USS Battleship New Jersey History

Introduction to the USS Battleship New Jersey

The USS New Jersey (BB-62) is an Iowa-class battleship that played a significant role in the United States Navy for over four decades. Commissioned in 1943, the ship saw action in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning a total of 19 battle and campaign stars for her service. The USS New Jersey is a testament to the engineering prowess and military strength of the United States during the 20th century.

Construction and Early Years

The USS New Jersey was constructed at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and was launched on December 7, 1942. The ship was sponsored by Andrea Lewis, the wife of Governor Walter Edge of New Jersey. After a year of fitting out, the USS New Jersey was commissioned on May 23, 1943, with Captain Carl F. Holden in command. The ship’s early years were marked by a series of shakedown cruises and training exercises to prepare her crew for combat.

World War II

The USS New Jersey’s first combat assignment was in the Pacific Theater, where she participated in the Marshall Islands campaign and the Marianas campaign. The ship’s 16-inch guns provided critical firepower in support of amphibious landings and island-hopping campaigns. The USS New Jersey also played a key role in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, where she helped to repel a Japanese air attack and protect the US fleet. The ship’s service in World War II earned her four battle stars.

Korean War

After the end of World War II, the USS New Jersey was decommissioned and placed in reserve. However, with the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the ship was recommissioned and returned to active duty. The USS New Jersey played a significant role in the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support to United Nations forces and conducting shore bombardments against North Korean and Chinese targets. The ship’s service in the Korean War earned her six battle stars.

Vietnam War

The USS New Jersey was again decommissioned in 1957, but was recommissioned in 1968 to support the Vietnam War effort. The ship provided naval gunfire support to US and South Vietnamese forces, and conducted shore bombardments against North Vietnamese targets. The USS New Jersey’s service in the Vietnam War earned her six battle stars and a Navy Unit Commendation.

Museum Ship and Legacy

After the end of the Vietnam War, the USS New Jersey was decommissioned for the final time in 1991. The ship was donated to the Home Port Alliance for use as a museum ship and memorial. Today, the USS New Jersey is berthed on the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey, where she serves as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served on her during her long and distinguished career. The USS New Jersey is also a popular tourist attraction, with over 250,000 visitors per year.

💡 Note: The USS New Jersey is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Specifications and Armament

The USS New Jersey was an Iowa-class battleship, with a length of 887 feet 3 inches and a beam of 108 feet 2 inches. The ship had a draft of 29 feet 1 inch and a displacement of 45,000 tons. The USS New Jersey was powered by eight boilers and four steam turbines, which produced 212,000 horsepower and gave the ship a top speed of 33 knots. The ship’s armament consisted of nine 16-inch guns, 20 5-inch guns, and 80 40mm guns.

Characteristic	Value
Length	887 feet 3 inches
Beam	108 feet 2 inches
Draft	29 feet 1 inch
Displacement	45,000 tons
Top Speed	33 knots

In summary, the USS New Jersey is a historic battleship that played a significant role in the United States Navy for over four decades. The ship’s service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War earned her a total of 19 battle and campaign stars. Today, the USS New Jersey is a museum ship and memorial, serving as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served on her.