USS Alabama (BB-8) was an Illinois-class pre-dreadnought style battleship in the United States Navy. She was the second ship to carry her name. Alabama was laid down on 1 December 1896 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by the William Cramp and Sons Ship and Engine Building Company. She was launched on 18 May 1898 sponsored by Miss Mary Morgan, daughter of the Honorable John T. Morgan, United States Senator from Alabama and commissioned on 16 October 1900, Captain Willard H. Brownson in command.