MOBILE — Governor Kay Ivey cut the ribbon Thursday for the opening of the newly restored teak deck of the USS Alabama in Mobile.
The main deck of the USS Alabama was replaced after 80 years, but the original teak deck was made into souvenirs and memorabilia that helped fund the replacement project. Those items are for sale in the USS Alabama Memorial Park gift shop.
“It's an honor to be here at the Battleship Memorial Park to celebrate a proud moment in Alabama,” Ivey said.
Ivey pointed out that the ribbon cutting occurred during an important anniversary event. In June 1965, the state was awarded the USS Alabama.
“Six decades ago, Alabama joined the cause of saving their battleship, one of the greatest American warships to sail the sea,” Ivey continued. “What a great honor, Alabama.”
Ivey said the battleship is one of the most inspirational and popular attractions on the Gulf Coast and all of America because of those who work to maintain it. Since the park opened in 1965, the ship has seen an estimated 17 million visitors.
State Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He told 1819 News that the USS Alabama was a symbol of freedom. He expressed great appreciation for having the ship in Alabama.
“It's a memory,” he said. “If you talk about an artifact, this is the living entity of fighting for America. It is the representation. So many others have gone to the scrap heap or other places. Very few are here and those that are here – very few of them are as well-maintained as what we have.”
Crews have been working on the deck since 2022 and have worked non-stop, with the exception of Christmas and some weather days.
The USS Alabama was a World War II battleship that housed a crew of 2,500 in the North Atlantic and South Pacific seas.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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