Published On: 02.01.19 | 

By: 14236

On this day in Alabama history: USS Alabama construction began

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Stern view of the USS Alabama), Feb. 15, 1942. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

February 1, 1940

Construction on the USS Alabama began on this day in 1940. The Alabama started its service during World War II, patrolling the Atlantic. However, it played a more crucial role later in the war, helping liberate many Pacific islands from Japanese forces from 1943 through 1945. At 680 feet long and more than 108 feet wide, the USS Alabama was a round-the-clock project for more than 30 months, and involved more than 3,000 workers. After the war, the Alabama was decommissioned, and came very close to being scrapped. However, a fundraising effort spared the ship, which was moved to Mobile, where it anchors the 155-acre Battleship Memorial Park.

Read more at Encyclopedia of Alabama.

For more on Alabama’s Bicentennial, visit Alabama 200.