USS NC submarine crew visiting Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Four sailors from the USS North Carolina submarine are in North Carolina to continue to bring awareness of the state’s namesake, active-duty submarine.   

Friday, they visited “Kids Making It” in Wilmington.  

The 17-year-old sub is at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii getting upgrades to maintain the status of being the most modern and advanced submarine in the U.S. Navy.  

USS North Carolina commanding officer or captain Michael Fritts is honored to serve on the submarine. 

“I have the privilege of serving the most advanced, most capable, and most powerful submarine force in the world. So, 1 of 71 operational submarines. It’s an honor and a privilege. To be able to protect the country in this way, it’s just an honor,” Captain Fritts said.  

The USS North Carolina submarine is 377 feet long and can travel about 30 mph. North Carolina also has a service life of 33 years. 

Captain Fritts added he is looking forward to the next time he and his sailors can visit the Tar Heel State.