Each spring, something special happens aboard the Battleship North Carolina. The ship becomes more than a place of history—it becomes a place of return.
A Return to the Ship
This weekend, we welcomed members of the USS North Carolina Battleship Association aboard for their 2026 reunion. Alongside the Friends of the Battleship, it was a privilege to host crewman John Camp and the families of his shipmates—those who continue to carry these stories forward.
Over the course of the weekend, shipmates and their families spent time together walking the decks, revisiting familiar spaces, and sharing memories that span decades. Some stories were told over meals, others in quieter moments. Each one added to a shared history that is very present.
Across Generations
The interactions between generations were especially meaningful. Naval Sea Cadets and other young people had the opportunity to spend time with those who served—asking questions, listening, and making connections that don’t happen in textbooks or exhibits.
A Time to Remember
The weekend concluded with a memorial service aboard the ship. A wreath was placed on the water, and those gathered paused to remember the more than 11,000 North Carolinians who lost their lives during World War II, along with the crew of this ship.
As the State’s official World War II memorial and a National Historic Landmark, the Battleship North Carolina has carried this mission for 65 years—to preserve not only the ship, but the people and stories connected to it. Special thanks to the Battleship North Carolina Living History Crew and the Naval Sea Cadets, USS North Carolina Torpedo Squadron 8 for honoring the ship’s original crew.
Weekends like this bring that purpose into focus. They remind us that history is not only something we interpret—it is something that is shared, remembered, and passed along.
We are grateful to all who returned this year, and to those who continue to ensure these stories endure.