The Guns & Armaments of the USS Alabama | History Traveler Episode 167

During WWII, America was humming as the country's manufacturing might was focused in on the war effort. One of the marvels of manufacturing during that time can seen in the construction of naval ships like the USS Alabama. In this episode, we're headed to Mobile, Alabama to explore the guns and armaments of a battleship that saw service in both the Atlantic and the Pacific and participated in some of the most iconic battles of the war. Much to learn on this one!

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All drone footage shot by a part 107 licensed pilot.

[aureaphilos]

My dad served aboard the Alabama, initially in one of the 5inch magazines, and for most of his tour, as the ship's Aerographers Mate (weather man). Amazingly, I was able to climb up to his cabin at the top of the superstructure, and see for myself the small space he called home for 3 years. I've been aboard the Massachusetts as well as the Alabama, and the experience is like night and day; the Massachusetts had been in mothballs, and thus had been stripped of much of its equipment and gear - esp. on the command deck. Alabama, by comparison, went straight to a museum after its decommissioning, meaning that everything is pretty much like it was when the men disembarked for the last time. My dad's binoculars and file cabinet were still in his cabin!

[andrewmcintosh]

Fantastic video mate.

I'm ex-Royal Navy and it reminded me of when we were alongside Wilmington and I popped onboard the USS North Carolina. Different class of ship but very similar. The magazine feeding compartment below it's 9 x 16" guns were huge.

It made our RN Type 23 Frigate HMS Marlborough look small and weak.

I've the utmost respect for our Allied sailors, American British Auatrailian Canadian etc who saw action in all the theaters, especially the Artic Convoys and the ferocious fighting against the Japanese in the Pacific.

During exercises off the South English coast, we would all be closed up at Action Stations.

My action station was the forward end of the ship on 2 deck ( deck below the waterline) just below the Vickers 4.5" gun. We would be drilled/tested to see how quick we could pass up and load the 4.5" gun manually from the magazine to the chamber of the 4.5" gun lifting the shells up through the decks.

It was character building work, we all, myself included had a part in moving the shells repeatedly.

No where near the size of 16" shells but I've an appreciation of what it must have been like for the sailors in the magazines and turrets.

I look forward to more of your videos.

Keep up the great work.🇬🇧🇺🇲⚓⚓⚓

[Paulio]

Thanks so much for doing this. My grandfather served on the Alabama in WW2. When I was a kid I used to constantly ask him about it and it never occurred to me that he probably didn't want to talk about it but he endulged my childhood curiosity. I like to think it was therapeutic for him because as time went on he actually seemed to enjoy telling me about the war. He died in 2003 and it's one of my fondest memories.

Also worth noting, as you pointed out, baseball hall of famer Bob Feller served on the Alabama and my uncle has an autographed baseball that Bob gave my grandfather when they served together.

[imperialsoulnelson]

As someone who lives close to the USS Alabama. I really appreciate the commentary on our namesake ship appreciate it man.

[waynesmith]

I am proud to say that two sailors from my small town of Oberlin, La served on the Alabama during WW2. Clarence Courville and L.C.Vizena.

[kachina]

Outstanding. Just fabulous. I live in Tucson, AZ but toured the Alabama with my wife and a WWII veteran uncle when we were in Mobile for a family wedding. Also a WWII Gato class sub moored nearby. Great history. My uncle served on a destroyer at Guadalcanal and throughout the Pacific campaign. Treat of my life to tour the Alabama with him and learn "topside" "bulkhead" and other Navy lingo and hear his stories. Sadly he just recently died at 102 years of age - tough old dude!. Great stuff Mr. History Traveler.

[martinedwards]

the men that worked these guns, elevators, hoists, charges, 2700lb round!!... they were a well oiled lean mean fightin machine!👍🏻👍🏻
im in complete awe of these men and their sacrifices🙏🇺🇸

[justplanebob]

I loved this video. We went to see the Alabama about 5 years ago. I remember standing out beside her thinking it doesn't look big enough to hold 2500 sailors. Then we went on board to walk and walk and walk until we were so sore we could not walk anymore. And we still couldn't see it all. The Dakota class ships are truly amazing. I think those in charge of design and manufacture spent a lot of time listening to the grunts in the deepest holes of previous ships and incorporated their ideas to make the manual jobs on the boat easier and faster to accomplish. A good lesson for current American Industry. Thanks so much. It was great to visit again. I'm going to be in better shape next time. haha.

