Great ship, poor upkeep. We have been on all four IOWA class battleships. NEW JERSEY has the most to see, but is definitely in the worst shape. We would rather they have less open and in better shape.
Don't expect to have a tour guide, there is nearly no one on the ship.
The Quarterdeck staff are amazing, need more of these people on board. We spent an hour talking with them, good people. We met the museum supervisor, knew a lot about the ship, but nothing about Navy life, never served.
Ship in rough shape, really showing her age. Needs a lot of paint, but happy to see the deck being replaced. Many of the displays were either incomplete or did not work, some lights out and the recordings either difficult to hear or had static. Routes were a little confusing, seemed to go in circles, we skipped the lines and went our own way.
Much of the ship is open and explorable, we were able to explore from shaft alley to the aircraft radars. There aren't many signs explaining things to non Navy personnel, bring a book or go back to Quarterdeck, they will explain what you saw.
Take you tour Thursday morning then join the crew at Victor's Pub, just down the street, for several rounds of cheer between noon and 5pm. They crew is very knowledgeable and great drinking buddies!!!!!!!!!
A fine place to visit and to marvel at American greatness!
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The Battleship New Jersey is something else entirely. It's a place in which 20th century America comes to life, from World War II right through the 1980s. All interveningdecades are represented on the ship. Therefore, a visit to the Battleship New Jersey is like a walk backwards through time--to the era of our parents and grandparents. I believe that this is its greatest feature, and is certainly something that should be experienced by people of all ages.
My husband, Howard Sands, was a volunteer on the Battleship New Jersey until he was no longer able to serve because of Alzheimer's Disease. It was a labor of love for him, as someone who had always been interested in World War II history, although he had never served in the military. He loved sharing his interest in the ship and its history with visitors. He also made a wonderful friend on the ship, volunteer Bill O'Neill , who unfortunately died in November 2020. When Howard died in March 2021 we were pleased to be able to request that donations in his memory be considered for BB 62.
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My husband, Howard Sands, was a docent on the battleship New Jersey for many years. He has always been a World War II buff and after we visited BB-62 shortly after it opened he said he wanted to volunteer on the battleship when he retired. In fact, he started training to be a docent days after retiring on July 31, 2006. He led tours of school and camp groups as well as individuals for a number of years and then became a station docent in the Captain's Cabin, sharing stories of the admirals, swimming pool and other interesting facts about these quarters and the entire ship with visitors. Even after dementia robbed Howard of the ability to interact with those touring the ship we sometimes visited the ship and the Captain's Captain when Bill O'Neill was the docent on duty. Howard and Bill became good friends while volunteering on the battleship New Jersey and Bill still keeps in touch with us. Howard's experiences on BB-62 were wonderful and became an important part of his life, and over the years hundreds of people benefited from his interest in and knowledge about the ship.
The Battleship New Jersey is the hidden gem of the state. USS New Jersey was the most decorated battleship in U.S. history. As a museum, the battleship is the best tourist attraction in the state (where one can be entertained and educated at the same time) and has a relatively modest price.
In addition, USS New Jersey serves as a memorial to those who have served; an educational institution; and a place of research on U.S. history.
Amazing experience! The Battleship New Jersey is a true time machine. It took me back to my days in the navy. I would totally recommend!
Have spent several tours on the Battleship . . . the best experience of it is coming down the promenade for the first time and seeing its size and imposing presence. That first impression i a lasting one!
When I first visited the Battleship, I looked over the Delaware River to see the birthplace of our nation. The feeling of being on the most decorated ship in US Naval History, looking over to Independence Hall lets you get the true value of freedom and liberty, tempered by the history of the Battleship and the sacrifices made by those who rose to the call of their Country.
I'm a Navy WWII Veteran and I have been a Docent on the BB62 for 18 years and find it to be a very rewarding experience in relating to the public the History of this great Ship, especially to the School Children on their field trips.
The Battleship NJ is a plus to the entire metro area. Not only has it saved the ship
from the scrap heap, it is a Memorial to all the crew member that served aboard her.
We are proud of the Battleship Crew and the volunteers that serve aboard her.
Come see us some thime.
