Towering over the Camden Waterfront, the USS New Jersey stands as a magnificent testament to naval history. Built in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, she was launched in 1942, just a year after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The USS New Jersey is a unique vessel. With a massive 16-inch gun turret system, she is America’s most decorated battleship and played a pivotal role in World War II. The ship was Admiral William “Bull” Halsey’s flagship during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, the largest sea battle of all time. But her service didn’t end there. The USS New Jersey fought in the Korean War and was the world’s only active battleship during the Vietnam War. In 1967, she underwent a modernization which saw her fitted with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, making her one of the most formidable surface warships ever put to sea. She served again during the Cold War and even saw action in Beirut, Lebanon in 1984. Today, you can explore the ship’s nine decks, each offering unique insights into naval operations and life at sea. You can climb the original ladders up to the bridge, stretch out on the bunks where the sailors slept, and even climb into the 16-inch gun turret. There are a handful of interactive exhibits to engage visitors of all ages. The USS New Jersey Museum and Memorial offers a powerful tribute to American naval history and the brave sailors who served aboard her decks. Today, she stands as a living museum, a memorial, and a truly captivating sight.
Building 662
“Building 662, a sturdy brick structure, stands before you.” “It’s not a grand masterpiece, but a testament to practicality,” “Built