Battleship North Carolina to shine blue and gold for Navy’s 251st anniversary

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Battleship North Carolina Memorial will light up in blue and gold to celebrate the 251st anniversary of the United States Navy.

The illumination will begin at sunset Tuesday, Oct. 13, marking the Navy’s founding in 1775.

The blue-and-gold lights, representing the Navy’s official colors, will be visible across the Cape Fear River and downtown Wilmington skyline.

According to the memorial, people will be able to see the display from Wilmington’s Riverwalk, nearby parks and other locations across the river.

“The Navy’s story is woven into North Carolina’s story, and this Ship is one of the most visible reminders of that connection,” said Battleship North Carolina Memorial Executive Director Dr. Jay Martin. “Lighting the North Carolina in blue and gold gives us an opportunity to celebrate the Navy’s 251st anniversary while recognizing the generations of North Carolinians who served, supported the fleet, and helped preserve this Ship for those who came after them.”

Commissioned in 1941, the USS North Carolina served in every major naval offensive in the Pacific during World War II and earned 15 battle stars.

Nearly 9,000 men served aboard the battleship during its wartime career.

Today, the Battleship North Carolina Memorial serves as the state’s official World War II memorial, honoring the more than 11,000 North Carolinians who died during the war.