Battleship Memorial Park has announced the six young women selected as the 2025-26 USS Alabama Crewmates, a time-honored tradition that dates back more than 50 years.

Announced last week, the Crewmates will serve as ambassadors for the park throughout the year, representing one of Alabama’s most iconic military landmarks at public and community events.

Each Crewmate will receive a $2,000 scholarship to the college or university of her choice. At the end of their term, two standout representatives will be named Miss USS Alabama and Miss USS Drum, earning an additional $1,000 and $500 scholarship respectively.

The 2025-26 USS Alabama Crewmates are:

Elizabeth Barber, 19, a sophomore nursing major at the University of Mobile. She is the daughter of Steven and Ann Barber.

Margaret “Maggie” Kohnen, 19, a freshman studying nursing at Spring Hill College. She is the daughter of Paul and Tetchie Kohnen.

Amy Claire Lankford, 20, a junior majoring in business management at the University of Mobile. She is the daughter of Dewayne and Valenda Lankford.

Madison McNew, 20, a sophomore nursing student at the University of South Alabama. She is the daughter of Patrick McNew and Stacy Guy.

Bailey Polk, 19, a freshman majoring in early childhood and elementary education at the University of Mobile. She is the daughter of Bobby and Stacy Polk.

Camryn Waite, 19, a freshman studying biology with a pre-health concentration at Spring Hill College. She is the daughter of Steven and Kellie Waite.

The USS Alabama Crewmate Program, founded in 1967, highlights poise, public speaking and a deep respect for military service. Crewmates play a vital role in promoting the battleship, the USS Drum submarine and the stories of the veterans they honor.

For more information about the program, contact Lynne Price at (251) 438-2834 or email lprice@ussalabama.com.