The Battleship New Jersey, an American naval legend, is poised for a grand return to its berth on the Camden Waterfront after a $10 million restoration effort that has rekindled public fascination with the storied vessel. Known affectionately as “Big J,” this 887-foot behemoth has spent time in South Philadelphia for repairs, including a new teak deck and hull refurbishment, that are slated to complete in time for a July 4th revelry.

Since its ceremonial departure from Camden on March 21, the U.S.S. New Jersey has drawn thousands of onlookers, including veterans, military enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. The ship’s journey, propelled by tugboats to the Philadelphia Navy Shipyard, was a spectacle that harkened back to its original launch on December 7, 1942, a date forever etched in history due to the Pearl Harbor attack.

“The vessel will be fully serviced prior to departure back to its home berth,” assured Donna Connors, Chief Operations Officer of the parent firm overseeing the repair.

The overhaul includes meticulous inspections and replacements of antiquated anticorrosion systems and sealing through holes that once drew seawater to cool the ship’s engines.

The public’s response to the restoration project has been nothing short of astounding. More than 5,000 patrons paid a premium for guided tours of the dry-docked ship, offsetting potential revenue losses from its absence at the Camden Waterfront. “I never expected anything close to this,” gushed Ryan Szimanski, the ship’s curator.

His enthusiasm is mirrored in the overwhelming number of subscribers to the Battleship New Jersey YouTube channel, where the curator “geeks out” over naval lore.

Among the myriad of offerings, fans can acquire replicas of a decommissioned nuclear weapons key and vials of rust from the hull—a testament to the personal connection many feel to this floating museum. “The ship was a home to over 45,000 sailors and Marines during its 21 years in the active fleet, and that type of service evokes nostalgia, patriotism, and gratitude,” stated Marshall Spevak, CEO of the museum and memorial.

The choice of Camden as the battleship’s permanent home was the result of a North-South political skirmish in New Jersey, ultimately decided in 2000. The decision was celebrated by both Philadelphians and South Jersey residents with ties to the ship’s construction and service.

Patricia Egan Jones, a former N.J. Assembly member and leader in the campaign to secure Big J for Camden, reflected on the community’s anticipation: “The dry docking is a once-in-a-generation event.”

This sentiment was echoed by Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, who noted the “unmistakable” void left by the ship’s absence. “It’s comforting knowing this piece of American history has been preserved for future generations,” he said.

With the ship’s storied legacy that includes action in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, the dry dock tours have offered fans “once-in-a-lifetime” views of the famed Iowa-class battleship.

The Big J’s status as the most decorated ship in the Navy’s history resonates with visitors like Leo Wieger, whose father served on the inaugural crew. “You put your hands on the hull of the largest and fastest and most-decorated battleship. It’s a feeling of ownership,” he shared.

Despite the ship’s long and storied service, the past 22 years in Camden have seen their fair share of challenges. Fluctuating visitor numbers, budget cuts, and the shadow of the pandemic have put the vessel’s future into question. However, the commitment to maintenance and the groundswell of public support signal a renewed confidence in the Big J’s legacy and the revitalization of Camden as a city.

As we anticipate the Battleship New Jersey’s return, the community awaits the opportunity to again marvel at this titan of naval history and to honor the sacrifices of those who served aboard her.

The completion of the maintenance work is not just an investment in the preservation of history, but also a beacon of pride, patriotism, and education for future generations.

Relevant articles:
– After a $10 million makeover, Battleship NJ is expected to return to Camden this summer, Inquirer.com
– Battleship New Jersey moves to location where it will be dry docked for maintenance, 6abc.com
– Dry Dock Details & Tickets – Battleship New Jersey, Battleship New Jersey
– Visitor Information – Battleship New Jersey, Battleship New Jersey