USS North Carolina Battleship Commission Receives Clean Financial Audit

RALEIGH, N.C. – The USS North Carolina Battleship Commission has received a clean financial audit from the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor, with state auditors reporting no material weaknesses or significant compliance issues for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025.

The audit, released Thursday by Dave Boliek, found the commission’s financial statements were “accurate and reliable” and reported no material errors in the agency’s accounting records.

The commission oversees the historic USS North Carolina Battleship memorial and museum in Wilmington.

According to the audit, the commission reported approximately $4.9 million in revenues and $4.6 million in expenses during the fiscal year.

Boliek noted the commission had findings in its previous fiscal year 2024 audit but said management addressed those concerns.

“Recommendations made by the State Auditor’s Office to improve internal controls were implemented,” Boliek wrote in the audit report. He added that commission leadership “corrected the course” following last year’s findings.

Auditors stated they found no material weaknesses in internal controls and no reportable instances of noncompliance with laws or regulations.

The report said annual financial audits are intended to promote “transparency, accountability, and trust” in the commission’s operations and help ensure public funds, grants and donations are properly managed.

The audit also noted that visitors, donors, public officials and commission leadership rely on accurate financial reporting to maintain the battleship, preserve it as a World War II memorial and continue educational programs and public access.

Independent auditors issued an unmodified opinion — commonly referred to as a “clean” audit opinion — meaning the financial statements were found to fairly present the commission’s financial position in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.