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When the keel of the USS North Carolina was laid in
October 1937, she was the first battleship to be constructed in 16 years and
became the first of 10 fast battleships to join the fleet in World War II. North
Carolina and her sister ship, Washington,
comprised the North Carolina class.
At the time of her commissioning on April 9, 1941, she was considered the world's greatest sea weapon. Armed with nine 16-inch guns in three turrets and 20 five-inch 38-caliber guns in 10 twin mounts, North Carolina proved a formidable weapons platform. Her wartime complement consisted of 144 commissioned officers and 2,195 enlisted men, including about 100 Marines.
The North Carolina was decommissioned on June 27, 1947 and placed in the Inactive Reserve Fleet. When the Navy announced its intentions to scrap North Carolina in 1960, state citizens mounted a brief and successful campaign to bring the battleship back to North Carolina to preserve her as the State's premier war memorial.
Open to the public since October 1961, the proud North Carolina is an
authentically restored World War II battleship, a National Historic Landmark,
and a memorial honoring the 10,000 North Carolinians of all branches of service
who gave their lives in World War II.
The North Carolina is located on the Cape Fear River opposite downtown Wilmington, located off Highway 421 at the junction of Highways 17, 74, 76, and 421. Located just two hours south of the Crystal Coast and 45 minutes south of Topsail Island, the Battleship North Carolina is open 8am-8pm every day May 16-Sept. 15, and 8am-5pm everyday Sept. 16-May 15. Admission prices are adults, $8; children 6-11, $4; children 5 and under, free; and active military and senior citizens 65 and over, $7. Ticket sales end one hour before closing. The tour takes approximately two hours. The battleship complex itself contains ample free parking, a gift shop, seasonal snack bar, and riverside picnic area. Information, 910-251-5797.
During World War II, North Carolina participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific area of operations and earned 15 battle stars. In the Battle of the Eastern Solomon's Islands in August 1942, the battleship's anti-aircraft barrage helped save the carrier Enterprise, thereby establishing the primary role of the fast battleship as protector of aircraft carriers. One of her Kingfisher pilots performed heroically during the strike on Turk when he rescued 10 downed Navy aviators April 30, 1944.
In all, North Carolina carried out nine shore bombardments, sank an enemy
troopship, destroyed at least 24 enemy aircraft, and assisted in shooting down
many more. Her anti-aircraft guns helped to halt or frustrate scores of attacks
on aircraft carriers. She steamed over 300,000 miles. Although Japanese radio
announcements claimed six times that North Carolina had been sunk, she survived
many close calls and near misses, such as the Japanese torpedo which slammed
into the battleship's hull Sept. 15, 1942. A quick response on the part of the
crew allowed the mighty ship to keep up with the fleet. By war's end, the ship
lost 10 men in action and had 67 wounded.
The battleship was saved after decommissioning and storage from destruction by citizens and school children across the state. In Sept. 1961, the federal government formally handed out the 35,000-ton battleship to the state, where it has been preserved as a landmark of historical and educational value. Saved by individuals and not tax money, she continues to be self-supporting.
When you step in board, you are stepping into history. On self-guided tours, you can enter gun turrets, inspect the bridge, and view crew's quarters, sick bay, an engine room, and much more. Many special exhibits celebrate the unique heritage of the North Carolina and her important contribution to the US victory in World War II. Indeed, the ship herself stands as a technological marvel of her day and a reminder of the patriotic dedication of the men who served with her.
Wilmington, NC, - U.S. Hwy. 421 N. - 910-251-5797
Memorial Day is observed aboard the monumental battleship North Carolina with free music, guest speakers and other special events. The memorial site is near the junction of Highways 17, 74, 76 and 421 and is easily accessible from either bridge serving Wilmington.
Visit the Battleship online at www.battleshipnc.com
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Last Revised: November 20, 2008 09:38 PM.
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