Iconic aircraft taken down from USS Alabama Park entrance
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The next time you’re driving on Battleship Parkway in Mobile, you might notice a big change at the entrance USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.
The iconic F-4C Phantom aircraft that has welcomed guests for over three decades was removed this week to undergo restoration. The park announced the news on social media Monday but did not elaborate about what kind of work was needed or how long it might take.
“The F-4C Phantom has officially been removed from the Battleship Park entrance for future restoration! Stay tuned—exciting updates and new additions are coming soon.”
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park on social media
The park said all restorations will be done on site but it will not be available for the public to view.
F-4C Phantom
While the park is dedicated to the historic USS Alabama Battleship located in the Bay, the Vietnam War-era plane has been in charge of attracting people driving by the park.
According to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, more than 5,000 F-4C Phantom models were built between 1958-1979.
It’s one of several aircrafts on site at the park despite being officially owned by the United States Air Force. Other USAF aircraft at the park include:
- P-51D Mustang
- C-47D Sky Train
- F-86L Sabre
- F9F-5P Panther
- F-105B-IRE Thunderchief
- B-52D Stratofortress
- A-12 Blackbird
- F-16A (GF) Fighting Falcon
- F15A Eagle
According to the park’s website, there are 29 total aircrafts for visitors to see when visiting the battleship.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
“Visitors to the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama, can not only tour the park’s namesake battleship and National Historic Landmark, but they can also tour the USS Drum, a submarine that patrolled from Pearl Harbor during WWII. Both vessels are open for self-guided tours, and the park also has on display a collection of 30 military aircraft.”
USA Today 10Best
If you haven’t had the chance to go before, here’s what you need to know:
- Where: 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36602
- Hours: Mon.-Tues., Thurs.-Sun., 8AM-5PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
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