USS New Jersey (BB - 62)

Finally! Something in New Jersey worth seeing!

The family and I took a trip across the Delaware to see the Battleship New Jersey; America's most decorated battleship. I had always wanted to take the tour, but had been putting it off . . . for seven years. *Hanging head in shame.*

We had a few options when we purchased the tickets. We could take the self-guided tour - lame - or spend the extra $2 apiece for the guided tour - sweet! Our tour guide was John Stickney from New Yawk (below), a 30-year veteran of the Navy. The tour guides are all volunteers, and are superlative at their craft.

John started off with a brief description and history of the ship. The New Jersey - the second battleship to bear the state's name: the first being part of Teddy Roosevelt's Great White Fleet - was built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and was launched, ironically, on December 7, 1942. We then came aboard.

The New Jersey's 16-inch guns (above) are insane. Much larger than they appear, they spell doom for those in her path. The shells are bigger than my children, and about as destructive. John led our group into the 16-inch turret, which held 25 men during battle stations. We barely fit 11 of us, but I guess sailors are a bit more fit than some fat detective. The highlight of the turret tour? The artwork on the port side wall:


Nice! We toured the rest of the ship, including the Tomahawk launchers - Giggity! - chaff launchers, and the bridge (below). It was an all-inclusive tour that lasted about two hours, instead of the usual hour and a half. Luckily, we were graced with a Korean War veteran who was an ensign aboard the New Jersey at the time. Whatever detail John missed - and there weren't many - the veteran gladly provided. The tour was not only educational, but damned entertaining! I would highly recommend it to anyone.

As we disembarked the New Jersey, we passed the ship's motto, and I had to laugh: USS New Jersey: Firepower for Freedom. Oh, and my kids? They thought it was "Awesome!"

I wonder if we can hit John Street's house from here?