WILMINGTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- The USS North Carolina battleship memorial is embarking on a $17 million public campaign to repair the ship's hull and make improvements for visitors.
Multiple media outlets report the memorial held a news conference on Thursday to unveil the Generations campaign. So far, the battleship already has raised $10.7 million of the money it needs for the work.
Heather Loftin, the memorial's promotions director, said the work would also include adding a walkway around the ship and a new trail on the island adjacent to it.
The USS North Carolina is the most decorated battleship that served in World War II. It's owned by the state and managed by a state commission, but daily operations are funded through ticket and gift shop sales, special events, and corporate and private donations.