The North Carolina-class battleships were a class of fast battleships built for the United States Navy during World War II. They were designed to engage enemy ships and provide naval gunfire support for ground forces. The class included two ships: the USS North Carolina and the USS Washington, both commissioned in the early 1940s. These battleships featured advanced technology for their time, including radar and improved armor. They were known for their speed, capable of reaching over 28 knots, which allowed them to operate effectively with aircraft carriers. The North Carolina-class played a significant role in several key naval battles during the war.