Hidden Battleship Tour offers a glimpse into history

From Strykers Bridge

The public will have three chances to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the U.S.S. Battleship North Carolina in 2010.  This special guided tour, called “Hidden Battleship”, begins in February and offers a glimpse of seldom-seen places and a guided step into World War II naval life — something few alive today can understand.  Cape Fear Business News had a glimpse of the Hidden Battleship tour on Saturday.

The Showboat, as the U.S. Battleship BB 55 was nicknamed, served in the Pacific theater of operations and was stationed mainly in the South Pacific.  Once below deck, one realizes how miserably hot it must have been.  Frank Glossl, our guide and a volunteer interpreter, made this point abundantly clear, stating that the air conditioning aboard ship was designed to keep the machinery cool, not the crew.

Once off the beaten path typically open to tourists, one is immersed into the sights, sounds and smells of life aboard a World War II fighting vessel — a ship which could command 1,700 square miles of earth and sea with its fire power.   Time seems to have stopped, and technology that was considered state-of-the-art in the 1930’s and 40’s is evident at every turn.  Everyday items such as Marine Uniforms, metal desks and tools stand ready, waiting to be called to duty.  Two of the ship’s radios again broadcast to the world, thanks to Azalea Coast Radio Club members.

Strykers Bridge from the deck

The United States Navy still owns the U.S.S. North Carolina; consequently, nothing of battle worthiness may be removed or sold.  Paperwork, files and personal items can still be found as if left there by a soon-to-return crew member.  Mary Ames Booker, Curator of Collections, told us the staff still discovers items of importance on board.  The archivists have also found things for which no one seems to know the purpose.  Returning crew members often ask if the battleship staff found this or that item.

The Battleship North Carolina is a memorial to the men and women who fought for our country during World War II.  It is also a museum of record for what man can accomplish when he must.

History is best when lived, and the Battleship North Carolina Memorial is something that has to be experienced.  Whether you have walked upon its teak decks once or a hundred times, the Hidden Battleship Tour shines a brighter light onto what America’s greatest generation endured and how they lived during one of America’s finest – and most difficult — hours.

To experience the Hidden Battleship Tour for yourself, visit www.battleshipnc.com and find out when you can experience history.