Tuesday, August 18, 2009

USS Battleship North Carolina

We took a day and drove to Wilmington to see the battleship. The last time Landon and I went with the kids, Wyatt was a baby and we carried him and his stroller, all over that ship. Mental note was made not to return until everyone could walk, and climb up and down the ladders by themselves.
Wyatt asked me why it was called the North Carolina. I explained that all the battleships were named after states, so the Japanese wouldn't know what our guys were talking about on the radio. "Secret code", he replied, smiling.
I always forget how awesome this ship is inside. It is a mini-city with a barber shop, doctors office, dentist office, post office, cafeteria, ice cream shop, game room, brig, offices, and many others. It is amazing that they fought, without computers. There are so many knobs, switches and buttons for communicating and firing the weapons.
Levi looking out to aim the big guns on the rear of the ship. This area (like many others) is extremely tight and hot.
Every time I see the beds/hanging cots, I smile. Pop told us about how his crew mate never wanted to be buckled into his bunk, and would fall out at night and get hurt. He wasn't on this ship, but both of my grandfathers fought in the Navy. My grandmama tells us all the time, how handsome my granddaddy was in his uniform. This sailor, swept her off her feet, when she was just a young teenager.
The missile room. It is several tiers of levels filled with empty missiles. If this doesn't bring it home nothing will. How many boys fought to protect us? I kept looking at Levi, and thinking about the ones that were only 6 years older than him. They were just kids. But they were honored to fight for our freedom.
Leigh and Dave went with us. She told me she hasn't been since she was four. We got separated inside and kept seeing them through hallways and doors. If you are in the area, stop by the battleship. It is well worth the money. In fact, five and under are free. Note to self, go back in the winter time. :)

11 comments:

BE said...

The Battleship is great, we went in December and the weather was perfect. We didn't take Luke with us, that place is not made for babies.

Carolina Mama said...

Very fun! How did you stand the heat? I am sure the boys didn't care! :) This is on our list of FIeld Trips this year - for cooler weather. :) The pictures you got are great.

Shannon said...

It was hot, hot, hot inside of the ship. But still fun. We stayed about three hours, any longer and someone may have started complaining, lol.

CrystalW said...

I haven't been to that battleship since Brittney was little, Autumn wasn't even born. We did go to the Mighty Mo in Hawaii (I think all battleships look the same). My grandfather was in the Navy too and worked in the engine room. He said that one time during a bad storm, the ship was rocking back and forth like it was going to turn over and one of the guys in the engine room had a life jacket on and one under each arm. My grandfather asked what he was doing and he said he was getting ready to abandon ship, but my grandfather had to remind him that there were no doors on the bottom of the ship.

Shannon said...

Crystal, that is too funny!!!!

Shannon said...

Wow, I never realized how much Wyatt looks like Leigh!

twin power mommy ♥ said...

Man...that looks way too cool!

I think that would be sooo much fun for me (and the kids).

I like things like that, so it really piqued my interest.

How fun for your family to be able to go.

Carolina Mama said...

Three hours sounds great! We can't wait to go now after seeing these pictures. You can get the tee shirst at peacelovemom.com They're fun, I have three. :)

Cool fact on the name of the ships! :)

Nancy M. said...

Looks like fun! I can barely remember going as a child. Do you remember how much it was to get in? We may go when we go to the beach.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe how much Leigh looks like you Shannon! I had to look twice at that picture of her and the boys. I was thinking to myself that I knew you weren't that tall. I stand next to you all the time. Thought I was loosing my mind.

Anonymous said...

A-Maze-Zing!! I would definitely like to do something like that.