TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Ron Dancer is calling for the latest U.S.S. New Jersey to be commissioned in the Garden State.
The Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Monday released Dancer’s resolution (AJR57) that expresses support to have the naval vessel commissioned here.
“This is the third naval vessel and first submarine named for our great state,” Dancer (R-Ocean) said. “There is no better place to have it commissioned than the state it’s named for, on the Camden waterfront where our Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial calls home.”
Construction started on the U.S.S. New Jersey SSN-796 in 2016. The 23rd Virginia-class nuclear powered cruise missile fast-attack submarine was christened at the Newport News Shipbuilding Division in Virginia on Nov. 13, 2021. It is expected to be delivered to the U.S. Navy in early 2023.
As of November 2021, the U.S.S. New Jersey was 82% complete. It will be moved to a floating dry dock in early February, where the last remaining jobs will be completed. It will be released for commissioning once the shipbuilder – in this case, Huntington Ingalls Industries – deems it seaworthy.
A time-honored tradition, the commissioning of a naval vessel involves much pomp and circumstance as its crew reports for duty and commanding officer reads official orders. Dignitaries and public officials will give speeches as the public watches and celebrates.
“This is a prestigious honor for New Jersey. Dancer added. “It’s my hope that this historic event, which unifies our military and public, and brings with it plentiful economic benefits for host and surrounding communities, can be held here.”
Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, will make the final decision about the U.S.S. New Jersey commissioning location.
