We're Back
The Battleship will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. Tuesday with new procedures in place to help ensure the safety of staff and visitors, including
* Installing hand sanitizer and handwashing stations.
* Increasing the frequency of cleaning high-touch public areas and restrooms.
* Using protective barriers at sales desks.
* Welcoming only non-cash (credit card) payments.
* Limiting the number of visitors allowed in the gift shop and on the Ship itself, and closing the visitors center.
* Reconfiguring the tour route to include only the Ship's main deck and above, and offering only self-guided tours.
Adult admission will be reduced to $10, with all visitors offered the group, child, military or ADA rate as applicable.
Tuesday's hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting Wednesday, operating hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week.
Visitors are encouraged to follow the “Three Ws” as outlined by the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services – WEAR a cloth face covering; WAIT at least six feet away from others, and WASH hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, we ask that you postpone your visit.
Keep up to date with our plans by visiting our website at Battleshipncfriends.com or following us here on Facebook.
#NationalMaritimeDay ⚓️
Today we celebrate #NationalMaritimeDay ⚓️ To all those who take to the waters in service, we salute you!
Membership Has Its Privileges
Become a Member TODAY!!!
FRIENDS OF THE BATTLESHIP
Consider a Friends membership and be an official part of the most decorated World War II battleship. Memberships start at $15. Details: https://battleshipncfriends.com
Shopping online? Shop with Amazon Smile https://smile.amazon.com and 0.5% of your Amazon purchase is donated to the charity of your choice. Choose Friends of the Battleship North Carolina and support the Battleship — at no cost to you!
Giving Tuesday Now
Tuesday, May 5
Giving back is one thing that isn't canceled during this time of staying at home and social distancing. #GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving when we can all come together, no matter who or where we are.
Select the Click Here to Donate Button to Donate Today ...
And thanks to all of you for sticking with us!
BB-55 Trivia Quiz
.Ok BB-55 fans, let's see how much you really know about the Showboat. Take our BB-55 trivia quiz. Answers will be posted next Monday ... Enjoy
https://www.facebook.com/Kirkpatrick-Family-Archive
From March to April 1943, the USS North Carolina returned to Pearl Harbor since leaving the naval port in July the previous year. The goal was for her to be outfitted with new guns and technology. On this date 77 years ago, some of her sailors had leave to enjoy the Territory of Hawaii, and Lieutenant Commander John E. Kirkpatrick was no different. Together with shipmate Dr. Wes Gainey, Kirkpatrick learned surf board techniques from individuals he recalled simply at “beach boys.” We’re not fully sure how adept Kirkpatrick became at catching the waves, but we know his time for learning was abbreviated as the battleship returned to New Hebrides in May.
Battleship Arrives in Her New Home
On October 2, 1961. Battleship collides with restaurant The USS North Carolina hits Fergus’ Ark seafood restaurant. The collusion while a glancing blow did do some minor damage to the Arc. The problem was that at the time the river was only 500 wide and the ship is 729 ft long. The bow of the ship got stuck in the muddy riverbed, causing the stern to swing around in an arc. Guns from the stern’s turret poked into the walls of the Ark’s galley. The moment while spectacular to those watching the damage, actually, was minor.
The owner of Fergus’ Ark, Eldridge Fergus had been asked to move the barge prior to the incident but declined. While he was standing on the stern of his restaurant, watching this all unfold he noticed the North Carolina getting uncomfortably close. Someone told him to jump. He did.
Since 1978, the former Fergus Ark has been tied up at The Boat Marina and Boat Yard in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., where it is used as a floating office and marine supply store.
Easter 1941
Black and white photograph of Capt. Hustvedt, left, receiving the Ship's Bible. The Bible was presented by the American Bible Society. Chaplain Albert behind the podium. Dedication of the ship's Bible during Easter services, April 13, 1941. Man playing the organ to the right.
Chaplain Francis Lee Albert served on BB55 from 4/1941 to 3/9/1943. Life dates March 31, 1894 to September 24, 1976. Buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Happy 79th Birthday
Happy Birthday BB55! 79 years ago today the USS NORTH CAROLINA was commissioned into the U.S. Navy. The event received international news coverage because she was widely acclaimed as the most powerful warship in the world. CDR Alfred Ward recalled "the ovation that ended the celebration was a tribute to a bunch of hard-working people. Our sailors were ready to go out and do whatever had to be done to win that war. And they did it. They really did it!"
This triptych or altarpiece is original to BB55. Painted scenes of the Last Supper are in the center panel and biblical quotations are on either side. It is inscribed Ethel Parson Paullin/June 1941.
During WWII, Paullin was the first of many artists to be commissioned by the ‘Citizens Committee for the Army and Navy’ to paint Altar Triptychs for the Army, Navy and Air Force ships and worldwide bases. The triptychs were made of 3 hinged brass panels, 5 ft tall by 8 ft wide that could be set up in barracks, hospitals and ships for non-denominational religious services.
From 1941-1945 Paullin finished 30 triptychs. In 1948, she was awarded the Patriotic Services Citation by the War Department. Her idea was that her designs should be relatable to everyday common men and, in her words, “pleasing to look at.”
The first Easter Sunday Services were held on the Battleship while they were in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, April 13, 1941. The Ship’s Church is located on the 2nd deck as shown in the August 1941 photograph. Note the triptych hanging over the altar.
#NCFirsts
This week we've been highlighting #NCFirsts and some of the ways that the NORTH CAROLINA led the way
- First to have our secondary battery -- 5-inch guns -- in rotating armored mounts rather than casemates (small openings in the hull).
- Launched with a superstructure, whereas earlier battleships had tripods and cage masts.
- First with a sweeping flush deck, unbroken from bow to stern.
Battleship North Carolina Firsts
This list was drafted for the Navy's Department of Public Information in 1945 to highlight many of the ways the NORTH CAROLINA was at the head of the class, including
* First of the new battleships to transit the Panama Canal
* First new battleship to arrive in the Pacific War Area
* First battleship to take part in an enemy air attack on the high seas (Battle of the Eastern Solomons)
A Public Service Announcement on Covid-19
Our local law enforcement community came together on the SECU Memorial Walkway here at the Battleship to talk about what you can do and what they are doing to keep you safe in these difficult times.
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/gN0-BOu6-g8
Teak Deck Maintenance
Keeping our teak deck looking good is an on going maintenance project. Here our teak deck technician Gary is working on re caulking seams and doing water mitigation beneath the teak deck. This is an on going effort to keep the deck looking like new.