USS Alabama Battleship and USS Drum Submarine- Mobile, AL

Troop 101 on board the USS Drum Submarine

Boy Scout Troop 101 recently took a trip to Mobile, Alabama. While in Alabama we stayed at Meaher State Park, toured the USS Alabama Battleship, and visited Gulf State Park Beach in Mississippi where we were able to swim in the Gulf of Mexico.

This was my second visit to the USS Alabama. I had previously visited the ship as a scout with Troop 103 from Lake Charles, LA.

When we arrived at the park grounds we were surprised to see thousands of people. There was a Blue Star Memorial Day occurring. I was caught a little off guard since when I contacted the park they had not mentioned this activity. We bypassed most of these activities and headed to the USS Drum Submarine first.

The big guns of the USS Alabama

The USS Drum Submarine is a World War II submarine that was launched on May 12, 1941. From the USS Alabama Battleship website: "Of DRUM's 13 war patrols, all save the second, ninth, and last two were designated "successful".  She received a total of 12 battle stars for World War II service. She is credited with sinking 15 ships, a total of 80,580 tons of enemy shipping, eighth highest of all U.S. submarines in total Japanese tonnage sunk."

We walked up onto the deck of the drum and the boys were able to get in behind the deck cannon of the USS Drum. We then went below and were greeted by a submarine vet who gave us some historical information on the USS Drum and answered many of our questions. 

The USS Drum looks big from the outside but when you get into it you find the inside is quite crowded. I found it interesting to learn how these defenders of our liberty lived during the war while aboard this submarine.

Troop 101 at the USS Alabama

After leaving the USS Drum we headed over to the USS Alabama. By contrast the USS Alabama is massive when compared to the USS Drum. The USS Alabama was launched February 16, 1942. From the USS Alabama website: "With a fighting name to live up to, Battleship USS ALABAMA BB-60 commenced her shakedown training on 11 November 1942. This series of trials, exercises, and drills was conducted in the Chesapeake Bay area and the operating area of Casco Bay, Maine. Upon completion of her post shakedown repair period, ALABAMA stood out from Norfolk and made the up-coast run to Casco Bay where she conducted tactical maneuvers in company with the USS SOUTH DAKOTA, her sister ship and namesake of the class."

We boarded the battleship and broke up into several smaller groups. Our group toured many of the guns on the USS Alabama's deck. We then went down below where we saw sleeping quarters, the commissary, the ships laundry room, sewing room, museum and so much more. 

We departed the battleship and headed over to the aircraft hanger where we were able to get up close views of airplanes and jets used in wars from as early as WW I through Iraq Desert Storm.

This was a fun and educational trip for our scout troop. If you are down in the area I would recommend making the trip at least once in your life. 

If you plan to visit the USS Alabama and USS Drum be prepared to do a lot of walking. Also be aware you will be entering confined spaces, climbing ladders, and visiting high area's.

For more information on USS Alabama and the USS Drum visit : Battleship USS Alabama