Rich Z
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I have been involved with the Battleship NJ for almost 20 years. The ship has been restored by
skilled Vets from every service group. They have one of the best overnight camp programs
in the USA. We have a core group of volunteers on board every day. It is an asset to New Jersey and our great country.
I've visited the Battleship NJ on numerous occasions. Brought my dad, a WW II vet about a dozen years ago. He was so exuberant to be aboard, sharing stories of her history in the Pacific with anyone who would listen. With COPD and a cane, he insisted on climbing ladders from deck to deck. We lost him 10 years ago and with each return to the ship, I am overwhelmed by his memory, and the importance of this ship in our nation's history. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and kind. The New Jersey is a true treasure of our nation and we are so very fortunate to have access to her.
Be sure to interact with the Quarterdeck Staff, these officers are all Veterans who add to your visit through their real life experiences. The displays and route through the ship can be difficult without much information, but the gentlemen on the Quarterdeck are extremely knowledgeable and more than willing to explain the numerous items on the ship.
I served on the USS New Jersey during its Vietnam service. I am now the President of the USS New Jersey Veterans, Inc. We hold our annual reunion in the Camden, NJ area every 4 years. The staff of the Battleship are always excellent to work with when we plan our day on the ship for all the veterans who served on her. The staff and volunteers go above and beyond when we’re onboard. We hold our annual memorial service on the fantail and have lunch afterwords. The veterans are treated with deep respect and made to feel the ship is still theirs. I would highly recommend the Battleship New Jersey as a site for any military reunion group to visit during their reunion. The staff and volunteers are working diligently to bring the ship back to the condition it was when us crew members served on her during our time in the US Navy. The pride the volunteers have for her is matched only by the pride of the Sailors and Marines who served on her during WWII, Korea, Vietnam and in the 1980’s.
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The Home Port Alliance works to preserve the monumental and historically significant Battleship New Jersey and keep it open for visitors. They have been innovative in their interpretation of the storied vessel and the sailors who worked on her. From special events to sleep overs to virtual programs, the Alliance continually finds new ways to make the Battleship relevant and interesting for new audiences.
A fabulous group of volunteers and staff make this museum ship shine! Come check out what’s newly polished up on your next tour.
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It’s been quite a few years since we were there. Last time was on New Year’s Eve for fire works . We’ve done that a couple of times. We took our grandsons on the tour once , must’ve been 10 yrs ago. We enjoyed it very much. The ship has a wonderful history. Very interesting to see how sailors like my Dad lived and worked during WWII. I am an Army Vietnam vet so am proud of our armed forces and was very proud of the history of the ship Bering part of every major war from WWII to not sure of the last one I think Iraq.
We LOVE the USS New Jersey. We have been to the ship 3 times already. 1st was during the pandemic when things were safely open and it was a wonderful activity to get out of the house and learn about this amazing beaut! Second time we brought friends from out of town for a tour and three was for the USO 1940s dance night. What a fantastic and appropriate backdrop for a 40s themed event. Everyone who works and volunteers their time for this important historical artifact are so kind and care deeply for this cause. The ship is in great condition and the exhibits are full of interesting history that’s fun for the whole family, there is even a gift shop. When you visit, make sure to wear your walking shoes, this ship is BIG! It’s a gem in the Delaware and everyone should visit if they have the chance!!
I was stationed on the USS New Jersey for over 4 years of my time in the Navy. She took great care of her crew as we did her. I have been a proud donor to keep her clean and maintained since 1982, and since her decommissioning as a museum in Camden New Jersey. Please consider helping keep her as a treasured museum.
Every interaction I have had has been overwhelmingly positive! They actually respond to emails, which is how I ended up donating something for a space they were renovating. They were wildly accommodating.. to the point where where I made a snap decision to fire the 5"/38, which was amazing, btw. After completing the self guided tours, my friend and I got to spend significant time with both the Curator and the Education Director.. both of which are extremely knowledgeable and both have great personalities and senses of humor. We even got to see *that day* completed spaces and many other off tour cool things to see! I've since become a member and have donated again!
Superior tour routes and beautifully repainted interior let you see and feel what it was like to serve on the greatest battleship The Turret 2 experience is fantastic! Pull the triggers and hear the guns roar. And don't miss the engineering tour, climb deep down into the bowels of the engineering spaces from Broadway into the fireroom and then through the bulkhead into the engineroom.
