Battle Star 5

On June of 1944, after resupplying at Majuro, the ALABAMA again left for the Mariana Islands. Saipan was the target and Alabama was assigned to shell the beaches for two hours in preparation for the Marine landing. Once the invasion got underway, with the American fleet situated off shore, the Japanese attempted another surprise attack. But surprise would not be theirs. An alert radar operator on the ALABAMA noticed a large blip on his radar screen. He called attention to it, and the ALABAMA checked with the IOWA. They concurred that a large air formation was headed their way. The alarm was sounded and the fleet put on alert. Carrier aircraft took off and intercepted the incoming enemy.

Fighting continued most of the day, and when the tally was taken, the Japanese had lost over 400 aircraft to just a few dozen American losses. Ever since, the battle has been known as the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot because of the ease with which the American pilots shot down their Japanese counterparts.

The ALABAMA subsequently supported the invasion and occupation of Guam and made raids against Yap, Palau, and Ulithi.

The ALABAMA's early warning won them a "very well done" from Admiral Halsey and a fifth Battle Star to paint on their superstructure.