The North Carolina Submarine Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the crews and families of North Carolina’s three active-duty submarines: USS Asheville (SSN 758), USS Charlotte (SSN 766), and USS North Carolina (SSN 777). Our mission is to design, develop, and operate a STEM education and workforce development center in Wilmington, NC, predicated on the "made in America" technologies of these three incredible "underwater spaceships."

When on patrol, subs are often away from their homeport for up to six months. We provide as-needed support during these deployments. Such activities include children's birthday parties, holiday events, and community connections. We also help supply care packages, organize homecoming activities to foster morale and unit cohesion, and offer emergency financial aid when needed.

You can get involved by volunteering, donating, or participating in events/registries supported by the Foundation. Visit our Get Involved page for more details on how to participate.

More than a matter of funding, the Submarine Industry Builder (SIB) community projects a shortfall of 250,000 skilled workers over the next seven years. Our vision for the SEWIC is an interactive, hands-on series of exhibits that portray the design, construction, and operation of a modern, Navy, nuclear-powered submarine. Our conviction is that if more people of all ages were introduced to the wonder of these "underwater spaceships," more would be interested in careers in both our Navy and SIB community.

We are committed to protecting national security and the privacy of submarine personnel. We ARE NOT PERMITTED to share real-time updates about deployments or any sensitive operational information, ensuring we maintain the safety and integrity of missions. All communications, events, and public interactions are carefully planned with personnel security as a top priority. Before posting any photographs, we always seek permission—either from the families or the director—ensuring respect for individual privacy. When visual content is shared, it is either sourced from open, publicly available images or authorized directly by relevant parties. This approach allows us to honor and support the submarine community responsibly, balancing public engagement with stringent security and privacy protocols.

You can stay updated by signing up for our newsletter on our website. We also share updates through our Instagram and Facebook.

We are based in North Carolina because North Carolina enjoys a long-standing, important maritime heritage. Wilmington was an important port city during WWII and hosts the famous Battleship North Carolina. Plus, we are the only state with three namesake submarines.

Yes! The NC Submarine Foundation maintains close, personal relationships with the crews and their respective Family Readiness Groups (FRGs), which comprise friends and families of the crews of each of these submarines. Our Director regularly communicates with each FRG, promoting support for their well-being and morale. This direct connection allows us to provide timely assistance tailored to their unique needs, reflecting our commitment to fostering a strong community among the USS Charlotte (SSN 766), USS Asheville (SSN 758), and USS North Carolina (SSN 777).