is worth the visit. This impressive site is home to the famed USS Alabama, a World War II-era battleship, and a collection of military aircraft, tanks, and submarines that offer a hands-on look into America’s past.
From the towering decks of the battleship to the tight quarters of the submarine USS Drum, the park gives visitors a real sense of what life was like for those who served. It’s not just a museum—it’s an immersive experience that brings history to life in a big way.
USS Alabama – A Walk in the Park
Touring through the USS Alabama is interesting in that you can see where the men slept, where they ate, where they watched movies, had recreation time and even got paid. Did you know that at any one time there were several hundred thousand dollars kept for payment to the troops as well as a brig.
The movie Under Siege with Steven Segal was filmed on the Alabama in 1992. The USS Alabama is a stand in for the USS Missouri in the movie.
Some key facts about Battleship Memorial Park:
- USS Alabama (BB-60): The centerpiece of Battleship Memorial Park is the USS Alabama, a South Dakota-class battleship that served in World War II. The ship was commissioned in 1942 and saw significant action in the Pacific Theater.
- Aircraft Collection: Battleship Memorial Park boasts an impressive collection of military aircraft, including a B-52 Stratofortress, A-12 Blackbird, and a P-51 Mustang. These aircraft represent different eras and branches of the U.S. military.
- Memorials and Monuments: The park includes various memorials and monuments dedicated to the military and veterans, including a Vietnam Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Fallen Comrade Memorial, honoring the sacrifices of American soldiers.
- Tank and Artillery Display: Visitors can explore an extensive collection of tanks and artillery pieces from different periods, such as the M4 Sherman tank and the M42 Duster, showcasing the evolution of ground combat vehicles.
- Historical Significance: Both the USS Alabama and USS Drum are National Historic Landmarks, recognized for their significant contributions to the United States’ naval history during World War II.
- Self-Guided Tours: The park offers self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the interior of the USS Alabama and USS Drum, including the battleship’s gun turrets, engine rooms, and living quarters, providing a glimpse into the life of sailors during the war.
- Educational Programs: Battleship Memorial Park hosts a variety of educational programs and events for students and history enthusiasts, including overnight encampments on the USS Alabama, providing an immersive historical experience.
- Annual Events: The park regularly hosts special events such as Veterans Day celebrations, Memorial Day ceremonies, and the USS Alabama’s annual reunion, drawing visitors from across the country to honor and remember military history.
- Veteran Dedications: Many of the exhibits and displays at Battleship Memorial Park are dedicated to veterans, with plaques and markers that tell the stories of individual servicemen and women, ensuring that their contributions and sacrifices are remembered and celebrated.
USS Drum
Right next to the USS Alabama, you’ll find the USS Drum, a World War II submarine that offers a powerful glimpse into life beneath the waves. Unlike the open decks of the battleship, the Drum is a tight, narrow vessel filled with switches, dials, and countless hidden details. It’s hot. It’s noisy. And it was extremely dangerous.
Life on Board: Cramped, Challenging, and Critical
Serving on a submarine like the Drum meant knowing your stuff—every single button, switch, and valve. Submariners had to be ready to act anywhere on board in case of an emergency. That’s why crew members had to learn the submarine inside and out. Once they proved their knowledge, they earned the dolphin badge, one of the most respected honors in naval service.
There was nothing glamorous about life underwater. Space was tight, and privacy was non-existent. Showers were rare—sometimes taken using condensed water from breathing and body heat. Or, if the crew was lucky, rainwater collected when the sub surfaced.
One term that says it all: “hotbunking.” That’s when a sailor finishes a shift, wakes up the person in their bunk, and immediately lies down in the still-warm bed. There weren’t enough sleeping spaces for everyone, so they rotated through them. Beds were squeezed into any open spot, even among the torpedoes or near the engine.
USS Drum Quick Facts
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Oldest Display Submarine in the U.S.: The USS Drum (SS-228) is the oldest American submarine open to the public. It was launched on May 12, 1941, and played a key role during World War II.
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Combat Record: The Drum conducted 13 war patrols in the Pacific Theater. During those missions, it sank 15 enemy ships and damaged several more. For its service, it earned 12 battle stars, making it one of the most successful submarines of its time.
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Firepower: This submarine carried 10 torpedo tubes—six in the front, four in the rear—and could load up to 24 torpedoes. It also featured a 3-inch deck gun and various anti-aircraft weapons for surface and air defense.
A Sub Preserved for the Public
After being decommissioned in 1946, the USS Drum found a new home at Battleship Memorial Park in 1969. Since then, the park has worked hard to keep it in top condition. Restoration teams have helped return the sub to a state that closely resembles its World War II setup.
Visitors today can climb aboard and explore the tight hallways, peek into the torpedo room, and stand in the control center. You’ll see the radio equipment, navigation tools, and even the tiny galley where meals were prepared. It’s a hands-on experience that gives a real sense of how intense and demanding submarine service was.
Why It’s Worth a Visit
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The USS Drum isn’t just an old piece of machinery—it’s a floating storybook of American naval history. Walking through it brings a whole new appreciation for the sailors who lived and worked in such extreme conditions. It’s an unforgettable part of any visit to Battleship Memorial Park.
For hours, tickets, and special events, visit the official site.
Final Thoughts
Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama offers a meaningful and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. It’s a tribute to the men and women who served. If you’re looking for a unique and educational day trip, this park is well worth the visit.