uss777For many North Carolina residents, it may come as a pleasant surprise to learn that there is an active-duty USS North Carolina that has been patrolling international waters since itUSS ZELLARS (DD-777) Zellars (DD-777) was laid down on 24 December 1943 at Seattle Wash. by the Todd Pacific Shipyards Inc.; launched on 19 July 1944 sponsored by Mrs. Thomas M.