Alabama spent 534 of 657 commissioned days at sea and boarded more than 400 ships, with some estimates reaching 450. She captured and burned 65 United States merchant vessels and took nearly 2,000 sailors without killing or losing any during those seizures, according to the figures discussed here. Most of her 24 officers were Southerners, but much of the enlisted crew was British and had signed on for pay. The ship remained short of people and repeatedly sought recruits from captured crews and friendly ports. Many of the original 83 sailors stayed through to the end. Their retention supports the assessment that Semmes could maintain cohesion and align the crew's interests with the mission.
Chapter · 24:24-26:25
Alabama's endurance depended on an international crew
Alabama spent most of her commission at sea while Semmes recruited, retained, and motivated a largely British enlisted crew serving alongside Southern officers.