CAMDEN, NJ — An iconic piece of maritime history is about to make a significant journey as the highly decorated Battleship New Jersey prepares to leave the Camden waterfront for the first time in over two decades.
Since its arrival in 1999, the Battleship New Jersey has stood as a cherished landmark and museum, paying homage to its storied naval legacy. The USS New Jersey (BB-62) is now gearing up for a unique voyage to dry-dock at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, just a short distance away.
Although an exact departure date is yet to be determined, the Home Port Alliance, the organization entrusted with the ship’s maintenance, envisions that the voyage will take place in 2024 and last approximately eight weeks.
Originating from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1939, the Battleship New Jersey has been a participant in some of the most significant conflicts in history, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The ship’s remarkable service led to the accumulation of an impressive 19 Battle and Campaign stars — an achievement unrivaled among surviving Navy vessels.
The ship’s combat history extended until 1983-84, when it played a role in U.S. operations during the Lebanese Civil War. Subsequently, it was decommissioned for the fourth and final time in 1991. In 1999, the U.S. Congress granted permission for the USS New Jersey to transform into a museum, leading to its relocation to the Camden waterfront on September 23, 2001.
Throughout its existence, the Battleship New Jersey has undergone dry-docking on several occasions, a procedure involving the removal of a ship from the water to facilitate maintenance below the waterline. The upcoming dry-docking operation, set to be funded with a $5 million allocation from the New Jersey Historical Commission, will primarily focus on crucial repairs and maintenance of the hull.
The ship will be towed by a tugboat as it is no longer operational under its own power. The primary objectives of the dry-docking endeavor include hull repainting, the inspection of through-hull openings, addressing sensitive areas, and replacing anodes for cathodic protection, as stated in a recent news release.
While the Battleship New Jersey embarks on this pivotal journey, its museum and memorial, the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, will remain open to the public. Daily tours are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing an opportunity to explore the historic vessel’s illustrious history and contributions to the nation’s maritime legacy.
