Navy Secretary visits Battleship, dodges question of Gravely commissioning funding

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Battleship North Carolina had a special visitor today. Navy Secretary Ray Maybus visited the ship to mark the Navy’s 235th birthday.

Maybus talked about his commitment to the Navy and his admiration for those who serve at sea.

He said he’s excited about the commissioning of the USS Gravely next month right here in Wilmington. But when asked why the navy is not footing the bill for its own party, he did not have much of an answer.

“You all did such a great job with the North Carolina, and the commissioning committee has to work incredibly hard to do this,” Mabus said. “They have to raise money they have to work, and these are just not easy things to put together. They look great and they’re fantastic the day they happen but years of work go into it.”

Secretary Mabus says he regrets he can’t make it back for the Gravely commissioning.