(a) There is hereby created a state commission to be known as the “USS Alabama Battleship Commission.” The membership of the commission shall consist of 18 competent and qualified citizens of Alabama. The members shall be appointed by the Governor, with at least three being residents of Mobile County and at least one being a resident of Baldwin County. The remaining members shall be appointed from throughout the state in a manner as to provide general statewide representation of the commission.
(b) The terms of the members of the commission shall be for eight years, with nine members appointed every four years.
(c) Any member of the commission may be removed by the Governor for cause, and vacancies in the commission shall be filled by the Governor by appointment of a competent and qualified person for the unexpired term.