Battleship North Carolina Undergoes Repairs Nearly a Year After Tropical Cyclone 8
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Nearly one year after potential Tropical Cyclone 8 brought unprecedented rainfall to parts of Brunswick and New Hanover Counties, crews are completing repairs aboard the historic Battleship North Carolina. The storm’s heavy downpours caused significant water intrusion into the Admiral’s Cabin, a key space located on the ship’s front deck, according to WECT.
Storm Damage to a Historic Vessel
Maintenance technician Scott Williams recalled that during the storm, “half the deck was rotted out above us,” with two inches of water pooling inside the cabin. Crews had to pump out between 500 and 800 gallons of water. The flooding damaged carpet and corroded steel, creating a major restoration challenge on the 80-year-old vessel, which was commissioned in 1941.
Repairs and Reinforcements
The restoration team has replaced damaged steel, stopped the leaks, and removed ruined flooring. But their work goes beyond returning the cabin to its previous state.
“We’ve placed our welds a little better to be out of the rain, and we have the corrosion resistance and maintenance upkeep we didn’t have in years past,” Williams said. These updates are designed to prevent future flooding and extend the ship’s structural lifespan.
A Legacy of Resilience
The Battleship North Carolina has a long history of withstanding damage and continuing operations. Exactly 82 years before Tropical Cyclone 8, the ship survived torpedo strikes during wartime while remaining open through repairs. Officials say this resilience is part of what makes the vessel a living piece of history for North Carolina.
Crews expect the Admiral’s Cabin to be fully restored and operational within the next week.
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