Former Battleship North Carolina employee files lawsuit

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A lawsuit filed in New Hanover County Superior Court on Tuesday alleges that the executive director of Battleship North Carolina falsified timekeeping records, illegally recorded conversations, and took other actions.

Former Battleship assistant director Christopher Vargo filed the lawsuit on Tuesday.

He was fired from his position on January 24th after expressing concern about some of the alleged actions of the Battleship’s executive director, Jay Martin.

The 18-page lawsuit contends that Martin asked Vargo to falsify time records for weeks when Martin was not working on site at the Battleship.

The suit also claims that Martin illegally recorded several conversations between Vargo and contractors working on projects for the Battleship.

Vargo said the lawsuit is about making sure those in charge of the memorial honor it with their actions.

“For me, it’s it’s transparency, accountability and getting people to act in a ethical and legal manner,” Vargo said. “That’s what we, we owe the Battleship Memorial that.”

WAY reached out to the Battleship North Carolina and the State Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for comment.

Both said they do not comment on ongoing litigation, which can be found here: VARGO COMPLAINT 3.31.25 FOR FILING