Driving along the highway towards Myrtle Beach, we spied a sign that read, Battleship North Carolina Memorial - Next Exit.
A quick look at each other and D turns on the signal. Easy as that! That’s what we like about having no agenda - we can detour at any moment without hesitation. See something interesting? Let’s go!
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| The Battleship North Carolina is 728 feet long! |
Built between 1937-1941, the USS North Carolina was the largest and mightiest battleship in its time. And the most expensive, at a cost of $70million to build. At 35,000 tonnes, 222 meters long (728 feet) and 33 meters wide (108 feet), the ship carried more weapons and ammunition than most countries even owned. The North Carolina was also one of the most decorated in the US Navy, having served in every major naval offensive throughout the Pacific during WWII, and earning 15 battle stars.
Talk about a big ship - you could fit over 130 Mainship 34’s (that’s our old boat) on the main deck alone! If it weren’t for the signs and arrows marking the self-guided tour, we’d still be lost onboard.
The ship was decommissioned in 1947, after just six years in service. In 1961, she was destined for the scrap yard (remind anyone of the BC Ferries Fastcat fiasco?), when it was saved by the citizens of North Carolina. It now stands as one of North Carolina’s most visited tourist attractions.
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| The ship out-guns most countries |
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| That's some anchor! |
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| Cramped quarters and no privacy! |
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| Fold down beds 3 and 4 high |
