The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA announces the programming schedule for May 2016.
Showboat—Systems & Design
Saturday, May 14, 2016
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
$40 per person. $35 for Friends members or active military. Plus tax.
As the first of the 10 fast battleships which served in WWII, NORTH CAROLINA paved the way for those battleships that followed. Hampered by treaty restrictions, naval architects still managed to weave the various ship systems together into an efficient and elegant naval weapons system – the first battleship constructed in sixteen years. LtCol Ken Rittenmeyer, USAF (Ret) will provide participants with an insightful afternoon program explaining these various shipboard systems – armor, fuel, propulsion, electrical, etc. – that make NORTH CAROLINA an effective warship and how they are skillfully incorporated into this engineering wonder. A one-hour presentation followed by a two-hour shipboard exploration comprise this engaging program.
The tour is limited to 12 participants age 18 and older. It is not appropriate for those who have difficulty climbing narrow ladders or over knee-high hatches. Wear comfortable, washable clothing, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and bring a camera! Water provided. Registration and payment are due Thursday before the event. Call 910-251-5797 to reserve your space in this fascinating program.
USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Association Annual Crew Reunion
Thursday – Monday, May 26 – 30, 2016
The USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Association is an organization of the Battleship’s crew and their families. On May 26 – 30, 2016, the association will host their annual reunion. The crew and families very much look forward to their annual return to the Battleship to share stories, visit old friends and make new ones. The love they have for their ship makes a powerful bond.
The Association began in June 1962 shortly after the memorial’s official dedication in April. The Battleship’s first Superintendent, Rear Admiral William Maxwell, one of the Ship’s original engineering officers, who initiated the formation of the organization for crew members.
The Battleship would love to help crew members and their families reconnect with their Ship. If you are interested in joining the USS NC Battleship Association or finding out about the annual crew reunion, please contact Museum Services Director Kim Sincox. Reunion activities open only to those registered for the events. For information, contact museum@battleshipnc.com or call 910-251-5797.
USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Crew Meet and Greet
Sunday, May 29, 2016
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
FREE with Battleship Admission
For the first time, the crew members will be holding a special meet and greet on board the NORTH CAROLINA. This is your opportunity to come and speak with the guys who so valiantly served aboard this magnificent vessel. Hear the stories of what life was like living on a navy ship during World War II and thank them for all their efforts as the greatest generation. It’s a perfect time to have the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Official Book by Captain Ben Blee or Cindy Ramsey’s Boys of the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA signed by the crew. Event supported by AARP.
Big Macs for the Battleship
Friday, May 27 – Monday, May 30, 2016
50c from every Big Mac® sandwich sold during Memorial Day Weekend will be donated to the restoration fund of the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. With the purchase of an Coca-Cola® product an additional donation will also be contributed.
McDonald’s is carrying forward the message with in store signage, inclusion in advertising and the special Big Macs promotion. Participating McDonald’s locations include Beulaville, Burgaw, Carolina Beach, Clinton, Fairmont, Hampstead, Kenansville, Leland, Lumberton, Newton Grove, Pembroke, Rocky Point, Shallotte, Southport, St. Pauls, Sunset Beach, Supply, Surf City, Wallace, Warsaw, Whiteville and Wilmington, in North Carolina and Darlington and Hartsville in South Carolina.
51st Annual Memorial Day Observance
Monday, May 30, 2016
5:45 pm – 6:30 pm
FREE
Remember those who gave their lives in service by honoring veterans at the Battleship’s traditional Memorial Day Observance featuring military guest speaker, RADM Christina Alvarado, Deputy Commander, Navy Medicine East, Congressman David Rouzer, an all-service Color Guard, a 21-gun salute by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, patriotic music performed by Duke Ladd Band, Taps, and a memorial wreath cast onto the waters.
Battleship Alive!
Saturday, May 28, 2016
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
FREE with Battleship admission
Watch and interact with World War II living history interpreters as they bring the Ship to life by re-enacting daily duties and drills. A great event for all ages. Bring your questions and cameras!
Summer Hours
Starting Friday before Memorial Day, May 27, 2016, going through Labor Day, September 5, 2016, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA will be open 8:00 am until 8:00 pm with the last ticket sold one hour before closing.