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SITREP
Last Updated 02/27/24
North Carolina Leads the Way in Submarine Innovation & STEM Education
The United States is facing a critical shortage in skilled labor needed to build and maintain the submarines and surface ships already funded for production and repair. Addressing this challenge requires long-term, strategic investment—and North Carolina is uniquely positioned to lead the way.
Our state holds a rare distinction: we are represented by three active-duty U.S. Navy submarines:
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USS Asheville (SSN-758)
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USS Charlotte (SSN-766)
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USS North Carolina (SSN-777)
These names are more than symbolic—they connect our communities directly to the strength and future of America’s Navy.​​
Our Mission
The North Carolina Submarine Foundation is focused on two primary objectives:
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Supporting Our Crews and Their Families: We provide ongoing support for the sailors and loved ones connected to our three namesake submarines.
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Establishing the NC STEM Education & Workforce Innovation Center: We are developing a one-of-a-kind facility and curriculum designed to give students across the state an immersive, hands-on experience in American submarine engineering. This initiative will highlight the science and systems of U.S.-designed, constructed, and operated nuclear-powered submarines. Once complete, this curriculum will be available to secondary schools, universities, community colleges, and science centers across North Carolina, serving as a statewide tool for technical education, workforce development, and career readiness.
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Progress Thus Far
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The Wilmington City Council has unanimously passed a resolution supporting Wilmington as the future site of our NC Submarine Workforce Development Center. This milestone marks an exciting next chapter for us, and we are incredibly grateful to the City of Wilmington and everyone who has supported us along the way.
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New Hanover County has also formally agreed to host the future facility.
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Cape Fear Community College has committed to partnering with us to develop a companion workforce innovation curriculum that bridges classroom learning with real-world naval applications.
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The Navy’s BuildSubmarines.com Program Office has officially endorsed the center’s concept and confirmed our readiness to implement it.
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We’ve activated a growing network of 110 submarine sailors who reside in North Carolina, each bringing valuable subject-matter expertise and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation.
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Thank You to Our Supporters
We couldn't have achieved this without the unwavering support of our community, donors, and the Wilmington City Council. Your belief in our vision propels us forward as we work to make this dream a reality.
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Stay Connected
We will continue to provide updates as we progress with our plans. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Together, we are building something special. Watch the full Wilmington City Council meeting in the video below. Thank you to the Wilmington City Council for providing this footage.​​​
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