NC H460

Designates the USS North Carolina (BB-55) as the official warship of North Carolina by adding Section 145-53 to the General Statutes.

The USS North Carolina was commissioned on April 9, 1941, became the first of 10 fast battleships in the American fleet during World War II, and participated in every major Pacific naval offensive while earning 15 battle stars.

The ship was moored in Wilmington on October 2, 1961, dedicated as a historic landmark and memorial on April 29, 1962, and registered as a national historic landmark in March 1986.

The battleship generates between $1.5 to $3.5 million annually for the state and local economy, attracts over 250,000 visitors, and accounts for over 3,500 jobs in New Hanover County.

The act becomes effective upon passage.