Battleship New Jersey Prepares For Dry-Docking

Battleship New Jersey Prepares For Dry-Docking

After more than three decades standing tall as a symbol of American naval power, the Battleship New Jersey is embarking on a historic journey.

On Thursday, March 21, the Battleship will make its way to dry dock for maintenance, marking the first time it has undergone such a procedure in over 30 years.

This significant event will see the Battleship guided by tug boats from McAllister Towing as it heads south under the Walt Whitman Bridge toward the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard at Dry Dock #3, where the USS New Jersey was originally built and launched on December 7, 1942.

The dry dock project holds immense importance for ensuring the Battleship’s longevity. As the most decorated Battleship in U.S. history, it deserves a proper sendoff that honors its decades of service and historical significance.

This extensive project will involve removing marine growth from the hull, repainting the hull, inspecting sensitive areas, and replacing anodes for cathodic protection.

Tours of the dry dock will be available to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the maintenance process.

While the move day is still about a month away, crews have already started to get her ready. Last month, the battleship’s radar tower was removed to give her enough room to move under the Walt Whitman Bridge. With it’s removal, there is an 11-foot clearance. 

To commemorate this dry-docking of the battleship New Jersey, various events are planned to allow the public to participate and celebrate the Battleship’s legacy.

Dry Dock Guided Tours

During Saturdays and Sundays while the Battleship is stationed at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, guided dry dock tours will offer a unique opportunity to walk beneath the hull of the iconic vessel.

Visitors will have the chance to marvel at the massive Iowa-class battleship propellers and explore the underside of the ship. Each tour participant will receive a collectible Battleship hard hat as a memento of their experience.

Led by Battleship Curator Ryan Szimanski, these tours promise an immersive journey into naval history. Tickets for the Dry Dock Guided Tours, beginning April 6 and 7, can be purchased in advance online.

Standard tickets require a $225 donation per person, while tours led by Ryan Szimanski require a $1,000 donation per person.

Battleship Dry Dock Departure Celebration

On March 21 at 11 a.m., the public is invited to bid farewell to the Battleship as it embarks on its journey to dry dock. The Departure Celebration, taking place on the Pier, promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with dignitaries, veterans, live entertainment, food, and bar service.

The festivities will begin at 10 a.m., with free parking available in Lot #1, across from the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. Transportation from Lot #1 to the Battleship Pier will be provided, ensuring convenient access for attendees. Please note that this event is weather-dependent.

Cruise with the Battleship on the Spirit of Philadelphia

For those seeking a truly unforgettable experience, the Spirit of Philadelphia offers a unique opportunity to cruise alongside the Battleship as it is towed from its berth at the Camden Waterfront down the Delaware River to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for dry docking.

This two-hour cruise, departing from Penn’s Landing at 11:30 a.m. on March 21, allows guests to witness the historic moment as the Battleship makes its first move in over 22 years.

Tickets for this exclusive experience are available for a $110, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Battleship’s dry dock project.

Supporting the Battleship During Dry Dock

While the Battleship undergoes maintenance, it will be unable to host daily tours, events, or overnight stays, which are crucial sources of revenue for the non-profit museum and memorial. If you can’t make it for the dry-dock tours of the Spirit of Philadelphia cruise, you can still donate via the Battleship’s website.

As the Battleship New Jersey prepares to depart for dry dock maintenance, it marks a significant chapter in its storied history. With public participation and support, this iconic vessel will continue to inspire future generations with its legacy of service and valor.

The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by the Battleship New Jersey to film a few videos which will be shared over the coming month.

Below is the first of three which feature the Battleship and her team. Before you watch please subscribe.