Advancements in Naval warfare have long since condemned battleships to the annals of history and the docks of scenic Camden, NJ. Such is the fate of the USS New Jersey, commissioned on May 23, 1943. The ship has an impressive record, beginning with its tour of duty through the Pacific, island hopping in the name of Sweet Lady Liberty. Encouraged by the efficacious gunnery and spotless shoe shining, it went on to make cameo appearances in small dustups in Korea and Vietnam. The latter proved to be the successful culminating watermark in this buoyant bastion's career, contributing to America's ultimate denouement.
With these illustrious glory days gone by, the boat finally rode the red waves of splendor homeward. In February of 1991, she was put to sleep for the last time. One can only fathom the massive damage that the vessel would have inflicted in the sandy navel of Operation Desert Storm.
Visitors are welcome to tour the 887-foot hull and admire the 16-inch persuaders that made her the Shiva of the seas. Feel free to peruse the mates' claustrophobic quarters, contrasting them with the captain's capacious cabin. Breathe in the pungent scent of salt, iron and bloodthirsty mutiny.
Now that the ship has settled down in the Camden Waterfront, it is a little poignant to realize that it shall never again be able to relive its momentous past, searching for lost gold and hunting down pirate scum. Pay this lonely old ship a visit, because she needs love.
