The Battleship New Jersey is our historical monument.

America's most decorated Battleship is now the one of the best and most exciting museums in the area, open for tours, events and even overnight camps. Exploring "BB62" is experiencing history in a completely new way. Not only do you see exhibits of artifacts from the ship's past, but also you are put into the exhibit as you go through the tour route. Sit in the chair that Admiral Halsey sat it while commanding the fleet. You can lie on the bunks where the sailors slept. Climb into the 16" gun turret and learn how the projectiles were loaded.

The second you step onto the bow you will realize that this museum is active and popular. From walking across forecastle to climbing up the first ladders up to the bridge, and farther, each step you take helps you to understand what life was like for a sailor on the Battleship New Jersey. But this is not allÖ

BB62 (New Jersey) was built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, and put into action December 7, 1942- 1 year after the Pearl Harbor Attack, which caused America to join WWII.

The USS NEW JERSEY was actually the second ship to be called "NEW JERSEY", the first was BB16. BB16 was a 19th century battleship. The first Battleship New Jersey was a Virginia class pre-dreadnought that served from 1906 until she was sunk as a bombing target in 1922. She sailed with the Great White Fleet and served for America in World War I as a training vessel.

NEW JERSEY was decommissioned for the last time on February 8,1991 at Bremerton, Washington where she lived until heading home to New Jersey. She was officially retired from the Navy list on February 12, 1995 but was then ordered reinstated by an order of Congress as a mobilization owned under Bill 1024 section 1011. On January 4, 1999 NEW JERSEY was again retired from the Navy list and IOWA replaced her as a mobilization asset which means she could travel but not fight. On September 12, 1999 NEW JERSEY began her "Final Voyage" home from Bremerton, where she had rested in mothballs for the last 8 years. On November 11th, she arrived at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Since that time, she has been restored, opened and established as an educational museum and a tribute to the brave sailors who served on her during her long and valued career. The Battleship New Jersey opened as a Museum and Memorial in October 2001.

Zachary and Hailey

Grade 5

Mr. Kramer's Class

Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA