By Statesville Record & Landmark
WILMINGTON, N.C. — On March 16-18, Iredell County Rescue Squad and ISAR team members participated in an extraordinary, advanced rope rigging training exercise aboard the iconic USS North Carolina in Wilmington. Guided by instructors Eric Wiseman, Clayton Llewellyn, David Walker and James Robinson, this unique opportunity pushed participants to refine their technical rescue skills in one of the most challenging and historically significant environments imaginable.
A historic setting, a modern challenge
The USS North Carolina, a World War II battleship, provided an environment unlike any conventional training ground. The ship’s narrow ladders, steep bulkheads, and tightly confined compartments tested the team’s ability to adapt advanced rigging systems to complex spaces. The confined steel interior required careful planning and creative problem-solving — exactly the kind of conditions that mirror real-life rescue operations.
Every rigging point, edge transition, and anchor system had to be custom-built to fit the structure, forcing participants to think critically and work as one seamless unit. The team quickly discovered that there’s no standard setup aboard a 728-foot warship — only innovative thinking and solid teamwork, according to a news release.
Advanced rigging meets confined space
The focus of this training was the integration of advanced rope systems within extremely limited spaces. Scenarios included vertical access and victim extrication through narrow hatches, complex vector forces in irregular angles, and controlled movement in near-total darkness. It demanded not only technical proficiency but also effective communication and confidence among team members.
The instructors — Wiseman, Llewellyn, Robinson and Walker — brought their deep expertise and hands-on teaching style to every evolution. Their leadership encouraged participants to push beyond comfort zones, refined their rigging techniques, and trust in their teammates’ skills and decisions.
Teamwork across agencies
This event wasn’t just about rope systems — it was about collaboration. Members from Iredell County Rescue Squad and ISAR worked side by side with several agencies, including Lenoir Fire Department, Henderson County Rescue Squad, Durham Fire Department, Gaffney, SC Fire and Linville Central Rescue, sharing knowledge, resources and strategies. The synergy between agencies enhanced coordination and fostered mutual respect, vital qualities when operating in high-risk rescue missions.
Through every lift, anchor and descent, participants embodied the essence of technical rescue: precision, communication and teamwork under pressure.
An experience to remember
Opportunities like this are rare. Training on an active museum ship — surrounded by history while performing modern rescue operations — left a lasting impression on everyone involved. The lessons learned aboard the Battleship North Carolina went far beyond the ropes and hardware. They reinforced adaptability, leadership and the importance of unity among responders.
For the Iredell County Rescue and ISAR members, this wasn’t just another training, it was an opportunity of a lifetime. Guided by respected instructors and forged in the steel heart of a legendary battleship, these rescuers returned home with sharpened skills, stronger bonds, and a renewed sense of pride in their craft, the release said.
