A Legendary Battleship
Commissioned in 1943, the USS New Jersey (BB-62) was part of the powerful Iowa-class battleships built during World War II. Fast, heavily armored, and equipped with enormous firepower, she quickly became a key asset to the United States Navy.
The ship served in multiple major conflicts:
- World War II, providing shore bombardment and carrier escort
- Korean War, supporting ground forces
- Vietnam War, delivering heavy artillery strikes
- Cold War era, including reactivation in the 1980s
With 19 battle stars and campaign awards, the USS New Jersey earned the nickname “Big J,” becoming the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history.
Power and Engineering
Walking the decks, visitors quickly realize the sheer scale of the ship. Each of its nine main guns could fire shells weighing as much as a small car over miles of ocean. The ship stretched nearly 900 feet in length and carried a crew of over 2,500 sailors during wartime.
Inside, the battleship is a maze of narrow passageways, ladders, and compartments—everything designed for efficiency and survival at sea. From radar rooms to sleeping quarters, every part of the ship tells a story of coordination, discipline, and life under pressure.
From Warship to Museum
After decades of service, the USS New Jersey was decommissioned and eventually transformed into a museum. Today, it serves as a floating memorial where visitors can explore its history firsthand.
The museum experience is highly interactive. Guests can:
- Walk through restored crew quarters
- Stand inside massive gun turrets
- Explore command centers and navigation rooms
- Learn through exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories of sailors
Some tours even take visitors into less accessible areas, offering a deeper look into how the ship operated during combat.
A Memorable Experience for Families
The Battleship New Jersey is especially exciting for families with kids, offering both adventure and education in one place.
Children can:
- Climb ladders and explore different levels of the ship (a real hands-on adventure).
- Imagine life as a sailor while walking through sleeping quarters and mess halls.
- Stand next to the enormous guns and see their scale up close.
- Participate in guided tours designed to make history engaging and understandable
The ship’s open decks also provide beautiful views of the river and the skyline of Philadelphia, adding another layer to the visit.
Where History Comes to Life
A visit to the USS New Jersey is more than just a museum trip—it is a chance to step directly into history. The sounds, spaces, and stories aboard the ship bring the past to life in a way few places can.
For families, it offers a rare combination: a place where children can explore freely while learning about courage, technology, and the realities of life at sea.
100 Clinton St, Camden, NJ 08103
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |