Category: News

The Seaman’s Service Center was established at the Morehead City Port in 1971 and was incorporated as a 501(c) 3 organization in December 1989. The purpose of the Center is to serve the temporal needs of seafarers of all nationalities, ethnic and religious backgrounds who visit the State Port and to a lesser extent military personnel awaiting deployment.

The Center is located on the Port in a 2500 square foot facility. Here our visitors are provided a game room with a pool table and ping pong, a quiet chapel, free internet service, a TV room and refreshment area, and quiet phone booths for private conversations with family members. In addition, the Center has a 15 passenger van to shuttle passengers to retail shops, mailing facilities, restaurants, and medical/dental facilities.
During a typical year, Center volunteers will visit 120 ships. Each ship carries an average crew of 25 which means approximately 3000 seafarers visit the Port each year and our volunteers interface with approximately 1000 during the year.

The Ministry appreciates the support of the Big Rock Foundation in providing funds to help with much needed upgrades to the Center.

Big Rock donated $32,500 to The Bridge Downeast, a non-profit organization that seeks to have a positive impact on the Down East community by offering a variety of programs through out the year.

Giving back to veterans and wounded warriors is what Operation North State is all about.

There were more than three hundred people fishing and hanging out on the pier.

What is unique about this event is all the wounded warriors and disabled veterans were able to bring their friends and family with them.
Retired US Air Force veteran Jim Kiger said he loves fishing, but also spending time with the others he served with. “This is one of those things that we do as ya know brothers in arms. We get together we just have a great time. Every couple of weeks, every couple months we get together all over the state and this is what we do. We fish we see each other, what a wonderful way to spend time together,” Kiger said.
This festival was free for the veterans and families to attend.

One of the organizers said this is only one of many other events Operation North State has throughout the year.

Big Rock donated $5,000 to WRAL’s Coats for the Children, a major community campaign to support disadvantaged families in need of warm clothing for winter. Presenting the check were Tommy Bennett, Charity Committee Chairman; Crystal Hesmer, Tournament Director and Billy Kornegay, Past President.

Special prize for the 60^th Big Rock Tournament.  We are giving away six Rolex Submariner watches with 60^th Big Rock logo engraved on the back.  There will be a drawing each of the six fishing days at 3:30 pm.  Randy will announce the winner on the radio.  Every boat that is entered in the tournament will be in the drawing.  The boat can only win one watch during the week.

In the 60^th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament there is a major change in Level 5- the Fabulous Fishing Level.  As always, this is a winner take all level with all of the prize money going to the boat that lands the first blue marlin over 500 pounds.  Starting this year, if no qualifying fish is weighed in, the total amount of prized money will be paid to the boat entered in this category attaining the most release points.  So remember to turn in your release forms.  It could be worth a half a million dollars!

The sponsors reception is an invitation only event that will be held at the student center adjacent to Crystal Coast Civic Center.

The Captain’s Meeting will be at Joslyn Hall at Carteret Coummunity College which is located next door to the Civic Center.

Tickets are $75.00 can be purchased at the door after 8:00 pm. Entertainment by Sleepin’ Booty.

Registration Outside Tent/ Civic Center during Captain’s Party.