North Carolina Submarine Foundation
Supporting Submariners & Their Families | Advancing Workforce Development
North Carolina is honored by three namesake Navy nuclear-powered submarines: USS Asheville (SSN 758), based in Guam; and USS Charlotte (SSN 766) and USS North Carolina (SSN 777), both homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In partnership with Wilmington, NC, we aim to develop a STEM & Workforce Innovation Center inspired by the design and operation of modern, 100% American-made Navy nuclear submarines—among the world’s most advanced machines, often called underwater spaceships.
How We Support Families
Families of submariners endure long stretches without their loved ones—no calls, no emails, nothing. They hold everything together while managing parenting, medical emergencies, home repairs, financial challenges, and major life moments alone. While their sacrifice is silent, their strength will never go unnoticed.
We work alongside Family Readiness Groups (FRGs), community partners, and local businesses to support them in real, meaningful ways:
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Celebrations That Keep Traditions Alive – Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts, and morale-boosting events that bring families together.
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Emergency Assistance – Financial aid, childcare resources, and crisis support for challenges that can’t wait.
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Deployment Support – Guidance and resources to help families adjust, from the day their sailor leaves to the day they return.
How We Support Sailors
Submarine service is one of the most demanding roles in the military—months underwater, 67 days without sunlight, no outside contact. The average submariner is just 25 years old, responsible for operating one of the most advanced machines in the world.
We ensure they have the support they need, on and off duty through:
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​Recognition & Morale – Homecomings, send-offs, and appreciation events that remind them their service matters.
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Care Packages & Personal Connections – Snacks, letters, and small reminders of home that break through the isolation.
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Career & Skill Development – Workforce training, industry partnerships, and transition support for life beyond the Navy.
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Honoring Their Legacy – Through the NCSF, we preserve their history and educate the public on their role in national security.
A Vision for the Future​
Our vision extends to the creation of a physical Workforce Development Center in Wilmington, NC, designed to preserve naval history, celebrate submariners, and serve as a hub for education and workforce development. With a growing need for skilled professionals in submarine-related fields, the center will showcase the advanced technology behind nuclear submarines and highlight STEM opportunities, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers critical to national defense and technological innovation. The center will also feature compelling interactive technologies, offering visitors immersive experiences of working, living, and sailing in the depths of the ocean aboard a nuclear-powered U.S. Navy submarine.
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To achieve this goal, we are focused on securing exhibitors, investors, and strategic partnerships. We invite you to join us in bringing this vision to life. Together, we can build a museum that not only honors the silent service but also creates opportunities that will shape the future of our communities and our nation.
Explore the Boats
