Launched on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor the USS New Jersey stands as America’s most decorated battleship. It earned distinction in World War II. It served in the Korean War. It fought in the Vietnam War. It stood strong during the Cold War.
Hello everyone. Welcome to the Battleship New Jersey Museum. I am excited to share the incredible story of this warship. This isn’t just a museum. The Battleship New Jersey is a floating window into a crucial half-century of US history.
When you see the Battleship New Jersey you will be amazed at its size. It is nearly three football fields long. It is over 11 stories high. The Battleship New Jersey was the longest battleship ever built. The Battleship New Jersey is an Iowa-class battleship. These were the ultimate battleships. They represent the epitome of gun-armed ships. They ruled the sea for almost three centuries. The Iowa-class ships were the last American battleships built. They were the last battleships in service in the world. They were the largest American battleships. They were also the longest and fastest of all battleships. These ships served from 1943 until 1992.
All four Iowa-class battleships served in World War II. They also served in the Korean War. They served in the Cold War. Some even fought in the Gulf War. Only USS New Jersey served in the Vietnam War. She also saw action in the conflict in Lebanon. She even served in the Persian Gulf.
No Iowa-class battleship gave more distinguished service than USS New Jersey. She earned 19 Battle and Campaign stars. This makes her the most decorated battleship in American history. She is the most decorated of any surviving US Navy ship. She is the second-most decorated ship in American history.
Guests of all ages will enjoy this floating U.S. Navy museum. You can see exhibits of artifacts. But you are put into the exhibit as you go through the tour route. You can sit in Admiral Halsey’s chair. He commanded the longest battleship and the 5th Fleet from it. You can stretch out on the bunks where the sailors slept. You can climb into the 16-inch gun turret. You can learn how the projectiles were loaded. The New Jersey is one of the most interactive U.S. battleship museums.
The Battleship New Jersey’s main battery consisted of three turrets. Each turret had three Mark 7 16-inch 50-caliber gun barrels. These guns could fire a 2700 lb armor-piercing round. They could also fire a 1900 lb high-explosive round. The maximum range was 41622 yards. This is over 23 miles. Each of the three turrets weighs over 2200 tons.
The New Jersey led battleships into the missile age. She was the first warship to launch a Tomahawk cruise missile. She was the first battleship to fire a Harpoon missile. This is the anti-ship version of the Tomahawk. She also carried the Phalanx anti-missile gun. She was the first battleship to enter the Persian Gulf. She was the first battleship in thirty years to lead her own battle group.
The New Jersey continues her service. She is now a living museum and memorial. She sits in Camden New Jersey. This is just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. Philadelphia is where she was built.
As you explore this impressive vessel remember the words of President Ronald Reagan. He recommissioned the USS New Jersey. He called her a Gallant Lady. He said she was still in the prime of life. The Battleship New Jersey stands as a testament to American strength. It represents the dedication of those who served. It stands as a symbol of freedom.