USS Alabama Battleship Commission

USS Alabama Battleship Commission
Name	USS Alabama Battleship Commission
Formation	0 1964
Location	Mobile, Alabama
Key people	Bill Tunnell (First Chairman)
Focus	Preservation of USS Alabama (BB-60)
Website	www.ussalabama.com

USS Alabama Battleship Commission. The USS Alabama Battleship Commission is a state agency of Alabama created by an act of the Alabama Legislature to acquire, restore, and maintain the historic World War II battleship USS Alabama (BB-60) as a public memorial and museum. Established in the early 1960s, the commission successfully led a statewide fundraising campaign to bring the vessel to Mobile Bay, where it now serves as the centerpiece of the Battleship Memorial Park. Its ongoing mission encompasses the preservation of this National Historic Landmark, the operation of a major tourist attraction, and the provision of extensive educational programs on naval and military history.

History and establishment

The commission was formally established through Act No. 64-179 passed by the Alabama Legislature in 1963, with Governor George Wallace signing the act into law. This legislative action was the culmination of efforts by a dedicated group of Alabama citizens, led by prominent Mobile attorney and former United States Navy officer Bill Tunnell, who became its first chairman. The primary impetus was to save the decommissioned ''South Dakota''-class battleship USS Alabama (BB-60) from the scrapyard following its removal from the Navy reserve fleet in Bremerton, Washington. Following its establishment, the commission launched the "Save Our Ship" campaign, a monumental grassroots fundraising effort that involved schoolchildren, civic organizations, and businesses across the state, ultimately raising over $1 million. This success allowed the commission to formally accept custody of the vessel from the United States Department of the Navy and oversee its historic 5,600-mile tow from Bremerton to Mobile in 1964, with the battleship being dedicated as a state memorial in 1965.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is the perpetual preservation and public exhibition of USS Alabama (BB-60) and other historic military artifacts as monuments to the service and sacrifice of Alabama citizens in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Key objectives include maintaining the structural and cosmetic integrity of the battleship and other park vessels, such as the submarine USS Drum (SS-228), to the highest museum standards. Furthermore, the commission aims to provide an engaging, historically accurate educational experience for all visitors, fostering an appreciation for World War II history, naval technology, and veterans' contributions. A long-term objective is to ensure financial self-sufficiency through admissions, donations, and careful stewardship of assets to guarantee the memorial's existence for future generations.

Governance and organization

The commission operates as an instrumentality of the State of Alabama under the purview of the Alabama Legislature. It is governed by a board of commissioners appointed by the Governor of Alabama, with representation required from both the Mobile County legislative delegation and the state at large. Day-to-day operations and management of Battleship Memorial Park are overseen by an executive director and a professional staff specializing in museum curation, historic preservation, facilities management, and public relations. The organizational structure also includes advisory boards and maintains a close working relationship with support organizations like the separate USS Alabama Foundation for fundraising initiatives.

Fundraising and financial management

Initial acquisition was funded by the historic public "Save Our Ship" campaign, which collected donations ranging from pocket change from schoolchildren to substantial contributions from major corporations. Modern financial operations rely on a combination of revenue streams, including park admission fees, gift shop sales, facility rentals for events, and donations processed through the affiliated USS Alabama Foundation. The commission practices conservative fiscal management, with a significant portion of annual revenues directed toward ongoing preservation projects, capital improvements, and a dedicated maintenance fund. Major restoration campaigns, such as those for the ship's teak decks or 16-inch gun turrets, are often funded through targeted capital campaigns and grants from entities like the National Park Service Save America's Treasures program.

Preservation and maintenance efforts

Preservation is a continuous, multimillion-dollar effort due to the harsh marine environment of Mobile Bay. The commission employs a full-time team of painters, welders, and marine specialists who follow protocols established by the Naval History and Heritage Command and the Historic Naval Ships Association. Major projects have included dry-docking the battleship for hull work, comprehensive superstructure repainting, and intricate restoration of interior compartments like the wardroom and pilothouse to their World War II appearance. The commission also cares for other park artifacts, including the submarine USS Drum (SS-228), a collection of Army Air Force aircraft like the B-52 Stratofortress, and numerous tanks and artillery pieces, ensuring their protection from corrosion and deterioration.

Public access and educational programs

Battleship Memorial Park is open to the public year-round, offering self-guided tours throughout the massive battleship, submarine, and aircraft pavilion. The commission develops extensive educational programming, including structured field trips aligned with Alabama state curriculum standards, overnight "Camping on the Battleship" experiences for scout groups, and specialized tours focusing on topics like naval engineering or the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Outreach includes hosting annual events for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, participating in the statewide Fourth grade history curriculum, and providing virtual learning resources. The park also serves as a venue for private events, military ceremonies, and reunions for veterans' groups like the ship's own association.

Recognition and awards

The commission's work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards for historic preservation and museum operations. USS Alabama (BB-60) was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, a status awarded by the Secretary of the Interior for its exceptional national significance. The commission has received the Rear Admiral Ernest M. Eller Award from the Historic Naval Ships Association for outstanding restoration projects. Furthermore, the park is consistently awarded top ratings from travel and museum review platforms and has been recognized by the Alabama Tourism Department as one of the state's most visited attractions, highlighting its success in fulfilling its mission of education and remembrance.

Category:Organizations based in Alabama Category:Museums in Mobile, Alabama Category:Maritime museums in Alabama Category:1964 establishments in Alabama