My children have slept on the Battleship for Scouts and had a great time! When I visited the USS NJ I felt my father's Naval stories come alive! I'm so grateful that this piece of history is being kept alive for all generations to learn from and enjoy! These volunteers who give tours, arrange events, and educate our communities deserve our respect and applause! They give us the chance to connect or reconnect to our American history! Nothing replaces a live experience when a person can touch, smell, see, and hear for themselves what it's like to be on a battleship!
The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is both a wonderfully preserved example of the pinnacle of warship design, and a vivid story teller of the history of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Missile Age. It is worth a visit for Americans of all ages and is an international tourist attraction.
Battleship New Jersey is an American Icon having served in 4 wars earning a total of 19 battle stars. She now rests majestically on the Delaware River in Camden, NJ where guests can experience what it was like to serve on the most decorated battleship in US Navy. Tours include a top-to-bottom tour of one of her massive 16" gun turrets, and one of the ship's Engine Room and Fire Rooms. It is an experience unlike any other in that the battleships are now gone from all navies in the world. This is a unique not soon to be forgotten trip in time when the battleships were queen of the seas. But be advised, there is a lot of climbing so bring your most comfortable pair of walking shoes.
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Battleship New Jersey is truly an American icon. As noteworthy to our Nation's history as any battlefield...foreign or domestic. USS New Jersey helped win and persevere the peace in four wars, and during her final time in commission, she contributed to the fall of Communist Russia in the late 1980's.
While her day's of patrolling the ocean's of the world are over, her imposing presence on the Delaware River, close to where she was built, gives visitors an opportunity to experience first hand what it must to have been like to serve on the most powerful class of battleships ever to go to sea.
The staff, supported by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, have transformed battleship New Jersey into a most impressive museum and memorial. We welcome everyone to come and experience first hand the might and majesty of this venerable grey lady. You won't be disappointed.
I have been volunteering at the BB62 for about 18 months now and I am very glad I started. Having served in the U.S. Navy 67-71, I have strong feelings about the ships that helped the U.S. Navy help so many others. While volunteering and seeing guests tour the ship and talk to us about our, and their, experiences, I am always surprised with their impressions of how the ship was used in peacetime and in war. They show an appreciation of the jobs she did then, and a sincere thankfulness of what the museum is doing now. To be able to show younger members of their family things they could otherwise never see is meaningful to them.
The battleship is a great place to spend a summer day the tour route covers from the 05 level to the 02 deck with a very knowledgeable team of Navy enthusiasts and veterans who are very kind and ready to answer any questions all of this makes the battleship New Jersey one of the best museum ships out there
First visited the battleship with my family in 2002. Was really impressed with the massive size of everything onboard. The staff was very helpful and informative. Once I retired I started to volunteer a few days every week in order to help ensure future generations have an opportunity to learn about this historic ship.
Each time I approach the Battleship New Jersey, I am awed by her size and the engineering that went into designing and building her. After all, she was built before computers were as ubiquitous as they are today. The extreme accuracy of her big guns is amazing. And, despite participating in 19 different battles, she only ever lost 2 crew members in 25 years of service.
Love touring this ship, she is the best treasure on the Delaware River. Docents are so knowledgeable and kind answering every question asked .
The ship's maintenance is exemplary. many museum ships struggle with tis but not the NJ!
Queries are answered quickly. I did a book signing aboard the ship and the staff were all both extremely knowledgable and their enthusiasm for the ship was manifest. If all museum ships had such people entrusted with their care, naval history would be commonplace!
I am very impressed that the Battleship New Jersey has a college scholarship program that awards ten scholarships each year to area high school students
I love volunteering on The New Jersey. Everyone there is friendly and hard working. They thoroughly enjoy working/volunteering there. The all strive to make the visitors time on board a memorable one - one that when they leave they will spread the word about how much they enjoyed visiting.
Love to visit the battleship NJ!
Lots of memories with my family here.
We have enjoyed our visits over the years.
