The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is doing more than remembering World War II—they are bringing history to life.
On June 1st, World War II reenactors will participate in their June drill, where volunteers dressed in World War II period Navy uniforms demonstrate what life aboard battleships would be like during wartime. At 1 p.m. on the main deck of the USS Alabama, the “Call to Battle Stations” will be sounded and enemy aircraft are set to fly over attacking the ship. The crewmen will fire back, and an exciting battle scene will play out right in front of spectators.
Ashleigh Milne is the director of communications at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. She said the battle is startlingly realistic.
“We will have any aircraft actual airplanes come and fly over the ship and attack the ship. And our crewmen will fire our 20-millimeter guns,” Milne said, “And of course, the 20-millimeter guns are not loaded. But they use propane when they fire them to give off the sound effect as if they were loaded. It’s like an actual battle. it's an incredible sight to take in.”
The event is also broadcast live by the Deep South Amateur Radio Club and visitors are welcome to stop by and listen.
Milne said that while the event is a great learning experience for spectators, it is a symbol of something much larger. The drill is a way to keep the lived experience of World War II veterans alive.
“It's a way for us to tell, you know younger generations about the sacrifices that these crewmen made during World War II for our country's freedom,” Milne said. “And it's just something we need to keep alive for generations to come.”
The crew drill event is included in general admission, Milne said.
“Tickets for this event are included with general admission. So, when you come in to buy like a regular admission ticket, you'll be given a wristband, and then you're able to access the regular tour and also be able to experience the living history to drill as well,” Milne said.
If spectators are unable to make it in June, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is set to host three more, one in August, October and December, respectively.
Milne said this experience is one no one should miss.
“Try to make it out to any of those if you can and get ready to see history come alive,” she said.
