USS North Carolina (BB-55) was a United States Navy battleship, the lead ship of her two-ship class. The USS Washington was her sister ship. She was the third Navy ship named for the state of North Carolina. She was laid down 27 October 1937 at the New York Naval Shipyard and launched on 13 June 1940; sponsored by Isabel Hoey (daughter of Clyde R. Hoey, Governor of North Carolina); and commissioned at New York on 9 April 1941 with Captain Olaf M. Hustvedt first in command.

The first commissioned of the Navy's new fast, heavily-armed (16" gunned) battleships, the North Carolina received so much attention during her fitting out and trials that she won the enduring nickname "Showboat".

More historical information on USS North Carolina.

Battleship North Carolina today:  

"Standing with quiet dignity and majesty across the river from downtown Wilmington, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA beckons visitors to walk her decks and envision daily life as well as fierce combat that her crew faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II..." Read more at www.battleshipnc.com.