Battleship New Jersey 16: The Mighty Battleship That Fought in the Pacific and Vietnam Wars

The History of Battleship New Jersey 16

The USS New Jersey 16 was a United States Navy Iowa-class battleship, and the second ship of the United States Navy to be named after the state of New Jersey. She was launched in 1942 and commissioned in 1943, and served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

New Jersey 16 was one of the most decorated ships in the US Navy, earning 19 battle stars for her service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. She was also the only battleship to have served in all three of those wars.

New Jersey 16 was decommissioned in 1991 and is now a museum ship at the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial in Camden, New Jersey.

The Design of Battleship New Jersey 16

New Jersey 16 was designed to be the most powerful battleship in the world. She was armed with nine 16-inch guns, 20 five-inch guns, and numerous smaller guns and anti-aircraft guns. She was also protected by a thick layer of armor, making her virtually indestructible.

New Jersey 16 was also one of the fastest battleships ever built, capable of reaching speeds of over 30 knots. This made her an ideal ship for escorting aircraft carriers and raiding enemy shipping lanes.

The Service History of Battleship New Jersey 16

New Jersey 16 served in World War II as part of the US Third Fleet. She participated in the battles of Tarawa, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Guam, Leyte, and Okinawa. She also bombarded the Japanese mainland in support of the US Army's invasion of Iwo Jima.

After World War II, New Jersey 16 was placed in reserve. She was reactivated in 1950 to serve in the Korean War. She participated in the battles of Inchon and Wonsan, and provided gunfire support for UN troops fighting on the Korean Peninsula.

New Jersey 16 was again placed in reserve after the Korean War. She was reactivated in 1967 to serve in the Vietnam War. She participated in Operation Sea Dragon, a campaign to interdict North Vietnamese shipping, and provided gunfire support for US troops fighting in South Vietnam.

New Jersey 16 was decommissioned in 1991 and is now a museum ship at the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial in Camden, New Jersey.

The Legacy of Battleship New Jersey 16

New Jersey 16 was one of the most decorated ships in the US Navy, earning 19 battle stars for her service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. She was also the only battleship to have served in all three of those wars.

New Jersey 16 is a testament to the skill and dedication of the US Navy's shipbuilders and sailors. She is a reminder of the important role that battleships played in American naval history, and she is a symbol of the American fighting spirit.

Interesting Facts About Battleship New Jersey 16

• New Jersey 16 was the first battleship to be equipped with radar.
• New Jersey 16 was the first battleship to be equipped with a guided missile system.
• New Jersey 16 was the only battleship to have served in all three of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
• New Jersey 16 is the most decorated battleship in the US Navy, earning 19 battle stars.
• New Jersey 16 is now a museum ship at the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial in Camden, New Jersey.

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Conclusion

Battleship New Jersey 16 was one of the most powerful and decorated ships in US Navy history. She played a vital role in three major wars, and she is a testament to the skill and dedication of the US Navy's shipbuilders and sailors. New Jersey 16 is now a museum ship, and she is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.