Battleship New Jersey | Camden

Information

Landmark: Battleship New Jersey
City: Camden
Country: USA New Jersey
Continent: North America

Battleship New Jersey, Camden, USA New Jersey, North America

The Battleship New Jersey (BB-62) is a retired Iowa-class battleship located in Camden, New Jersey.

It served the United States Navy for over 50 years, earning numerous commendations.

Visual Characteristics

The vessel is 887 feet 3 inches (270.43 m) long and has a beam of 108 feet 2 inches (32.97 m). Its hull is painted in Measure 21 camouflage, a dark navy blue. The main armament consists of nine 16-inch/50 caliber Mark 7 guns mounted in three triple turrets. Secondary armament includes twenty 5-inch/38 caliber Mark 12 guns in twin mounts. The ship's superstructure is a complex arrangement of steel plating and platforms.

Location & Access Logistics

The Battleship New Jersey is permanently docked at 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103. It is situated on the Delaware River waterfront, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of the Camden city center. Parking is available in a dedicated lot adjacent to the pier, with fees applicable. Public transport options include the PATCO Speedline to the Camden Waterfront station, followed by a 0.5-mile (0.8 km) walk south along the riverfront. Several NJ Transit bus routes also serve the Camden Waterfront area.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the USS New Jersey began on December 16, 1940, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. It was commissioned on May 23, 1943, and served through World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The ship was decommissioned for the final time in 1991. Its original purpose was to provide naval gunfire support and engage enemy surface vessels.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the ship's various decks, including the bridge, captain's quarters, and gun turrets. The museum exhibits detail the ship's service history and the lives of its crew. Overnight encampments are offered for groups. Photography of the ship's exterior and interior is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the ship's visitor center and on the main deck. Limited shaded areas are present on the main deck. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors and restaurants are located along the Camden Waterfront, a short walk from the ship.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for exterior photography is late afternoon, when the sun is lower in the sky and illuminates the port side. The ship is open year-round, but spring and fall offer moderate temperatures for exploring the exterior decks. No tide-specific access requirements exist.

Facts & Legends

During its service, the USS New Jersey earned the nickname "Black Dragon" from North Korean soldiers. A unique tip for visitors is to explore the lower decks to experience the cramped living conditions of the crew.