The USS North Carolina: Museum Battleship vs. Modern Submarine

The USS North Carolina, an iconic battleship from World War II, is preserved as a museum ship in Wilmington, North Carolina. However, there is also a modern submarine named USS North Carolina in active service in the U.S. Navy. Both ships share the same name, but their functions and status are quite different. Let’s explore the differences between the museum battleship and the current operational submarine.

The Museum Battleship: USS North Carolina BB-55

The USS North Carolina (BB-55) was commissioned during World War II and is now a museum ship located in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is no longer operational as a naval vessel; instead, it serves as a historical site where visitors can learn about its history and the role it played during the war. The ship is preserved for public tours and educational purposes and is wired and connected to shore power for lighting and electronic systems in some rooms. However, its propulsion turbines are definitively offline.

The idea of bringing the battleship back to “fighting trim” is highly impractical and unfeasible due to the astronomical cost. Estimates suggest that it would take tens of millions of dollars to restore the ship to its original operational state. This amount is simply not justifiable given the historical and educational value the museum ship offers today.

Modern Submarine: USS North Carolina (SSN 777)

There is currently a modern submarine named USS North Carolina (SSN 777) that is part of the U.S. Navy. This USS North Carolina is a Virginia-class submarine, the fourth ship to bear the name. It was commissioned on May 3, 2008, in Wilmington, North Carolina. At 377 feet in length, this submarine displaces 7800 tons submerged and carries a complement of 134 personnel.

The advanced submarine is designed for stealth and versatility. Its armament includes 12 vertical launch system tubes, four 21-inch torpedo tubes, Tomahawk missiles, Mk-48 advanced capability torpedoes, advanced mobile mines, and unmanned undersea vehicles. With a maximum designed submerged speed of 25 knots, this submarine is a formidable asset in modern naval warfare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the USS North Carolina (BB-55) still operational?
Not at all. The battleship is a museum ship preserved for public tours and educational purposes. While it is wired and connected to shore power, its propulsion turbines are offline and unfunctional.

Can the USS North Carolina (BB-55) run again if the Navy calls it back to active service?
Technically, the contract states that the Navy could ask for the ship back and there must be a way to undo any changes made to the ship to return it to its original state. However, given the extensive restoration it would require, it would take at least a year or two to get it running again. This has never actually happened, and the cost would make it unfeasible.

What about the USS North Carolina (SSN 777)? Is it currently active?
Yes, USS North Carolina (SSN 777) is an active submarine serving the U.S. Navy. Its advanced systems and capabilities make it a vital asset in modern naval operations.

Conclusion

The USS North Carolina exists in two forms: as a historic museum battleship and in modern naval operations as a submarine. Each represents a different era of naval technology and warfare. The museum battleship allows the public to connect with the past, while the modern submarine ensures the U.S. Navy remains a leading force in modern maritime defense.