For more than three decades, Steve Lewis has been an indispensable part of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial, a presence that continues to make a significant impact. Initially hired as a marine electrician, Steve’s first major task was to maintain the iconic “Sound and Light Show,” a nightly spectacle that became a staple of the Battleship’s history for over 30 years. However, his journey would evolve far beyond this early assignment.
A Role That Keeps Evolving
Today, Steve’s role is a dynamic blend of responsibilities. His work spans across multiple departments, from ensuring the emergency and deck lighting is in top condition, to fielding duty phone calls and assisting the Gift Shop staff. One of Steve’s major contributions has been leading the ambitious “Light the Legacy” uplighting project. This complex initiative involved designing and installing 84 color-changing LED lights to accentuate the Battleship’s presence. The lights can be tailored to highlight specific scenes, whether celebrating a holiday or honoring a branch of the military.
Steve’s work has not only focused on aesthetics. He played a pivotal role in improving safety across the Battleship by installing permanent and temporary weather deck lighting for staff and event safety, and implementing emergency exit lighting in all the ship’s normally occupied spaces. Steve also took on the additional responsibility of becoming the Memorial’s site locksmith, a testament to his willingness to take on any task that supports the Battleship’s day-to-day operations.
Recently, Steve used his expertise to safely rig and hoist 12 sheets of steel to replace the worn decking of the signal bridge, a job requiring both skill and precision.
Connecting with Visitors
While the stability of working for the State of North Carolina offers its own rewards, Steve says the greatest joy of his work is “meeting all sorts of interesting people from all over the world.” His colleagues recall countless moments that reflect his character and generosity, from retrieving a purse dropped into the river for a distressed visitor, to offering his jacket to elderly guests on chilly days. One memorable encounter involved a friendly conversation with a guest by the 40mm guns, which later led to a generous donation to the Battleship.
A Humble Hero Behind the Scenes
Despite the many roles he plays and the significant improvements he’s made to the Battleship, Steve remains humble. He takes pride in being “that little cog in the wheel” that keeps the ship running smoothly, behind the scenes but always crucial to its operation. This humble dedication has earned Steve well-deserved recognition, including recent acknowledgment from the Historic Naval Ships Association (HNSA), a fitting tribute to his enduring service and commitment to the Battleship’s legacy.
Whether it’s maintaining the aging electrical systems, coordinating large-scale projects, or offering help to staff and visitors alike, Steve Lewis exemplifies the heart of what it means to serve aboard the Battleship.