In a rare move, the illustrious Battleship New Jersey, the most decorated battleship in the nation and now a captivating museum, is gearing up to leave its longstanding post on the Camden waterfront for the first time in decades. The departure date has been officially announced as March 21, marking the beginning of an extensive maintenance period.
Tugboats will carefully guide the Battleship New Jersey down the river to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where it will undergo dry-docking – a process involving the removal of the ship from the water to facilitate maintenance below the waterline. The departure is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. on March 21, preceded by a free departure celebration starting at 11 a.m. at the Camden pier. For more details about the event, visit [event info link].
With a rich history dating back to its construction in 1939 and official designation as USS New Jersey (BB-62), the 887-foot battleship has earned an impressive 19 Battle and Campaign stars over its half-century of deployments – a record unmatched by any other surviving Navy ship. Since finding its permanent home in Camden on September 23, 2001, the Battleship New Jersey has become a prominent museum, drawing visitors from near and far.
During the dry-docking period, the USS New Jersey will undergo a comprehensive restoration, including a fresh coat of paint and the replacement of thousands of parts, some sourced directly from the original blueprints. Despite the close proximity of the Navy Yard, the transportation of this non-operational giant is no small feat.
Guided by several tugboats from McAllister Towing, the ship will make its way to Dry Dock #3 at the naval yard, passing under the iconic Walt Whitman Bridge. Due to potential challenges during the voyage, only a limited number of individuals will be on board the battleship.
The maintenance work is anticipated to span eight weeks, providing the Battleship New Jersey with the care it deserves. Launched in 1942, the ship played crucial roles in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War before its final decommission in 1991. Recognizing its historical significance, Congress granted permission for the battleship to transform into a museum in 1999.
For those eager to get an up-close look at the maintenance process, Battleship New Jersey is offering guided dry-dock tours at the Philadelphia Navy Yard starting April 6. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the meticulous restoration efforts and delve into the rich maritime history encapsulated by the Battleship New Jersey. Tickets for the guided tours can be purchased through the official website.
