USS New Jersey, also known as Battleship New Jersey, Big J, or Black Dragon is an Iowa Class Battleship that currently operates as a museum. It was launched on December 7, 1942, by the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and sponsored by Mrs. Charles Edison, wife of Governor Edison of New Jersey. She has a rich and storied history, and you can learn all about it on a tour.
Vital to the United States Navy during WWII, she helped to conquer Japanese-held islands and even survived a Kamikaze attack.
Battleship New Jersey/Facebook
She went on to take fire (and survive) during the Korean War and by 1968 she was the world’s only active battleship. She completed combat tours in Vietnam…
Battleship New Jersey/Facebook
And was stationed in the Middle East during the 1980s. She was decommissioned for the final time in 1991. By 2001, she opened to the public as a museum and memorial.
Battleship New Jersey/Facebook
Everyone is welcome to take a tour - she can be found off the coast of Camden - but families and scouting groups are given an extra special opportunity.
Battleship New Jersey/Facebook
Kids love spending the night aboard Battleship New Jersey!
Battleship New Jersey/Facebook Their Overnight Encampment program can accommodate groups and families of all sizes up to 292. Visitors will stow their gear in original lockers, chow down in the mess hall, and sleep in the bunks. If you take part in a sleepover, you’ll enter one of the ship’s 16-inch gun turrets and guides will give you a tour of areas that are not on any regular tour routes. You’ll see the Captain’s and Admiral’s cabins, the Officer’s Wardroom and much more.
You can live like a sailor on a school or scout trip, celebrate your birthday, and more! Any group with children is welcome…though I would love an adults-only event! You can learn more about the battleship sleepovers by clicking here. For some gorgeous drone footage of the ship’s exterior (if you’re interested,) check out the 5-minute video below.
Battleship New Jersey/Facebook
Their Overnight Encampment program can accommodate groups and families of all sizes up to 292. Visitors will stow their gear in original lockers, chow down in the mess hall, and sleep in the bunks. If you take part in a sleepover, you’ll enter one of the ship’s 16-inch gun turrets and guides will give you a tour of areas that are not on any regular tour routes. You’ll see the Captain’s and Admiral’s cabins, the Officer’s Wardroom and much more.
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Address: 100 Clinton St, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
