Community Forums

tnedator · 05-30-2023, 03:31 PM

My brother in law wants to bring his father (ex Navy) to the USS Alabama, but he uses a walker and oxygen. I haven't been to the Alabama in over 25 years, but from what I recall, it was all ladders/steep stairs and walking through lots of bulk head doors.

Is there much/anything someone who walks slow with a walker or cane, and on Oxygen is going to see?

Just trying to see if it would be a complete waste/disappointment, if all he has access to is the main deck and ward room.

Are there any other more ADA accessible old Navy ships on the gulf coast. I'm not aware of anything other than the Alabama and a few subs.

Brad2018 · 05-30-2023, 03:57 PM

I'm guessing you would be limited to the main deck and ward room. Being former Navy he would probably still enjoy it. It's an impressive ship.

What you recall is correct. A healthy person can be winded by the time they are done with the tour. There is also a sub, but I believe it may have a vertical ladder. It's been about 15 years since my last trip.

There are no other ships that I know of in the area. The Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola is really cool.

OldBaldFat · 05-30-2023, 05:22 PM

I would also recommend you tie the trip into visiting the Naval Aviation Museum.

Access for him will be only the main deck area of the battleship. I would recommend calling the museum to get up to date information. And a frank discussion with him about the visit.

I'm sorry to say at Christmas 2016 I had difficulty with all the ladders on the USS Midway. In 1983-85, I spent a lot of time on that ship.

The old knees ain't what they used to be.

But just seeing her was wonderful. As would the case be with the Alabama.

I was very fortunate to spend over 27 hours underway on the USS New Jersey off the coast of Lebanon in October 1983.

But Navy ships give OSHA and ADA inspectors heart failure.

twogypsies · 05-30-2023, 10:30 PM

I think he'd enjoy it!

https://emerginghorizons.com/a-touch...in-mobile-bay/

**hamm2018** · 05-31-2023, 06:30 AM

The USS Lexington is sitting in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Lex has an elevator that goes from Hangar deck to flight deck. Plus, there are several aircraft on the flight deck.
At the military park in Mobile, there are some aircraft on display.

**hamm2018** · 05-31-2023, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldBaldFat

I would also recommend you tie the trip into visiting the Naval Aviation Museum.
I was very fortunate to spend over 27 hours underway on the USS New Jersey off the coast of Lebanon in October 1983.

But Navy ships give OSHA and ADA inspectors heart failure.

I was on the USS Sylvania AFS-2 off of Beirut from October 83 to the March 84.

We did underway replenishment with the USS New Jersey, 2-3 different times.
If I remember her break-away song was "Rocky Top".

tnedator · 05-31-2023, 10:40 AM

My wife and I were looking at the flight pavilion, and I think he would enjoy that, as I think at least in the latter half of his Navy career he was an A&P or otherwise was working on airplanes, and then did some contract airframe work for McDonald Douglas overseas, if I recall correctly. So, the flight pavilion at the USS Alabama and the Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum both look interesting and I bet he would enjoy, along with visiting the main deck of the battleship.

If we stay in Gulf Shores, I think that will put us between the two.

Thanks to everyone posting info/suggestions.

AveryF · 05-31-2023, 11:02 AM

We visited Battleship Park and the USS Alabama this past April during our stay at nearby Meaher State Park (which I highly recommend, by the way!) and it was a wonderful experience. There's also a large indoor static display of various planes and military memorabilia in the hangar at the main entrance which has been added since our last trip there some 35+ years ago which was also extremely interesting.

I just called the number on their website and found out that they do have free wheelchairs available but it's on a "first come, first served" basis. I'd probably recommend going that route since even walking up the gangplank might be a little taxing for someone on oxygen.

Even as a couple of retired Air Force senior NCO's, my wife and I really enjoyed it! So, yes, to answer your original question, it would be well worth the trip!

Flyer15015 · 05-31-2023, 11:05 AM

I did 2 days at Battleship Park last April, and it is a workout!
Walked all the decks and the Sub too. Stopped several times to rest these 81 year old bones, but it was well worth it. And I'm an Army guy.
Lots of planes there and a few tanks and such, so something for everybody.
I WILL GO BACK.

Mike in Colorado

PS; There is a great state park just a few miles away on the old road. I think it is Meaher State park. Super clean and great views across the bay.

**hamm2018** · 06-01-2023, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnedator

My wife and I were looking at the flight pavilion, and I think he would enjoy that, as I think at least in the latter half of his Navy career he was an A&P or otherwise was working on airplanes, and then did some contract airframe work for McDonald Douglas overseas, if I recall correctly. So, the flight pavilion at the USS Alabama and the Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum both look interesting and I bet he would enjoy, along with visiting the main deck of the battleship.

If we stay in Gulf Shores, I think that will put us between the two.

Thanks to everyone posting info/suggestions.

If you go to the Naval Air Muesum, you will need to get a pass at the Main Gate. We try to go in the back gate on Blue Angel Parkway and they sent us to the Main Gate for our pass. I am a disabled Vet and I still had to get the pass. When you get your pass, get it for the time you are in the area.

CharlesinGA · 06-03-2023, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyer15015

I did 2 days at Battleship Park last April, and it is a workout!
Walked all the decks and the Sub too. Stopped several times to rest these 81 year old bones, but it was well worth it. And I'm an Army guy.
Lots of planes there and a few tanks and such, so something for everybody.
I WILL GO BACK.

Mike in Colorado

PS; There is a great state park just a few miles away on the old road. I think it is Meaher State park. Super clean and great views across the bay.

Indeed, the Alabama, the sub and the aircraft are great. Was there just last year. No way someone who is not physically fit can see the whole thing, but as others noted, the main deck and some rather nice inside displays on the ship would be accessible. The aircraft and other objects in the museum would also be accessible.

Meaher State Park has a warning on their web site about Argentine Ants. You would want Sevin Dust or similar to sprinkle around the tires, shore cord and tongue jack.

Charles

twogypsies · 06-03-2023, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

Meaher State Park has a warning on their web site about Argentine Ants. You would want Sevin Dust or similar to sprinkle around the tires, shore cord and tongue jack.

I am so against spreading poisonous chemicals around the RV. It's fine for you but what about the next person on that lot with children or pets?