Battleship New Jersey | Camden

The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, commonly known as the “Big J,” is a monumental naval vessel and museum located on the Camden Waterfront in Camden, New Jersey. It holds the distinction of being the most decorated battleship in the history of the United States Navy, with an extensive service record spanning nearly five decades and multiple major conflicts. Since its decommissioning, the ship has been preserved as a floating museum and memorial, offering visitors an immersive and comprehensive experience of 20th-century naval history and life aboard a battleship.

Location and Setting

The Battleship New Jersey is docked permanently at 62 Battleship Place along the Delaware River waterfront. Its location on the Camden waterfront provides spectacular views of the Philadelphia skyline across the river and situates the ship within a vibrant tourist area that includes other attractions such as the Adventure Aquarium. The waterfront area is accessible by car, public transportation, and even by ferry, making it a convenient and popular destination for local residents, tourists, history enthusiasts, and school groups.

Historical Overview

Commissioned in 1943 during World War II, the USS New Jersey (BB-62) is an Iowa-class battleship, one of the largest and most powerful battleships ever constructed by the United States. The ship’s impressive specifications include a length of 887 feet, a beam of 108 feet, and a displacement of approximately 58,000 tons when fully loaded. It was armed with nine massive 16-inch/50 caliber guns housed in three triple turrets, supplemented by twenty 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns and a range of anti-aircraft weapons and missile systems throughout its service life. The main deck is made of teak wood covering more than 53,000 square feet.

The Battleship New Jersey’s service history is remarkable and includes participation in five major conflicts:

World War II: The ship played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, providing heavy naval gunfire support in key battles such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa, supporting amphibious landings, and defending against enemy air attacks.

Korean War: Reactivated during the Korean War, the ship offered powerful naval bombardment to support United Nations forces on the Korean Peninsula.

Vietnam War: The battleship was again called into action during the Vietnam War, delivering fire support and serving as a deterrent.

Lebanese Civil War (1983): During tensions in Lebanon, the New Jersey was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea to support U.S. peacekeeping efforts.

Persian Gulf War (1991): The final active duty deployment for the ship was during Operation Desert Storm, where it provided precision gunfire support.

After decades of service and multiple modernizations, the Battleship New Jersey was officially decommissioned in 1991.

Museum and Visitor Experience

Since opening as a museum in 2001, the Battleship New Jersey has been meticulously maintained and adapted to provide visitors with a vivid and authentic glimpse into naval life and operations aboard a battleship. The ship spans multiple decks and offers an extensive range of exhibits and areas for exploration:

Self-Guided and Guided Tours: Visitors can explore the ship on self-guided tours using informative placards and multimedia displays, or choose guided tours led by knowledgeable staff that delve deeper into the ship’s history, technology, and crew stories.

Gun Turrets and Decks: Visitors can enter the massive 16-inch gun turrets and observe the mechanisms that powered these giant weapons. The ship’s decks allow for exploration of living quarters, mess halls, and working areas, giving a sense of daily life for the sailors.

Combat Engagement Center: This area includes the radar, sonar, and fire control rooms where strategic decisions were made during combat.

Crew’s Quarters: Visitors can walk through the cramped and functional living spaces where crew members slept, ate, and relaxed during their long deployments.

Senior Staff Cabin: This more comfortable section of the ship shows the quarters of the commanding officers, contrasting with the more utilitarian crew areas.

Overnight Encampments: The museum offers special overnight programs for scout groups and other organizations, allowing participants to experience a night aboard the battleship, complete with tours, activities, and stories about shipboard life.

Educational and Cultural Importance

The Battleship New Jersey serves not only as a museum but as a living memorial to the thousands of sailors who served aboard her and in the U.S. Navy. It is an educational resource that offers insight into naval engineering, maritime strategy, and the sacrifices of service members during pivotal moments in American and world history. The ship frequently hosts educational programs, veterans’ ceremonies, and community events, reinforcing its role as a cultural landmark and historical repository.

Amenities and Accessibility

Operating Hours: The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with the last boarding at 4:00 PM. It is closed on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Admission: Tickets are priced to allow wide access, with general admission for adults, discounted rates for seniors, children, and veterans. Membership options are available for frequent visitors.

Accessibility: While the ship’s design limits wheelchair access in certain areas due to narrow passageways and steep ladders, the museum strives to accommodate all visitors with alternative viewing options and staff assistance.

Parking and Transit: Ample parking is available nearby at Clinton Street and Waterfront Garage lots. The site is accessible by New Jersey Transit’s River Line, the PATCO Hi-Speedline, and the seasonal RiverLink Ferry service.

Visitor Impact and Reviews

Visitors often praise the Battleship New Jersey for its impressive scale, authentic atmosphere, and detailed exhibits. Many highlight the opportunity to physically explore the ship’s expansive decks and to learn from firsthand accounts and guided tours. The museum appeals to a broad audience, including history buffs, military enthusiasts, students, families, and veterans, providing a deeply engaging experience that connects the past with the present.

Summary

The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is a unique and powerful tribute to American naval history. Its immense size, storied service record, and extensive preservation efforts make it one of the most significant museum ships in the world. As both a historical artifact and an educational center, it offers visitors an immersive experience that honors the legacy of those who served while fostering appreciation for maritime heritage and military history. The ship’s presence on the Camden waterfront enriches the cultural fabric of the region and continues to draw thousands of visitors each year, making it a must-visit landmark in New Jersey.