The ship earned 19 battle stars throughout its active service life, more than any other U.S. battleship.
It is 887 feet and 3 inches long, making it longer than three football fields.
The ship's 16-inch guns could fire 2,700-pound projectiles over 20 miles.
During the Vietnam War, the USS New Jersey was the only active battleship in the world.
The hull was designed to be narrow enough to pass through the Panama Canal, resulting in a distinctively slim profile for its size.
The ship is powered by eight boilers and four steam turbines, generating 212,000 horsepower.
Its crew complement reached over 2,700 personnel during peak operations in World War II.
The ship holds a collection of artifacts, including personal effects from crew members dating back to the 1940s.
The ship underwent a significant restoration project beginning in 2024 to address hull preservation.
The ship is docked in the Delaware River, directly across from Penn's Landing in Philadelphia.
The USS New Jersey (BB-62) is the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history, currently permanently docked as a museum ship on the Camden Waterfront. Launched in 1942, the Iowa-class battleship served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Lebanon conflict. Visitors can access multiple decks, including the bridge, mess halls, engine rooms, and the 16-inch gun turrets. The ship features a restored Combat Engagement Center and various crew living quarters reflecting life at sea. It serves as a floating history museum with original armaments and propulsion systems largely intact. Educational tours provide insight into the ship's massive engineering and naval tactical capabilities. It currently functions as a non-profit museum focused on maritime preservation and veteran legacy.
The fantail (rear deck) offers a clear, unobstructed view of the Philadelphia skyline across the river.
Wear flat, rubber-soled shoes as the ship features steep ladders and narrow, uneven passageways.
Bring a light jacket, as temperatures inside the interior decks can remain cool even in summer.
Check the official website for specific tour availability, as some restricted areas require guided bookings.
Do not attempt to explore the ship if you have significant mobility challenges, as the vessel contains many steep, ladder-like stairs that are not wheelchair accessible.
The ship is generally open year-round, though specific deck accessibility may vary during winter months or extreme weather conditions.
Maintain caution on steep, vertical ship ladders; follow marked restricted areas; refrain from touching sensitive historical artifacts.
