USS New Jersey: A Journey Through History and Restoration - Philadelphia Navy Yard to Camden, NJ

Описание: #USSNewJersey #BB62 #NavalHistory #Battleship #Warship #MilitaryRestoration #Navy #PhiladelphiaNavalYard #CamdenNJ #NavalMuseum #HistoricalShips

History
The USS New Jersey (BB-62) is an Iowa-class battleship and the second ship of the United States Navy to be named after the state of New Jersey. Commissioned in 1943, she saw extensive action in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Lebanese Civil War. Known as the "Big J," the USS New Jersey earned a total of 19 battle stars for her service during these conflicts, making her one of the most decorated battleships in U.S. naval history.

Technical Specifications
Class and Type: Iowa-class battleship
Displacement: 45,000 tons (standard), 57,540 tons (full load)
Length: 887 ft 7 in (270.4 m)
Beam: 108 ft 2 in (32.9 m)
Draft: 37 ft 9 in (11.5 m) max
Propulsion: 8 × Babcock & Wilcox boilers, 4 × General Electric geared steam turbines, 4 × propellers
Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Range: 15,000 nautical miles (28,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Complement: 1,921 officers and enlisted

Armaments
Main Battery: 9 × 16 in (406 mm)/50 cal Mark 7 guns
Secondary Battery: 20 × 5 in (127 mm)/38 cal Mark 12 guns
Anti-Aircraft: 80 × 40 mm/56 cal AA guns, 49 × 20 mm/70 cal Oerlikon AA cannons
Missiles (Post-WWII): Tomahawk and Harpoon missile systems (modernization during the 1980s)

Battle Service Record
*World War II:* Participated in the Pacific Theatre, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
*Korean War:* Provided gunfire support during the Korean conflict, engaging North Korean forces.
*Vietnam War:* Conducted shore bombardments and supported ground operations in Vietnam.
*Lebanese Civil War:* Shelling positions of hostile forces during the 1980s as part of a peacekeeping mission.

Recent Refurbishment at the Philadelphia Naval Yard Dry Dock
The USS New Jersey underwent a significant refurbishment at the Philadelphia Naval Yard dry dock to preserve her historical integrity and ensure her structural soundness. The restoration included hull repairs, reconditioning of her main and secondary batteries, and updating her onboard museum facilities to enhance the visitor experience. Specialized teams worked on rust removal, repainting, and replacing outdated materials with historically accurate replicas.

Narrative: Journey from the Dry Dock Back to Its Museum Berth in Camden, NJ
After months of meticulous restoration at the Philadelphia Naval Yard, the USS New Jersey was ready to embark on her final voyage back to her museum berth in Camden, NJ. On a crisp morning, she was gently towed from the dry dock, her freshly painted hull gleaming in the sunlight. The journey down the Delaware River was a blend of nostalgia and triumph, as spectators lined the shores to catch a glimpse of the majestic battleship.

Accompanied by a flotilla of smaller vessels, including tugboats and naval escorts, the USS New Jersey moved gracefully through the water. Along the way, she passed historic landmarks and modern skylines, symbolizing the bridge between her storied past and her role as a living museum.

As she approached Camden, the excitement was palpable. Hundreds of enthusiasts, veterans, and families gathered to welcome her home. The atmosphere was festive, with banners, flags, and cheers filling the air. Once securely moored at her berth, a formal ceremony was held to celebrate her return. Speeches were made, recounting her heroic deeds and the meticulous efforts taken to preserve her legacy.

Now, back in her familiar waters, the USS New Jersey stands as a testament to naval history, a guardian of memories, and an educational beacon for future generations. Visitors can once again walk her decks, explore her storied halls, and learn about the incredible history of the "Big J."