The USS North Carolina in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a marvel of modern warfare. Walking the several levels of this floating city designed for the single purpose of pounding the enemy into submission, I am in awe. "Who thought all this up?" is all I can think. (I know; I'm brilliant.) There are wires and cables and gauges everywhere, and who knows for what purpose and how this purpose is connected to that one and how it all comes together to make a single machine of sheer force. Somehow all this stuff comes together to support the men on the battleship that they might do their part to win a war as it's fought in the Pacific. There's nothing easy about this boat. And then to think there are so many just like it for the same purpose. Then, to think of all the men who piled on to make it go and to fight and to win and maybe come home. Maybe not. Walking this thing from top to bottom with my nephew Alex, we see veterans who served on the North Carolina talking to Navy officers who are on board for some special event. There is a lot of tenderness in all this strength. Somehow. (My other photos are here.)
My World Tuesday
30 Comments
im sure it's one big ship as one of th US naval ship is stationed here. i still hope to be able to walk on one of those ships.
ReplyDeleteThey are amazing, aren't they? I love ships, but have to admit the battleships are a little overwhelming, but I guess I just hate the fact that it is necessary in our world to have "battle" ships! Terrific post as always, Sandy! Terrific capture! Hope your week is off to a great start!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
The ominous clouds are the perfect setting for this ship My son would tell me it's not a ship but a boat. . . sigh
ReplyDeleteI love the stories they tell. . .
Stunning shot Sandy and you got some other good ones too. I hadn't been there in ages until I went a year ago at the end of May with Bill. It was interesting going with him since Bill was in the navy from 1968 until 1972 and although this is a World War II ship Bill knew a lot about it and could compare it for me with his experiences. As a matter of fact he showed me on one of the maps in the map room where exactly his ship was doing most of its runs.
ReplyDeleteso many modern inventions came from being developed for military use-radar, Internet, etc. The list is long.
ReplyDeleteThese things make me feel claustrophobic. I can also get sea sick while it is docked. Sigh~~
ReplyDeleteSandy: Neat post on such a wonderful ship.
ReplyDeletenever been on a battleship before. i bet it's truly fascinating inside.
ReplyDeleteThese ships are magnificent and fill us with pride! We visit the USS Midway in San Diego now and then. I can never get enough photos of her. And, what a gorgeous sky to add to this wonderful photo.
ReplyDeleteI love the background clouds which seem to be floating along with the ship.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen a ship so close, great post and thoughts.
ReplyDeletea very beautiful photo!!!
ReplyDeleteo I like these ships too.
Great angle Sandy. Its such huge battleship.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy a great week.
Fantastic shot, I love the way the sun highlights the turrets as they rise into the clouds. This would make a fine Skywatch Friday post too!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful ship and love the sky shots as well.
ReplyDeleteThe are amazing human constructs and interesting to tour. Now their usfullness has passed and all are not part of history.
ReplyDeleteYes. Today you have to be brilliant to join the military.
ReplyDeleteIts all tech now.
battleships are simply awesome--and yes, "who thought all this up?". humans have come a long way.:p
ReplyDeleteHearing the word Wilmington brings back so many memories... Oh how I miss NC, can not believe it has been ten years since I called it my home.;)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Like Sylvia, I love ships, but hate the fact that these battleships need to be built. My father sailed all through the war from Australia to Britain and then the USA. He sailed in convoy with other ships from allied countries. It was a horrible time.
ReplyDeleteAll the same: this battleship is fascinating!
Your photograph makes it look like a picture of the alps; harsh, forbidding, beautiful, mesmerizing.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of that impressive battleship.
ReplyDeleteWow! A lot of food for thought. Great pic of the ship!! It did take a great deal of thought and design and art to make these sailing vessels. And to make them work in the harshest of environments. A lot to take in!!
ReplyDeleteHugs
SueAnn
That is one amazing battleship. My dad would've loved to tour it, as he spent 4 years of his life during WW 2 (and some time after) on the US Battleship Maryland in the south Pacific.
ReplyDeleteCool post.
My brother served on the USS Missouri after it was recommissioned in the 80's during the Reagan era Navy buildup. It had all sorts of update weapons such as cruise missiles and such. We just got to walk on the deck and see the plaque where the Japanese signed the surrender document in Tokyo bay.
ReplyDeleteNavy ships are a wonder because their efficiency and single mindedness.
My brother is out of the Navy but still any floor is a "deck" all walls are "bulkheads" and all bathrooms are "heads." All hats are "headgear"
It is an amazing feeling, I have been in one, the USS Stockdale.
ReplyDeleteThe clouds look so grand in the background.
Very nice picture, Sandy!
ReplyDeleteMy daddy spent months (years?) in a sub and every time I have opportunity to tour one I'm amazed that so many people could fit into such a small space and manage!
ReplyDeleteI love your photo! The clouds add so much!
you know, I think it would really bother me to see this in real life.
ReplyDeletenothing easy...I like how you said that.
there's no big ship around here, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being here.