While crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge on our way to Cape May, New Jersey, I peered down and was greeted with the sight of the massive battleship USS New Jersey berthed on the Camden side of the Delaware River. Drawing my wife Jenn’s attention to the ship, she enthusiastically exclaimed, “Want to go?” Within minutes we were at the dock, preparing to board the sprawling warship.
The USS New Jersey, nicknamed the “Big J,” was constructed at the nearby Philadelphia Navy Yard. As a matter of local pride, four additional inches were added to her overall length, making her the largest US Navy battleship ever built.
Walking up the gangplank to the main deck, we entered turret #2 and examined the innerworkings of the three massive 16-inch guns, each capable of firing a 2,700 pound armor piercing shell approximately 23 miles.
Exiting the turret, we made our way towards the bow. A 50-caliber machine gun mounted along the rail drew our attention and I couldn’t help myself from gripping the handles and peering through the sights. Much to my chagrin, depressing the trigger caused the display to emit the sound of machine gun fire, making me jump back in surprise.
Continuing forward, we were amazed by the massive links of the anchor chains. Weighing 128-pounds each, the links connect to the gigantic 30,000-pound anchors that once held the ship in place. Reaching the bow, we turned around to view the impressive superstructure and the enormous guns of turret #1 and #2.
Crawling through a small hatch in the deck, we clambered down a tight ladder and entered the enlisted crew’s quarters. Bunks were stacked three high from floor to ceiling, and we were invited to test them out. I finagled my way up into the middle bunk and was surprised by the overwhelming sense of claustrophobia I felt. At its peak, the “Big J” carried a compliment of 1,921 officers and seamen.
Gazing down a row of open hatches gave the impression that the ship went on forever and we were struck by how disorienting it felt. Luckily, there’s colored tape on the floor directing us where to go.
Moving along, we discovered one of the most interesting areas of the ship, a section where visiting veterans could autograph the wall stating their years of service, branch and/or area of deployment.
Next, a large room highlights the history of the three navy vessels named USS New Jersey. A display case holds scale models of the first battleship (BB-16), the “Big J,” battleship (BB-62), and the modern Virginia class attack submarine (SSN-796).
However, emphasis is placed on the “Big J” which was launched on December 7, 1942. Her primary function was the bombardment of Japanese positions prior to amphibious landings and providing an air screen for American aircraft carriers.
Following WWII, the “Big J” saw service in both Korea and Vietnam. She was modernized in the 1980s to carry Tomahawk cruise missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles and was last deployed during the Lebanese Civil War. She was decommissioned for the final time in 1991 and was donated to the Home Port Alliance in 2001 for use as a museum ship.
The “Big J” received 19 battle stars for her service and is the most decorated battleship in the history of the US Navy.
One of the things that impressed us the most was that the “Big J” was basically a floating city, providing everything the crew would need including a mess hall, ship store, tv studio, metal shop, post office, barbershop, and medical facilities. It gave us a glimpse into what life was like for the sailors that served aboard the ship.
Making our way to the superstructure, we toured the captain’s quarters and the admiral’s quarters where William “Bull” Halsey, Jr. of WWII fame once directed fleet operations.
Moving farther aft, we were able to get a close-up view of the “Big J’s” modern armament including Tomahawk cruise missile launchers and Phalanx close-in weapon systems.
Returning to the main deck, we were able to closely examine an Oerlikon 20mm cannon and a Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sit at the twin 40mm and rotate the cranks that adjusted the elevation and rotated the platform, wondering what it was like to defend the fleet from enemy air attack.
Departing the “Big J,” we reflected on how thrilling it was to explore one of the most powerful warships ever built and learn more about naval history.
Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
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Open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. $20-$40.
100 Clinton Street, Camden, NJ 08103
Battleshipnewjersey.org | 866-877-6262
Written by Bart A. Stump
Photos Courtesy of Jennifer A. Stump