Local businesses team up to restore iconic Battleship North Carolina entrance sign
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A familiar landmark welcoming visitors to the Battleship North Carolina has received a makeover thanks to several local businesses that donated their time, materials and services.
The Battleship’s distinctive red, blue and gold entrance sign along U.S. Highway 421 recently underwent a restoration project to preserve its appearance against coastal weather conditions.
The sign, which features a bold red background, gold lettering, stars and maritime details, has welcomed generations of visitors to the state’s World War II memorial.
According to Battleship officials, the sign requires periodic maintenance because of exposure to sunlight, coastal winds and heavy rain. It was last refreshed in 2023.
Local businesses contribute to restoration
Three Wilmington-area businesses joined forces to complete the project.
Pelican Prowash of Wilmington donated pressure washing services to prepare the sign for painting.
Sherwin-Williams contributed 14 gallons of weather-resistant paint designed to withstand coastal conditions.
JBG Services, Painting Division, based in Leland, provided the painting services needed to restore the sign’s original appearance.
A six-person crew from JBG Services spent four days completing the project.
“This sign is more than a landmark. It is the first welcome we extend to the hundreds of thousands of people who visit and honor the service and sacrifice of North Carolinians during World War II,” said Dr. Jay C. Martin, executive director of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial.
“Having local businesses step forward to care for it speaks volumes about the pride our community takes in this memorial and the history it preserves. We are tremendously grateful for their generosity.”
Businesses give back to historic landmark
For the businesses involved, the project was an opportunity to contribute to a recognizable piece of Wilmington’s history.
“We were proud to play a part in helping freshen up a landmark that means so much to Wilmington,” said Amber Buchholz, co-owner of Pelican Prowash of Wilmington. “Everyone knows that sign on 421—you see it and you immediately think of the Battleship.”
Sherwin-Williams account representative Tommy Gartz said the company was honored to provide materials to help protect the sign from the region’s weather conditions.
JBG Services co-owner Billie Gunn said the restoration was meaningful to the company’s team.
“We take a lot of pride in the work we do, and helping restore such a recognizable part of the Battleship experience meant a lot to our team,” Gunn said.
Co-owner Jeremy Gunn said donating the company’s craftsmanship was a way to honor the Battleship’s legacy of service and sacrifice.
Preserving North Carolina’s World War II memorial
The Battleship North Carolina serves as the state’s official World War II memorial, honoring approximately 11,000 North Carolinians who died while serving during the war, collectively known as the Immortal 11,000.
The USS North Carolina (BB-55), described by memorial officials as America’s most decorated World War II battleship, is permanently moored along the Cape Fear River in Wilmington.
The memorial has been part of the community for more than six decades, offering visitors opportunities to learn about the state’s military history.
The Battleship North Carolina is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about visiting the Battleship, including admission and ticketing, visit their website.
