UNCW has taken a key role in using cutting-edge technology to put a World War II-era ship back together.
The USS North Carolina served in every major naval offensive in the Pacific and has seen millions of visitors walk her decks in the decades since taking her place in the Cape Fear River across from downtown Wilmington.
“Things fall off and disappear,” said Pete McWilliams, a volunteer for the battleship. “Visitors like to take souvenirs, and there were a lot of things missing from just when the ship was mothballed.” After the ship was decommissioned, it was used as something of a spare parts warehouse for ships still in service.
Volunteers such as McWilliams work with the battleship staff to ensure authentic restoration of the state’s World War II memorial. When adequate replacement parts can’t be found, they…