The grace and grandeur of this beautiful Grey Lady has been a part of my life since August of 2001. I had signed up to be a volunteer and my first job was to pry up the teak plugs in the main deck. Since then I have made many good friends and have learned so much about the most decorated battleship in US history. I am on the Brass Team as well as have the honor of being the official BB-62 Bugler. A true gem of our Great State of New Jersey.
I've been a volunteer on this great ship since 2001. And I drive from Brooklyn to Camden! The sleep overs for scouts & other groups, is a great learning process--because the ship is a piece of history! And they don't teach much real history to today's youth anymore. Grab your kids, or if you don't have kids, grab your nieces & nephews, and your neighbors kids, and your friends kids--and bring them to see and experience a great piece of our history! And if you can down the road when it fully opens--stay in the bunks with the kids, and have a great time! If you want, you can even come down & volunteer with me & the "Brass Team"! We run around polishing all the brass that we can, and restoring other stuff! You'll be helping out & having a great experience doing it! Hope to see you soon--Vera
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The Battleship USS New Jersey is an amazing piece of American history! THE most decorated battleship in Navy history, leaves you in awe! It is definitely something young & old should experience. Those that are more "adventurous", can actually sleep overnight in the bunks, & have breakfast in the mess the next morning--just like the sailors! Make a plan to visit and bring the kids, for a day they won't forget! And please donate whatever you can, and as often as you can, for this incredible nonprofit museum. Donations are what will keep this going for generations to come!
I love the comradely of working with volunteer docents, but most of all I enjoyed imparting the history of the Battleship to youngsters in the camp program.
The tour is amazing and their educational products are very high quality. Also, as they support a Navy sea Cadet Division they further give back to the community.
From the first time I set foot on the deck of this beautiful battleship, I felt at home. I am a 1970's Navy vet and although I never served on a ship, I could sense the importance of her role in serving our nation and fighting for our freedoms. Even for people who are not history buffs, this big ship tells tales of history that many would not believe. The many crew members who walked her decks and climbed her super structure have left their imprint. And what stories are told as you walk the tours. Not just stories of work and war, but stories of the humanity of every crew member.
BB62 is more than just metal held together with rivets. She is the most decorated battleship in US history. She is also the biggest! Touring this Philly built Navy ship/museum is an experience that can not be beat. When active in service, she was a floating city! And seeing all of the areas where crew slept, worked, ate, and socialized is impressive.
To see this ship that shot those 16" guns from turrets 1,2, and 3, as well as the rest of her fire power, helps you realize that freedom was and is precious and she did more than her share to keep us free.
Visit this wonderful ship and you will not be disappointed. Those who work to keep her presence alive have done a phenomenal job! If I could give her 10 out of 10 stars, I would give her 11!
I absolutely LOVE the Battleship New Jersey. I have been on the ship countless number of times and have taken all of the different tours which are just amazing. You can actually realize what it would have been like to be a sailor on the ship. I even love the smell of the diesel. On every visit I see something new.
On a daily basis, our docents, volunteers, and support staff on the Battleship New Jersey have the opportunity to make 78 years of history come alive. Many of our guests come aboard with no knowledge of the dedication, fortitude, and courage it takes to serve in our military, especially the Navy. We try to ensure our guests have every opportunity to see as much of our ship as possible through tours, exhibits, videos and staff interaction. Based on feedback from my guests, the museum experience exceeded their expectations. What more can you ask for....?
The number one reason is HISTORY! I was a docent for the overnight encampments and can safely state that I personally escorted hundreds of children and adults on tours. What I stressed on my tours was the history of the ship and it's crew. They walked the decks and area's of the ship learning that the New Jersey was more than it's 16 inch rifles and the quarterdeck. They learned that left was port and the restrooms were heads. Men as young as 18 worked,slept and gave their all to make the New Jersey the most decorated Battleship in the U.S. Navy. As a former United State Marine I also learned that the children I escorted were respectful , well behaved and obedient to the rules and regulations. I am proud to have served as a tour guide and mentor to the guest.
When I retired back in 2016 I was looking somewhere to do volunteer work. There was an ad in the Courier Post from BB-62 needing help aboard the Ship. This was perfect for to be able to work on the greatest Battleship in US History was very rewarding. I have learned so much about how great this vessel is and it is an honor to serve on her.. It is a living museum and Iam so thankful to share my knowledge with the many guest that come from around the world just just to see and tour this wonderful monument.
