Battleship North Carolina to honor New York shipbuilders with Labor Day illumination

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Battleship North Carolina will be illuminated in red over Labor Day weekend to honor the thousands of New York shipbuilders who helped construct the World War II battleship.

The illumination will recognize workers at the Brooklyn Navy Yard who built the USS North Carolina before the ship eventually made its way to the Cape Fear River.

According to the Battleship North Carolina Memorial, the ship was constructed by thousands of shipbuilders in Brooklyn and went on to earn 15 battle stars during World War II.

This year’s tribute marks the first time the Battleship North Carolina Memorial has dedicated an illumination of the ship to the Brooklyn Navy Yard workers who built it.

“The story of USS North Carolina did not begin in her namesake state—it began in Brooklyn,” said Dr. Jay Martin, executive director of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial.

Martin said the shipbuilders’ craftsmanship and work helped create a ship that served during a critical period in U.S. history.

The red illumination will recognize the labor and contributions of the New York shipbuilders whose work remains part of the ship today.

The Battleship North Carolina Memorial said nearly 250,000 people visit the ship each year.

The tribute also highlights the ship’s connections to New York. The battleship was built in Brooklyn and commissioned in New York Harbor before serving during World War II.

As part of the recognition, the Battleship North Carolina Memorial is offering New York residents discounted $13 admission through Dec. 31, 2026. Visitors must present a valid New York state ID to receive the discount.