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

USS Orleck Destroyer- Lake Charles, LA

On deck of the USS Orleck.

In my previous post on Sam Houston Jones State Park I mentioned a side trip to the USS Orleck. I wanted to do a separate post on the USS Orleck because it is such an unusual attraction.

The USS Orleck, a Destroyer, is currently docked in Lake Charles, LA but is looking to move to a more permanent site in nearby Westlake, LA. Needless to say this visit was not what I expected.

When we arrived at the USS Orleck the first thing I was surprised to see was the parking situation. The parking lot is gravel and is in need of some grading but if you take it slow you will be O.K. As we prepared to board the ship I was once again surprised. This is not the polished tourist ship I had become used to when visiting similar attractions. This was definitely a work in progress.

On the bridge of the USS Orleck. Photo by Vinson Mouser

I will not go into the history of the ship so as not to spoil it but I will give you this teaser. Not only was this destroyer a US Navy ship, it was also commissioned in the Turkish Navy. You will be escorted by a knowledgeable tour guide who will give you all the details.

As I mentioned earlier the ship is a work in progress. It is not polished, it is somewhat grimy, but completely fascinating. You really get a hands on feel of the ongoing work. 

If you like touring navy ships then this ship is well worth the visit. I do not recommend small children. Personally, I would suggest no one under 7 years of age. Older might be better. We had our 2 year old with us and I was nervous with him. There was a lot of climbing and several high areas.

Climbing through one of the hatches. Photo by Vinson Mouser

You will get to see most of the ship which includes the first type of unmanned drone, the bridge, radio room, radar room, and the typical dining and sleeping quarters. I was surprised to learn some of the areas still have live wires as we were warned in one place not to touch anything.

There is a very interesting museum/memorabilia area. I could have spent a good hour reading newspapers clippings, looking at pictures, and more but with a two year old it was difficult.

I would recommend this boat if you are looking for a slightly unusual experience.

You need to be prepared to walk and climb ladders. There are some high areas you will access. I had some vertigo in these areas but most of the ship I was able to get by. If you don't like heights you may want to bypass some of the ship.


For more information visit: USS Orleck