Battleship New Jersey returns to Camden Waterfront after dry-dock repairs
Time lapse: Battleship New Jersey returns to Camden Waterfront
The Battleship New Jersey returned to its well-known spot along the Camden Waterfront on Thursday. The nation's most decorated battleship dry-docked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard back in March to undergo extensive maintenance. From there, the WWII-era ship sailed to Paulsboro to undergo ballast repairs and restoration.
CAMDEN - The Battleship New Jersey returned to its well-known spot along the Camden Waterfront on Thursday.
The nation's most decorated battleship dry-docked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard back in March to undergo extensive maintenance. From there, the WWII-era ship sailed to Paulsboro to undergo ballast repairs and restoration.
The $10 million project included power washing and sandblasting to remove marine growth and debris; repainting; early warning corrosion system repairs; and inspecting, replacing and welding over more than 160 through-hole openings.
The Battleship New Jersey sailed back to its longtime dock along the Camden Waterfront on Thursday morning from Paulsboro. A massive welcome party greeted the ship as it was pushed into place by a team of tugboats.
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Battleship New Jersey begins trip home to Camden after historic dry-dock in Philadelphia
It's been nearly three months since Battleship New Jersey embarked on a historic journey, and now she's finally heading back to where she belongs.
The battleship, which was built in the 1940s in Philadelphia, served for about 50 years before its retirement in February 1991. It has been a floating museum since 2001. The ship was built at the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and was launched from there on Dec. 7, 1942, the first anniversary of the Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor.
The ship is the most decorated battleship in Navy history, earning distinction in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and conflicts in the Middle East, according to its website. The ship steamed more miles, fought in more battles and fired more shells in combat than any other battleship.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.