Battleship New Jersey Dry Dock Tours Are Available!

Battleship New Jersey Dry Dock Tours Are Available!

Dry Dock #3 at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard is now the temporary home to the iconic Battleship New Jersey, which is currently undergoing a significant transformation.

Over the past 48 hours, water has been pumped out of the dry dock so that crews can get started on crucial preventive maintenance on its hull.

If all goes to plan, the dry dock will be completely rid of water by Saturday, March 30.

The historic journey to dry dock happened on Wednesday, March 27, as the Battleship departed the Paulsboro Marine Terminal.

The Wildwood Video Archive filmed its journey which you can watch at the bottom of this page.

Guided by four tug boats from McAllister Towing, the vessel made its way north on the Delaware River, eventually berthing at Dry Dock #3 of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

This location holds a special historical significance as it is the very dock from which the Battleship was originally launched on December 7, 1942.

The decision to undergo dry dock preventive maintenance comes after over 30 years, emphasizing the critical importance of this project for the Battleship’s longevity.

After a comprehensive inspection of the hull and the commencement of maintenance work, the Battleship New Jersey anticipates returning to the Camden Waterfront in approximately 60 days.

In addition to ensuring the Battleship’s continued operation for years to come, this dry dock period presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to experience the vessel up close, in terms of dry dock tours.

Guided dry dock tours will be available on Saturdays and Sundays during the maintenance period at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Tour attendees will have the chance to explore the inner workings of the Battleship, including its massive Iowa-class battleship propellers, alongside other fascinating features.

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Each guest will receive a collectible Battleship hard hat as a memento of their experience.

Tickets for these exclusive tours will be available for purchase online starting April 6 and 7, with tours running every weekend while the Battleship remains in dry dock.

Standard Dry Dock Tickets are priced at a $225 donation per person, while those opting for a tour led by Curator Ryan Szimanski will require a $1,000 donation per person.

Dry Dock Tours are not eligible for museum discounts and fees are non-refundable. Moreover, due to the nature of the worksite, the tour is not wheelchair or walker-accessible, and guests must be aged 16 and over.

Proper attire, including steel-toed shoes and sturdy pants, is required for participation, with the tour fee covering commemorative branded hard hats and eye protection. For those without steel-toed shoes, slip-ons will be provided for the duration of the tour.

Those looking to purchase Battleship New Jersey Dry dock tickets click HERE.

For further updates and information on the dry dock tours, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Battleship’s official website.

This initiative not only ensures the preservation of a historic maritime marvel but also offers a rare opportunity for the public to engage with and appreciate the legacy of the Battleship New Jersey firsthand.

Below is our video from Battleship New Jersey’s movement from Camden down the Delaware River.

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