The ship is a place where the history of our glorious navy comes alive; from the Second World War, Korea, Vite-Nam and up to Desert Storm. This fantastic place visitors can see and experience how sailors worked and lived. Also, there encampments give people the opportunity of spending the night on a Battleship. Lastly, their numerous interactive displays and simulations give the experience of what the sailors really did.
The Battleship New Jersey is unlike any other 'attraction'. Every visit yields another historical event that greatly impacted the security of our country and the indescribable strength/technology (considered the time she was built)/and absolute power and intimidation of the remarkable highly decorated ship. The physical upkeep and dedication shown by the devoted staff is unlike any other. I have taken tours and attended many events. I promise any visitor will be filled with amazing awe and pride for our country and our armed forces. Come! - I promise you will love Big J. Maureen Hayes
My family loved the exhibits throughout the battleship! All the battleship employees were friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable!
I am a Vietnam Army Vet but enjoy all the events at the ship and love the way you can remember for Fathers & Mothers on the pier. My wife and I made a donation for a brick remembering our fathers who were a Marine and a Navy vet.
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This is living History you can touch and walk in the foot prints of American Heroes like Admiral Halsey. As a Vietnam Vet she was a life saver to many of us and is what brought the North Vietnamese to the peace table. The most Decorated Ship in the US Navy she served from WW II to the Iraqi Conflict. Unlike some Iowa Class Battleships she is armed for combat as in her last engagement with modern weaponry and has a full museum on board. The perfect place for Families and groups to learn of the life of a sailor and the Greatest Battleship ever built.
How can you not love history, when it sits in your own back yard. The USS New Jersey Battleship brings all ages together to understand the integral part it played in the US Military.
Being a Navy veteran and to see how my shipmates lived, worked and made history. Let's me know that I made the right decision to join the US Navy. The is still to me the best ship in the world and cannot thank the US Navy for keeping her home in Camden, NJ.
We held a corporate event on the Battleship NJ. Jack and his team were amazing. Everything was perfect. Our event was a huge success.
The Battleship New Jersey provides excellent hands on experiences with history, technology, and science at a one of a kind venue. The staff and volunteers are well trained and happy to engage with the public. As an organization they are trying consistently to engage and better their community as well.
I started as a restoration volunteer in July of 2018 and continue to do so. This spring I trained to be a tour guide and enjoy this very much. As a Navy veteran who served aboard a Destroyer Escort in the late 60's, I enjoy spending time aboard The New Jersey with my new shipmates. The camaraderie among the "crew" reminds me of my younger days.
It’s a great alternative for a family outing and provides perspective for what our naval personnel experienced.
I first visited the Battleship New Jersey in 2001. I've been back a number of times since then, most recently this past August. As a child, I grew up watching the acclaimed television series "Victory at Sea." In my undergraduate and graduate years in college, I studied WWII in depth. Yet to actually walk on the teak decks of the New Jersey and see up close, her 16 inch guns, sends a chill through me since this great fighting ship represents the great freedoms that our country has fought and died for through out the ship's many battles. All Americans, regardless of their political affiliations in these difficult times should visit this great fighting ship and share in the experience of a time when we as a people were all united in the fight for liberty and freedom throughout the world.
I have had the privilege of working with the most dedicated crew ever. Their tireless efforts to preserve and communicate our naval history is unparalleled . I have greeted people from around the world on board and everyone has expressed their appreciation for their ability to visit this piece of history and thanked us for our efforts. The most gratifying time is when former crew members visit their ship. It’s truly a moving experience.
Jack Willard set up a private tour for some of our Rossmoor Veterans Group with Patrick as our guide. He was excellent and everyone said it was one of the best tours they had ever been on ( even our Army Brothers ). Thanks to all for making it a very special day
Denny O’Malley
Former Navy Lt.
I have worked on other museum ships and visited well over 50 of them. New Jersey has more open (1.5 miles of tour route), far more restored, and far more that visitors can touch and do than any other museum ship I've visited. Be sure to set aside a full day to see everything. If you go on the weekend there are even more programs and tours, some free, some for an additional cost, but they're worth it.
