About this Unit
USS **New Jersey** (BB-62) is an Iowa-class battleship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1943. She saw extensive combat during World War II, providing crucial shore bombardment and anti-aircraft support in the Pacific Theater. Reactivated for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, New Jersey delivered powerful naval gunfire in support of ground operations. The battleship was modernized and served again in the 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War before being decommissioned for the final time in 1991. Today, USS New Jersey serves as a museum ship in Camden, New Jersey.
Historical Facts
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Oldest and Most Decorated Battleship: USS New Jersey (BB-62) is the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history, earning 19 battle stars for service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Lebanese Civil War.
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Launched in 1942: USS New Jersey was launched on December 7, 1942, exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, symbolizing America’s resolve.
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Iowa-Class Battleship: She is one of four Iowa-class battleships, famed for their speed (over 30 knots) and heavy armament, including nine 16-inch guns.
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Served in Four Wars: Uniquely, New Jersey saw combat in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Lebanese Civil War (1983-84), making her one of the few ships to serve in four conflicts.
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Flagship for Admirals: During World War II, New Jersey served as flagship for Admiral Raymond Spruance and Admiral William F. Halsey, two of the Navy’s most prominent leaders.
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Longest Battleship: At 887 feet, she was the longest battleship ever built for the U.S. Navy.
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Vietnam War Gunfire Support: In the Vietnam War, New Jersey fired more shells than she did in all of World War II and Korea combined, providing critical gunfire support for ground troops.
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Reactivation and Modernization: New Jersey was reactivated and modernized three times (1950, 1968, 1982), reflecting changing defense needs and technology, including Tomahawk cruise missiles in the 1980s.
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Presidential Visits: She was visited by several U.S. presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, highlighting her symbolic importance.
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Museum Ship: Since 2001, the USS New Jersey has been preserved as a museum ship on the Camden, New Jersey waterfront, where she serves as a tribute to naval history and the thousands who served aboard her.
