Every Navy ship in the United States has a name beginning with USS, which stands for United States Ship. The USS New Jersey, also known as BB62, was launched December 7, 1942, in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, a year after the U.S. was attacked at Pearl Harbor and was drawn into WWII.

The enormous size of the ship is astounding! The USS New Jersey is the longest battleship ever built and is eleven stories high. You can’t help but be impressed by the three turrets of three 16-inch guns each, which used to fire a six-foot long projectile 23 miles.

The New Jersey is the most decorated battleship in U.S. history. She earned her stars through her courageous battles fought in many places and time periods including WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Mid-East. She was first commissioned on May 30, 1943 until she was decommissioned for the final time in February of 1991.

Over the years the ship was upgraded in various ways. The Tomahawk and Harpoons missile launchers and the Phalanx defense system – a computerized gun that could fire off 10,000 rounds a minute, were some of the upgrades. In the Combat Engagement Center there are fascinating demonstrations of a simulated tomahawk missile launch.

Tours of the Battleship New Jersey are led by trained tour guides, many of whom served in the United States Navy.  The tour includes a walk through the Admiral’s and Captain’s Quarters, the historical exhibit area, the Wardroom, the areas where the crew ate and slept, the barber shop and many more parts of this amazing ship.

Posted: December 24, 2017

Updates: October 3, 2019

Information, prices and hours posted here are current as of the posted or updated date. It is advisable to call ahead or check online to confirm hours and prices.