CAMDEN, N.J. — The USS New Jersey embarked on a significant journey down the Delaware River to the Philadelphia Navy Yard for extensive maintenance. The operation commenced on Thursday, with the famed battleship being escorted by tugboats to its first stop at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal for balancing ahead of its scheduled dry docking.
Scheduled to reach the navy yard in six days, the maintenance is anticipated to span approximately two months. The ship is set to undergo three critical repair projects: repainting the hull, repairing the anti-corrosion system, and inspecting the through-hull openings.
Constructed in the 1940s at the then-Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, the USS New Jersey served the U.S. Navy for around 50 years before retiring in February 1991. Since 2001, it has been a revered floating museum. Its launch on December 7, 1942, marked the first anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, solidifying its place in American history.
The USS New Jersey holds the title of the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history, with distinguished service records from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and Middle East conflicts. Its combat history includes steaming more miles, engaging in more battles, and firing more shells than any other battleship.
The maintenance voyage drew attention and appreciation, with veterans who served on the USS New Jersey in attendance. Among them was Capt. Walter M. Urban Jr., who served as a public affairs officer and recounted his experiences aboard with nostalgia.