Both Naval ships named after the State of New Jersey are making news this month as the newest is undergoing trials at sea and the older one is leaving the water for the first time in more than 30 years.
The submarine New Jersey (SSN-796) has been undergoing sea trials before her planned commissioning at NWS Earle in Leonardo on September 14.
“As a crew,” said Captain Steven A. Halle,” we did some of the most complicated operations that submariners see in their entire career. The crew performed remarkably, and the achievements were recognized by numerous senior officials. Their hard work and sacrifice paid off and highlighted their amazing talent.”
The submarine spent two weeks at sea to test the boat’s systems and components. Tests included submerging the submarine for the first time and conducting high-speed maneuvers while on the surface and submerged.
The boat will be in the shipyard for several weeks before heading back out to sea for its next set of tests, including an Operational Reactor Safeguard Exam (ORSE) and preliminary weapons testing.
On Thursday, March 21, Battleship New Jersey (BB-62) will depart for historic dry dock maintenance for the first time in more than three decades. The Battleship, which is now a museum in Camden, will be guided by tugboats from McAllister Towing. She will be turned around, headed south under the Walt Whitman Bridge enroute to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard at Dry Dock #3, where the ship was built during the late 1930s and launched on December 7, 1942.
The dry dock project is vital for the Battleship’s longevity, and government, military and New Jersey residents has expressed strong feelings that the most decorated Battleship in U.S. history deserves a proper sendoff to celebrate her decades of service.
The public is invited to join and honor her legacy.
See battleshipnewjersey.org/drydock for details on Dry Dock Guided Tours, a Departure Celebration on the Pier, a cruise with the Battleship on the Spirit of Philadelphia and more!
