After years of service on the ocean, the USS North Carolina has found a new purpose. She now functions as a museum and memorial in Wilmington, N.C., commemorating the battleship’s past and the men who served on her.
While in action during the Second World War, the vessel was involved in numerous engagements and earned 15 battle stars. Now, in this video, the original crew members come aboard to recount their experiences from the war, explaining what this particular ship meant to them.
The ship was decommissioned in 1947, but bought for $330,000 to function as a memorial and museum. Remarkably, the money for the purchase was raised by North Carolina school children, after they saved up spare change and lunch money through their “Save Our Ship” campaign.
In 1986, the battleship was declared a National Historic Landmark. The Friends of the Battleship North Carolina was established in the same year and works to this day to maintain the ship. When visiting the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, the public can explore the battleship’s main deck, her many interior compartments, and several of her gun turrets. As a glimpse into the past and a memorial to the many men who served there, the ship is well worth a visit.
This video explores the background and history behind the USS North Carolina, and in particular the stories of the men who worked and lived on it during the Second World War. It was produced by AARP, a non-profit and non-partisan organization in America, and the group behind the TV show The Battle I’ll Never Forget, which is set to premiere this Friday on the American Heroes Channel.