NC Submarine Foundation

Part Two: Days 4–6 Recap The second half of the SSN 777 namesake visit wrapped up with strong community ties and statewide support. Day 4 The crew was welcomed at the NC General Assembly—thanks to Sen. Michael Lee—for a series of introductions across the state. They also met with Lt. Gov. Hunt and Labor Commissioner Luke Farley to discuss building a skilled workforce for the future submarine fleet. That evening, the crew joined the Carolina Hurricanes on-ice for the anthem and presented a flag flown over both Battleship NC and SSN 777. Day 5 Breakfast aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA kicked off the day, followed by a private tour. The crew later joined Cape Fear Community College for a roundtable on STEM and workforce development, closing the evening with a social hosted by the local USNA chapter. Day 6 At UNC-Chapel Hill, the crew met with Chancellor Roberts and presented a flag flown over the sub. That night, they were recognized at the UNC-Duke game and presented a Command Ballcap to Tar Heel legend Phil Ford. Strong finish to a standout week. Primus in Proelio. Luke Farley Michael Lee Carolina Hurricanes Battleship North Carolina Cape Fear Community College Lee Harriss Roberts Phil Ford University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

After years of operational commitments and CV-19 delays, the crew of USS North Carolina (SSN 777) finally returned to engage with its namesake state. Over three packed days, sailors connected with students, community leaders, and supporters across North Carolina. -Day 1: Visited Cary High School, the oldest public high school in the state, and the only WCPSS school with a naval JROTC program. Cadets presented a battleship teak plaque to mark the occasion. At Green Level High, students used their lunch break to ask thoughtful questions about submarine careers. The day ended with a tour of the NC Emergency Operations Center and a meeting with Director Will Ray. -Day 2: Led a professional development session at Duke University Naval ROTC, toured Cameron Indoor Stadium and Duke Chapel, and met Durham Mayor Leo Williams. Engaged with high school students at the NC School of Science and Mathematics—alma mater of former SSN 777 CO RDML(sel) Gary Montalvo. -Day 3: Presented to NCSU Naval ROTC, the state’s largest unit, fielding questions on submarine operations and leadership. Met with Coach Bill Belichick, who has deep Naval Academy ties through his father’s 34-year coaching career. Closed out with a dinner alongside Naval Academy Alumni, Daughters of the American Revolution, and other supporters, overlooking the Raleigh skyline. A huge thank you to the schools, organizations, and leaders who made this visit meaningful. Strengthening ties to the namesake state and engaging the next generation of submariners remains a priority for the Silent Service. NC Emergency Management Cary High School Green Level High School North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Duke University Chapel City of Durham SSN 777 Club #USNavy #SubmarineForce #NCSubmarineFoundation #SilentService #NCSF #SSN777 #USSNorthCarolina

Day5–BB55 and Wilmington! - Started the day in the Port City with breakfast aboard the namesake vessel attended by nearly 100 supporters of the Club and pillars of the region. Battleship Museum Director Dr Jay Martin hosted and arranged a private tour of “The Showboat” for Captain and crew of “The Tar Heel Boat.” - SSN-777 delegation participated in a round table discussion with Cape Fear Community College on the topic of STEM Education and its role in supporting the construction and maintenance of the larger future submarine fleet needed to preserve American naval dominance. - Concluded the day with a social hour with the Cape Fear chapter of the US Naval Academy including former sub captains and director of the battleship museum. I know crew is running on fumes, but looking forward to more events on the last day of 777’s visit tomorrow! Battleship North Carolina Cape Fear Community College

