Uss Alabama Bb-60: Americas Mighty Battleship

The USS Alabama BB-60 is a battleship that has become an iconic symbol of American military might and history. Commissioned in 1942, the USS Alabama served in World War II, playing a significant role in several crucial battles, including the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Today, the USS Alabama is a museum ship and memorial in Mobile Bay, Alabama, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the sailors who served on board.

Early Years and Commissioning

The USS Alabama was built at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Portsmouth, Virginia, and was commissioned on August 16, 1942. The ship was the sixth battleship to bear the name Alabama, and it was the fourth South Dakota-class battleship built by the United States Navy. The USS Alabama was designed to be a fast and maneuverable battleship, with a top speed of 27.5 knots and a range of over 15,000 nautical miles.

Design and Armament

The USS Alabama was equipped with nine 16-inch guns, which were mounted in three triple turrets. The ship also had twenty 5-inch guns, which were used for anti-aircraft defense and secondary armament. The USS Alabama was also equipped with 45mm and 20mm anti-aircraft guns, which were used to defend against enemy aircraft.

World War II Service

The USS Alabama played a significant role in several crucial battles during World War II. The ship was part of Task Force 16, which was tasked with supporting the invasion of the Gilbert Islands in November 1943. The USS Alabama also played a key role in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, which took place in June 1944. During this battle, the USS Alabama helped to defend against a large-scale Japanese air attack, and the ship's anti-aircraft guns were instrumental in shooting down several enemy aircraft.

Notable Battles and Campaigns

Some notable battles and campaigns that the USS Alabama participated in include:

Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign (November 1943-February 1944)
Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944)
Mariana Islands campaign (June-August 1944)
Iwo Jima campaign (February-March 1945)
Okinawa campaign (April-June 1945)

Museum Ship and Memorial

After the war, the USS Alabama was decommissioned and placed in reserve. In 1962, the ship was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for scrapping. However, a group of veterans and citizens from Alabama campaigned to save the ship and convert it into a museum and memorial. The USS Alabama was towed to Mobile Bay, Alabama, where it was berthed and opened to the public as a museum ship in 1964.

Today, the USS Alabama is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alabama, and it is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the sailors who served on board. The ship is also home to a collection of historic aircraft, including a B-29 bomber and an F-86 Sabre jet fighter.

Visiting the USS Alabama

Visitors to the USS Alabama can take a self-guided tour of the ship, which includes the bridge, engine rooms, and crew quarters. The ship also features a number of exhibits and artifacts, including a collection of historic aircraft and a Medal of Honor exhibit.

Gallery of USS Alabama BB-60