[jamesnorton]

Very favorable mention goes to "Chip", badge # 10. I was very impressed by his explanations and speech on each item of interest. He was wearing a khaki Navy chief's hat with the foul anchor insignia, and I don't think I would be too far off guessing that he is a retired Navy Chief, serving as a tour guide. His military trimmed moustache and his ever present pipe, really added 'flavor' to his presentations. I really liked his explanation of the analog computer set ups to calculate the direction of fire of the big guns. Pretty cool older guy. Thank you for your service sir.

[ChiraqVet]

When i went to visit that ship they was having a military funeral for I believe one of the men that was one that ship in those days. Which i started off at the bottom of the ramp waiting outta respect, and one navy guys motioned for me to board the ship, which i quickly advised him I was an Army Veteran and he had me line up with several other older Veterans for a final salute which was a very proud moment in my life. I never knew the guy but they paved the way for us, he earned my respect before I was born. There was Navy, Marines an Army guys all over the ship that day. With the start of the visit like that, it really hit my heart touring this ship. Made it all a little more real ya know. I got a load of pictures on here and on the submarine that's there. That's another epic experience. I strongly recommend everyone go here an take a bite of history, you won't be disappointed.

[lonner]

My grandfather was a Marine stationed on the USS ALABAMA. I took a tour some years ago and saw pictures of him in the Marine section. Very well maintained ship. I would recommend this stop to everyone.

[adriannafosse]

I wish I would have had a teacher like you when I was in school!! I’ve been watching you for about a year and I always walk away better than I came. When my kids have a history lesson that involves the civil war or WW2, I look up one of your vids and have them watch it. You’re awesome dude!👍

[tresannrn]

Thank you so much! I grew up around these big boats. I’m a proud Navy Brat. My Dad was a Sonar Tech and retired from the Navy after serving for 30yrs. Most of his time was on a Destroyer( lol affectionately called a Tin Can).I worry that without videos like yours, some will not appreciate what brave Americans did to protect our freedom. I’m very proud of my Dad and all the ones that served! Thank you!

[chriscaviness]

Growing up in Alabama, this was my favorite place to go. Best field trips ever.

[couchfighter]

I WAS LUCKY ENOUGHT IN 1988 AS A KID TO GET TO GO TO THE SHIP ON A RAINY WEEKDAY AND HAD THE ENTIRE SHIP ALONG WITH MY BROTHER AND WE EXPLORED ALL DAY. SO AWESOME!!

[Jakal-pwyq]

My dad was a Navy man, veteran of the South Pacific World War ii. Here in town in Seattle he was the man. Anytime a Navy ship came into town we had carte blanche to go anywhere on that ship at any time. I've been on battleships, destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines, Coast Guard light ships and even PT boats! When my father passed away we took his remains to the Polar Star which is an icebreaker and they buried him at sea off Hawaii where he was born. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my dad! Thank you so much for this episode thank you!

[robertmorey]

Super cool. Another thing I find fascinating is all those guns, hoists, magazines, feed chutes, everything was designed on paper. No computer design, no 3D models. Its mind boggling they got it all made and working from paper blueprints. Just amazing engineering. Its like looking at a lost art form - back when America knew how to make things. Awesome vid, love it.

[charlesmcallister]

Great video! Hope you are able to share more of the ship & submarine in later videos. I am from Mobile and help bring the Alabama there by donating dimes and quarters while in the 6th grade in 1964. Every student in the state that gave money, no matter the amount received one free admission to the ship that never expired. I used mine several times before misplacing it at some point in life. It was a statewide effort to fund the Alabama coming from Washington State through the Panama Canal to Mobile Bay. Great monument to our armed forces.

[KowboyUSA]

Sweet home USS Alabama. Cool episode, JD.

[petercliff]

Another great video. USS Alabama deserves her place in history. Just loved those big guns!