Day2 of namesake visit in the books. Today was “Durham Day”: - Professional development session with midshipmen of Duke U Naval ROTC unit. Our sponsor, Ms Linda Bowman, married Admiral “Skip” Bowman who commissioned from this unit on his way to becoming Director-Naval Reactors - Tour of Cameron Indoor Stadium on the morning after a Blue Devils home win over Wake Forest - Duke Chapel tour with private organ performance - Meeting with Durham Mayor Leo Williams and Council - High School student engagement at NC School of Science and Math, Alma mater of former 777 CO RDML(sel) Gary Montalvo Thank you to these supportive Bull City organizations. Looking forward to more interactions tomorrow with North Carolinians! North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Duke University Chapel City of Durham

Namesake Visit!! Between CV-19 and operational deployments, it had been YEARS since 777 engaged North Carolinians in-person. Finally, this week, a delegation from the Tar Heel boat is able to visit the namesake state due to her extended dry dock period. Day1 began at Cary HS, the oldest public high school in the state and only one in WCPSS with a naval JROTC unit. Cadets presented the sailors with a large piece of battleship teak, inscribed to mark the occasion. Green Level HS also hosted an engagement in their beautiful media center. Students gave up their lunch period to pose thoughtful questions about the submarine career field. Monday ended with a tour of the NC Emergency Operations Center and highlighted by a meeting with Director Will Ray. The week’s schedule is slammed with awesome interactions—stay tuned. NC Emergency Management Cary High School Green Level High School

Today, we gathered at Riverside Cemetery to honor the 166 sailors of USS Asheville (PG-21), reading each of their names aloud on the 82nd anniversary of their sacrifice. On March 3, 1942, USS Asheville was attempting to reach Australia when she was intercepted 300 miles south of Java by a Japanese task force, including the heavy cruiser Maya and destroyers Arashi and Nowaki. Outgunned and alone, she fought to the last round, taking over 300 enemy hits before going down. Every sailor aboard was lost, including Fireman First Class Fred L. Brown, the sole survivor, who was taken prisoner and later died in captivity. These were young men, many barely out of high school, facing impossible odds. For over 30 minutes, they stood their ground, knowing escape was impossible. No reinforcements were coming, no real hope of survival—but they still fought. They fought for their shipmates, their duty, and because they knew their actions mattered. Their resistance helped buy time for Allied forces in the Pacific at a critical moment in the war. That kind of courage—the kind that stands firm even when the outcome is certain—deserves to be remembered. Last year, we dedicated a monument engraved with their names, ensuring their legacy has a place in the city their ship was named for. Today, with the help of the Asheville Fire Department, veterans, local community members, and all who made this possible, we continued that promise. Their sacrifice mattered then, and it matters now. We will remember them, year after year. Riverside Cemetery remains closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene, but the Riverside Superintendent granted Asheville Sub Vets special permission to hold today’s ceremony. To learn more about USS Asheville (PG-21) and its history, here’s a great article: https://lnkd.in/e7Y4j6Ra #USSAsheville #PG21 #NavalHistory #USNavy

Bravo Zulu, 766- Proud of the Silent Stinger crew and families!

As many of you know, the USS Asheville (SSN-758) is currently in the shipyard for maintenance, a necessary process to ensure her readiness. This has placed a significant strain on her crew and families, who are spread between Guam and San Diego. The long separations and logistical challenges are a heavy burden, and the sacrifices these families make often go unnoticed. Simply acknowledging their struggles and sharing their story can help. For those who know Asheville families, a kind word, check in, or practical support can mean a great deal. ❤️🩹

The UNCC Men’s Basketball team swapped the court for the 766 on Saturday while in Honolulu for the Diamond Head Tournament. Let’s just say the ceilings felt a little lower than usual with this group on board! Thank you to all who made this possible, it was such a cool experience! 🏀 • • • #USNavy #USSCharlotte #usscharlottessn766 #ssn766 #diamondheadtournament #UNCC #unccbaseball #HonoluluHawaii #NCSM #NCSubmarineMuseum

SSN-777’s Family Readiness Group (FRG) is running an ornament fundraiser, now through Dec 1st. The ornaments range between $5 and $15 and proceeds will go to support FRG events and Sunshine Committee.