Summary: The USS New Jersey (BB-62), the most decorated American battleship, is scheduled for its first dry dock maintenance in 30 years. Set to depart from Camden waterfront to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on March 21, this event marks a significant restoration effort for the 80-year-old vessel. Enthusiasts can witness the departure through a special cruise or participate in unique tours during the restoration, including an exclusive tour with the lead curator. This maintenance not only preserves a piece of naval history but also serves as a tribute to veterans who served on the USS New Jersey throughout World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
A total of four Iowa-class battleships were built during the Second World War – while two more were never completed. These were the largest, fastest, and final battle wagons ever built for the United States Navy, and all four were preserved after the war and even returned to service during the Cold War.
Though these vessels will never again sail with the U.S. Navy, one of the four capital ships will be on the move next month as she heads to dry dock for much-needed restoration. Preparations to drydock the former USS New Jersey (BB-62) – the most decorated American warship for her role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War – are now underway.
It will be the first time in 30 years that the 80-year-old battleship will be moved from her home on the Camden waterfront and on March 21 will head to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for dry dock maintenance that is expected to last about two months.
A program featuring speeches from New Jersey dignitaries and U.S. Navy officials will occur before the ship officially departs from Camden.
It was announced earlier this month that in addition to being able to view the ship's departure from Camden, a first-come-first-serve departure day cruise is being offered on the charter yacht Spirit of Philadelphia, which will follow the warship as USS New Jersey heads to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where she was constructed and launched in 1942.
A portion of the admission price will go towards the dry dock project.
During the warship's time in Philadelphia, the USS New Jersey will still be open to walking tours underneath the ship on weekends beginning on April 6. Standard dry dock tours will provide a "behind the scenes" look at the vessel as she undergoes the restoration.
This will allow battleship enthusiasts to see parts of the ships typically submerged, including the underside and the propellers.
Also being offered is a full tour of the USS New Jersey with lead curator Ryan Szimanski for $1,000 per visitor. Though costly, it is actually crucial for the future of the warship as its usual fundraising efforts – including special events, overnight campouts, and guided tours – are on hold during what can be among the most popular time of the year.
"The Battleship New Jersey is the most decorated battleship in the 248-year history of the U.S. Navy and this opportunity won't come for another 30-plus years," Marshal Spavek, CEO of the Battleship New Jersey Museum, told The Philadelphia Inquirer . "Unfortunately, we don't have too many World War II veterans with us anymore and so, especially for our Korea and Vietnam vets, our volunteers, and everyone else, this will be for many the last time that they'll see the ship move or even have the opportunity to walk under the ship in the dry dock."
Decommissioned for a final time in February 1991, the USS New Jersey was towed from the Pacific to the Atlantic in 1999. The battleship earned nine battle stars for her World War II service, four for the Korean War, three for the Vietnam War, and three for action in Lebanon and the Persian Gulf region.
She is now a museum at Camden, New Jersey – a testament to the sailors who served on her in wartime and peacetime. Following the much-needed restoration, the warship will continue to honor those veterans for many years to come.
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.
