Four ships of the United States Navy (and one of the Confederate States Navy) have been named USS North Carolina in honor of the 12th state.

• The first North Carolina, 74, was one of nine ships of the line authorized by Congress in 1816.
• The second North Carolina (ACR-12), a Tennessee-class armored cruiser, escorted troop transports during World War I and was eventually renamed Charlotte.
• The third North Carolina (BB-52), was a South Dakota-class battleship laid down but cancelled before launching.
• The fourth North Carolina (BB-55), the lead ship of her class of battleship, was known as "Showboat" and saw action during World War II.
• A fifth North Carolina (SSN-777), a Virginia-class submarine, was under construction as of 2004 and expected to be delivered in 2006.

See also CSS North Carolina.