Commissioners

The USS ALABAMA Battleship Commission was formed by the Alabama Legislature on September 12, 1963.  The purpose of the Commission is to oversee the management of Battleship Memorial Park.  Commission members are appointed by the Governor of the State of Alabama for eight-year terms.

2026-2027 USS ALABAMA Battleship Commission

  • The Honorable Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama – Honorary Chairman, USS ALABAMA Battleship Commission
  • Ms. Patti Culp– Commission Chairman
  • CAPT Brian Butler, USN (Ret.)- Commission Vice Chairman
  • CAPT Duke Walker, USCG (Ret.)- Commission Secretary
  • COL William J. “Happy” Fulford, USA (Ret.)- Commission Treasurer
  • Mr. W. Terrance Ankerson
  • Dr. Barry Booth
  • The Honorable Ben Brooks
  • COL Patrick H. Downing, USA (Ret.)
  • Ms. Virginia Edington
  • Edmond G. Eslava III 
  • MG Janet Cobb, USA (Ret.)
  • Mr. Aubury Fuller 
  • COL Duane Lamb, USAF (Ret.)
  • MG Charles H. Gailes, Jr., USA (Ret.)
  • The Honorable Tim Russell
  • CAPT Joseph Snowden II, USCG (Ret.)
  • Mr. Bill Tunnell 
  • Commander Edward L. Abner, USN (Ret.)
  • Col. John N. Schmidt, USMC (Ret.) –  Commissioner Emeritus