The USS Alabama’s role in helping defeat the Axis powers during World War II is well documented in military history.
Now the great battleship is serving in another capacity by educating visitors about the part it played in the war. And while thousands tour the ship each year at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, a visit to the Alabama is twice as exciting for Royal Ambassadors (RAs), Boy Scouts and other youth groups who can enjoy overnight outings-thus learning about history while enjoying time with their friends.
Dale Henderson, an RA counselor with Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills, said a trip he took with a group of RAs several years ago served as a living history lesson for the boys who spent the night aboard the ship.
“It gave them a chance to learn a little bit about the history of the ship and how it was used,” said Henderson.
One of the RAs participating in the trip was Henderson’s son, Zac, who was then 7.
“Not only is it fun to send the night out, but it’s an experience one doesn’t get to do- spending the night on a battleship- every day, particularly at that age.”
Henderson said the boys enjoyed the trip so much that another visit is planned for this August. “You have the run of the ship, except for areas that are warded off,” said Henderson, who noted that in addition to sleeping in special quarters, the boys were allowed to tour the ship and had a sunrise service on the deck of the Alabama.
John Brown, who served aboard the Alabama during the war, said he is encouraged by such outings among youth groups.
“They will always remember that they visited that ship and what it was like and how it must have been for people who manned that ship and other ships just like it,” he said.
“I don’t think the youngsters today really realize the importance of the what Alabama did, or what the Navy, or what the Army did during World War II,” Brown said.
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