WILMINGTON — The Battleship North Carolina has resolved a lawsuit filed by its former assistant director, according to a statement released Thursday.
The U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Commission and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced a lawsuit brought by Christopher Vargo against the commission, the department and Executive Director Dr. Jay C. Martin has been settled.
READ MORE: New lawsuit alleges retaliation, illegal surveillance by Battleship North Carolina director
The statement did not disclose terms of the resolution, though legal filings indicate the suit was voluntarily dismissed by Vargo.
According to court records, in a lawsuit filed in April 2025, Vargo alleged Martin illegally recorded conversations, falsified timekeeping records and retaliated against him after he raised concerns about workplace conduct.
Vargo worked for the Battleship Memorial for 12 years before being terminated in January 2025. He claimed he was fired for reporting Martin’s alleged misconduct — actions he said were protected under the federal Whistleblower Protection Act, which prohibits retaliation against employees who report illegal or unethical activity.
In the suit, Vargo sought more than $25,000 in compensatory damages, reinstatement to his position, and Martin’s removal as executive director.
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