USS North Carolina Battleship Wilmington, North Carolina

USS North Carolina Battleship in Wilmington, North Carolina is a time of fun, history and exploring for the entire family.  We recently visited the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship and were in love with it!  We loved all of the history and were surely much more thankful for our freedom and peace here in the United States of America after our visit. 

"When the keel of NORTH CAROLINA was laid in October of 1937, she was the first battleship to be constructed in sixteen years. She became the first of ten fast battleships to join American fleet in World War II. NORTH CAROLINA (BB 55) and her sister ship, WASHINGTON (BB 56), comprised the NORTH CAROLINA Class. Following them were the SOUTH DAKOTA Class – SOUTH DAKOTA (BB 57), INDIANA (BB 58), MASSACHUSETTS (BB 59), and ALABAMA (BB 60) – and the IOWA Class - IOWA (BB 61), NEW JERSEY (BB 62), MISSOURI (BB 63), and WISCONSIN (BB 64).

At the time of her commissioning on 9 April 1941, she was considered the world’s greatest sea weapon. Armed with nine 16-inch/45 caliber guns in three turrets and twenty 5-inch/38 caliber guns in ten 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."

It was another of our any excursions with Auntie J from New Orleans! It is fabulous to explore the Ship with her because she was a History Teacher!  And her Daddy served in World War II!  Here we are about to drive over the bridge to visit her.  

Isn't she beautiful!  She stands in all her glory.

Well, the Tigers felt right at home! :)  Look at them firing the missiles. 

It was wonderful for them to pretend and dream of being a part of history past. :)  The ship is very hands on and very kid friendly.  The decks are spacious and open air so you can let the littles run around a bit.  They can explore.

He we are with the bi-plane. I Love any shot I can get with my sweet Tigers! 

Here's lovely Auntie!  

The view across to Wilmington with the American Flag is nostalgic. 

History buffs. And family.  Love this shot! 

Now, the boys really got to aim the missiles.  This was interesting to see how much work and energy it took to generate movement on these. Whew, what a workout. 

See, Auntie J, read everything to us. She still adores History.  We loved her insight and readings. 

Now, we below deck! 

Someone LOVES it here!  It was amazing to imagine what it would be like to have 

served on the U.S.S. North Carolina! 

The found the Officer's Quarters! :)  Too fun! 

Fascinating the Doctor's supplies.  Baby, we've come a long way! 

What a great Chapel.  The boys noticed how small it was for this size ship!  How awesome they had it, yet, they most likely had to take turns going to Chapel. 

We spent an hour and a half and then when we went to go above deck to explore at the top, on came the winds, rain and - bummer - lightning.... we had to return to the main building due to the storm.  Now, we have every reason to return with Dad, Boulder Mt. Man, and really stay oh, like 5 hours exploring to the max!  

We loved the entire experience so much, we're going back for sure.  The museum portion was wonderful, there was a cafe and gift shop and mainly, there was this incredible ship.... go see the 

U.S.S. North Carolina!  You'll be glad you did! 

Have you explored the U.S.S. North Carolina?  

Warmly, 

Carolina Mama 

*This post was Sponsored by the Wilmington Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the U.S.S. North Caorlina Battleship! Opinions are all our own!