Battleship USS North Carolina-- Part 3

Of course, the main reason for the battleship's existence today is to honor all who have served their country in war, and especially the veterans of World War II, most of whom are in their mid-80s.

Bragg sees the North Carolina as more and more having to interpret the events of World War II to new generations to whom the conflict is as distant as the Civil War or Revolution. As such, Bragg plans to work with local school districts for field trips involbving math, science, and history.

One lesser-known feature of the ship is its Mark I Ballistic Calculators which were made by Ford in the late 1930s which Bragg calls"the oldest computers in the state." These, I imagine would be for firing the ship's guns.

As mentioned before, the ship is expanding to host meetings (such as a recent regional Home Depot employee meeting) and Halloween haunting.


CHARLIE, THE ALLIGATOR

Large alligators have been spotted by the battleship ever since it arrived. The largest one is always called Charlie. I've seen pictures of employees dangling meat overside and alligators launching themselves a few feet to grab it.

In addition, the memorial's grounds cover 61 mostly undisturbed woodland. The staff has been working with local birders to set up cameras to observe birds of prey on the property.

Then, there is the great view of the moored USS North Carolina from the Wilmington Riverwalk across the cape Fear River.

Thanks June 10th Goldsboro News-Argus.

One of the Best Things the State of North Carolina Did Was to Get This Wonderful Ship for Posterity. --Cooter