Introduction
World War II was a difficult and challenging time not only for Americans of the 1930's and 40's but it had damaging effects on countries all over the world. Battleships were seen as the height of sea power and were a very important part of World War II. In October of 1937 the North Carolina was completed and became the first out of ten dashing battleships to join the Americans in World War II. (History, BattleshipNC). She was commissioned on April 9, 1941 and was considered the world's greatest sea weapon (History, BattleshipNC). The North Carolina Battleship was the first battleship to be constructed in 16 years (History, BattleshipNC). Her commissioned service covered only a little more than six years, but much of that short lifetime was spent at sea in the presence of the enemy, whose forces she engaged in battle on more than fifty separate occasions” (B. Blee, p.1). The USS North Carolina was decommissioned on June 27, 1947. After thousands of North Carolinian's fought for her in the Save Our Ship Campaign she was then placed as a state war memorial in Wilmington North Carolina. "She is immaculately preserved almost exactly as she was in her prime during four years of distinguished service in World War II” (B. Blee, p.1). The USS North Carolina is preserved today in Wilmington to honor the men and women of North Carolina who served during World War II. World War II affected the lives of many and the North Carolina Battleship was part of that. I choose this topic because I have personally visited the North Carolina Battleship twice in my lifetime. I understand what a lasting impact it may have on your life and view of history, of not only World War II but other battles she fought in. The USS North Carolina, B-55 not only had a lasting impact during the war in the 1930's and 1940's but it has made lasting impressions today in the lives of many who have visited her as well as the city of Wilmington, North Carolina.