Man Your Battle Stations !
When traveling through our country, I am often amazed if not amused at the collections of war “junk” that we decide to place on our city squares and courthouse lawns. I wonder if the howitzers on display are a show of Government might so we don’t go off on the unsuspecting DMV worker. For some reason, an M16 tank with the barrel pointing down Main street is just a little too much, in your face, largess for my taste.
I am all for honoring the men, women, and K9’s (more on that later) that served our country and Battleship Park does that eloquently. Battleship Park is a showplace for American military ships, planes, tanks, and armaments. I am a bit conflicted about the collection before me. These are marvelous machines of destruction and for ensuring our way of life, it’s just unfortunate that they are necessary.
The first outdoor exhibit upon entering the park is Vickery’s bridge, a Korean War Memorial. Adjacent to that is a wall with a Huey Helicopter hovering over it memorializing Alabamians lost in the Vietnam war. I view the wall and upon closer inspection of the Huey, I notice a dog statue with a torn and faded flag around his neck. Much to my surprise, this is a memorial dedicated to Alabama War Dogs. Recognizing the 4 legged soldiers that have made the ultimate sacrifice in our armed forces. Reading names like Bruno, King, Rover, and Sarge, I have a sense of longing for my little general, Murphy.
USS Alabama
The showpiece of the park is the USS Alabama, a World War II-era battleship that saw action in the Pacific theater. I enter the ship and proceed along the self-directed tour. The 40’s big band music playing throughout the ship immediately places me back in time. A time, when men were obviously much smaller than I. The halls, doorways and stairwells are cramped at best. It is unimaginable that 2,500 men once called this place home.
I have always had a soft spot for the greatest generation and those that served in WWII, but that appreciation hits a new level today. What those young men must have endured in those dark, dank rooms, away from home never knowing if they would see their families again. Heck, I am put off by the smell of paint fumes from a small cabin being restored, I don’t think I have the mettle to serve as that generation did.
The ship is literally a floating city that is armed to the hilt. Below the gun turrets are: the sleeping quarters, barbershop, cobbler, galley, bakery, print shop, and even the brig just to name a few. I’m quite certain you could’ve found me at the Gedunk (the soda fountain) on most days.
Aircraft Pavilion
The Pavilion in a cramped hanger displaying planes of all war eras. While pursuing the aircraft, I notice a shaking and gyrating simulator on the other side of the hanger. I beeline for the thing. The display is an F-18 simulator and there is no line for it. In fact, there is no one around. Excited I can ride it by myself, I quickly pluck down the $5 and jump aboard for the Top Gun type ride.
USS Drum
I think the USS Alabama is a claustrophobics nightmare, that is until I enter the submarine USS Drum. The DRUM, also at Battleship Park, is the oldest American submarine on public display. Hats off to the 80+ crew members that could live in the football field length thermos bottle. The submarine is meticulously restored and polished to the hilt. It is a marvel of ingenuity and beauty. I enjoyed learning of Stateside, the crew’s pet dog who served aboard the submarine. That would be a fun place to toss a tennis ball around.
When not on the road, he helps others fulfill their yearning to travel as a Membership Specialist for Thousand Trails.
destination might be, I see a U-Haul trailer with catfish emblazoned on the side. It announces Belzoni as the 