UA Donates Shirts to Crew of USS Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The crew of the USS Alabama delivered a message to The University of Alabama this week.

That message was a familiar one.

UA President Judy Bonner donated University of Alabama T-shirts to the 350 members of the USS Alabama SSBN 731, which saw Cmdr. Paul B. Reinhardt, son-in-law of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), take command of the ship’s “Blue Crew” Friday, Dec. 19. Additionally, UA Athletics Director Bill Battle donated a flag that was flown over Bryant-Denny Stadium and signed by head football coach Nick Saban.

“It was an honor to send the shirts to the crew of the USS Alabama and have The University of Alabama have a presence in the change of command ceremony,” Bonner said. “Our faculty, staff and student body appreciate the efforts of the members of our armed forces.”

The USS Alabama SSBN 731 is the seventh military ship to be named for the state of Alabama and is the same ship featured in the 1995 movie “Crimson Tide.” In the movie, the ship’s crew famously chant “Go ‘Bama, Roll Tide!” before boarding the ship.

The USS Alabama is one of eight Ohio-class Trident ballistic missile submarines stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

“Both ALABAMA Blue and Gold crews sincerely appreciate The University of Alabama’s generosity and the continued support of our Sailors, the Navy, and all of our men and women in uniform,” Reinhardt said. “The T-shirts will be worn with pride. Roll Tide!”