Submarine Museum Project Featured in Regional Coverage

The North Carolina Submarine Museum Foundation was recently featured in regional media, highlighting growing momentum behind the proposed submarine museum and workforce innovation center in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The article outlines a key milestone: the Wilmington City Council’s unanimous vote on May 7, 2024, supporting the Foundation’s vision to locate the project in the Port City. This local support is a critical step as the Foundation continues efforts to secure state and federal funding.

Wilmington has strong ties to the mission. The USS North Carolina (SSN 777) was commissioned there in 2008, and the city’s maritime identity—along with existing attractions like the Battleship North Carolina—positions it as a natural fit for the project.

The Foundation was originally created to support the families of sailors serving aboard North Carolina’s three submarines: USS North Carolina (SSN 777), USS Charlotte (SSN 766), and USS Asheville (SSN 758). Today, that includes approximately 1,500 family members. Submarine deployments can last up to seven months underwater, placing significant strain on both sailors and their families.

As highlighted in the article, the proposed facility will serve multiple purposes. In addition to honoring submarine veterans and supporting military families, it will introduce visitors—especially students—to the science and technology behind nuclear-powered submarines. Planned exhibits aim to answer questions such as how submarines are designed, how they operate underwater, and how systems onboard sustain life.

The project also directly addresses a national workforce challenge. Navy projections indicate a shortage of up to 100,000 skilled workers over the next decade needed to build and maintain submarines. The museum and its associated workforce development center are designed to help bridge that gap by connecting education with real career pathways .

Current plans estimate a $35 million to $65 million above-ground facility that will incorporate immersive and virtual experiences, allowing engagement not only on-site but also with broader audiences.

The article also highlights support from local and state leadership, including Wilmington City Council and elected officials who recognize the project’s potential impact on education, tourism, and economic development.

The Foundation’s long-term goal is to open the facility by 2028, creating a space that both honors the legacy of submariners and introduces future generations to what has been described as one of the most sophisticated machines ever built—the American nuclear-powered submarine.

Read the full article: https://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/hospitality/2024/05/17/submarine_museum_could_surface_here/25607