As a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Battleship New Jersey maintains the ongoing restoration, preservation and educational programs for New Jersey's most decorated battleship. The mission is to preserve, restore, exhibit and educate.

Description:
Volunteering aboard the Battleship New Jersey is a unique opportunity. As a volunteer, you could participate in memorial events onboard the ship, join in exclusive behind the scenes tours, work with veterans and youth groups, participate in special events, attend specialized lectures and tours and work with men and women who share a common interest in learning about, studying, and teaching our nation’s naval history. Volunteers also gain access the ship’s private library with over a thousand books, manuscripts, charts, historical records, artifacts, and memorabilia.

By becoming a member of our volunteer team, you will help to preserve one of our nation’s finest fighting ships. As a volunteer crewmember, you are our direct link with the public. Your knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment help to make a memorable and enjoyable experience for our visitors.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available including lecturer, librarian, historical researcher, restoration specialist, maintenance, clerical support, or tour guide. You can also work with youth groups in our overnight encampment program or join our Radio Club.

Eligibility: Must be 18 years of age or older. Tour guides must complete onboard training program.

History:
BB62 was built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, and launched December 7, 1942- just a year after the Pearl Harbor Attack brought America into WWII.

The USS NEW JERSEY (BB62) was actually the second ship to be called “NEW JERSEY”, the first being BB16, a turn of the century (19th century) battleship. The first Battleship New Jersey (BB-16) was a Virginia class pre-dreadnought that served from 1906 until she was sunk as a bombing target in 1922. She sailed with the Great White Fleet and served her country in World War I as a training vessel.

NEW JERSEY was decommissioned for the last time on February 8,1991 at Bremerton, Washington where she resided until heading home to New Jersey. She was officially stricken from the Navy list on February 12,1995 but was then ordered reinstated by an order of congress as a mobilization asset under Bill 1024 section 1011. On January 4, 1999 NEW JERSEY was again stricken from the Navy list and IOWA replaced her as a mobilization asset. On September 12, 1999 NEW JERSEY began her Final Voyage home from Bremerton, where she had rested in mothballs for the last 8 years. On November 11th, she arrived at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Since that time, she has been restored, opened and established as an educational museum and a tribute to the brave sailors who served on her during her long and distinguished career. The Battleship New Jersey opened as a Museum and Memorial in October 2001.

Contact person: Dan Farrell, (phone), (email)

Address:

62 Battleship Place Camden, NJ 08103 (See a map)