The USS New Jersey Returns Home

A fireboat escorts the USS New Jersey approaches the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard 11/11/99 where it will be docked untill its final resting place is decided. 11/11/99. Chris LaChall/Gannett State Bureau

People watch from aboard the Cape May ferry boat as the Navy’s most highly decorated battleship USS New Jersey sails the final leg of a 5,000-mile journey to the Philadephia Navel Shipyard Wednesday, Nov.10, 1999. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Sean Senavilla, 9 of Riverton, watches as the USS New Jersey battleship is pushed into the dock at the Philadelphia shipyard Thursday, Nov. 11, 1999. Sean is part of a group of Riverton 3rd graders who tracked the ships trip from Washington State on the internet and sang a song to it as it arrived. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

(Right to Left) Molly Wingert, 8 of Riverton, and Lindsay Mills watch with (Left on Black)Terri Delliponti, of Palmyra, as the USS New Jersey battleship is pushed into the dock at the Philadelphia shipyard Thursday, Nov. 11, 1999. Molly and Lindsay were part of a group of Riverton 3rd graders who followed the ships trip from Washington State on the internet and sang a song to it as it arrived. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Crowds gather along the banks of the Red Bank Battlefield in National park to get a glimpse of the Battleship N.J. as it sails towards Philadelphia (photo by paris l. gray)

Boaters on the Delaware surround the Uss New Jersey as it makes its way up the Delaware toward the Ship Yard.

Harry Ruhle, of Collingswood, looks thru binoculars aboard the Cape May ferry boat as the Navy’s most highly decorated battleship USS New Jersey sails the final leg of a 5,000-mile journey to the Philadephia Navel Shipyard Wednesday, Nov.10, 1999. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Crowds gather at the on the banks of the Delaware River along Red Bank Battlefield in National Park on November 11, 1997 to get a glimpse of the USS New Jersey as is passes by on its way to its new berth on the Camden Waterfront.

Tugboats nudge the USS New Jersey into a turn outside Bremerton, Wash., The battleship left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

The USS New Jersey arrives at its final resting place along the Camden Waterfront on September 23, 2001. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Joe Matheussen turns as he sits with his father Senator John Matheussen as the USS New Jersey arrives at its final resting place along the Camden Waterfront on September 23, 2001. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

The USS New Jersey docked at the Broadway Terminal of the South Jersey Port Corporation in Camden, while restoration work is being completed. Photo by Ron Karafin

Former General Norman Schwarzkopk arrives at the USS New Jersey Tuesday night in Camden NJ. Schwarzkopk addressed the Republican National Convention from aboard the Ship. Scott Anderson / Courier-Post Staff

Tomahawk missile launchers on the USS New Jersey docked at the Broadway Terminal of the South Jersey Port Corporation in Camden, while restoration work is being completed. Photo by Ron Karafin

The USS New Jersey docked at the Broadway Terminal of the South Jersey Port Corporation in Camden, while restoration work is being completed. Photo by Ron Karafin

Bob Weimann from Woodbury bows his head during a Welcome Home Battleship ceremony honoring the Battleship New Jersey on 7/28/00 at the Beckett St.Terminal in Camden.(photo by paris l. gray)

Boaters on the Delaware surround the Uss New Jersey as it makes its way up the Delaware toward the Ship Yard. Ron Hoguet, of Cherry Hill, and Jerry D'Onofrio, try to fly the American Flag as a greeting the the Battleship, but the wind had another idea.

The USS New Jersey approaches the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard 11/11/99 where it will be docked untill its final resting place is decided. 11/11/99. Chris LaChall/Gannett State Bureau

The USS New Jersey arrives at its final resting place along the Camden Waterfront on September 23, 2001. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Camden County Freeholder Patricia Jones smiles as the USS New Jersey arrives at its final resting place along the Camden Waterfront on September 23, 2001. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

The USS New Jersey at its final resting place along the Camden Waterfront on September 23, 2001. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Tug boat captain Guy Del Greco, of Milford NJ, moves past the USS New Jersey at its final resting place along the Camden Waterfront on September 23, 2001. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Camden City Hall stands behind the USS New Jersey at its final resting place along the Camden Waterfront on September 23, 2001. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

The USS New Jersey arrives at its resting place along the Camden Waterfront on September 23, 2001. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

The USS New Jersey arrives at its final resting place along the Camden Waterfront on September 23, 2001. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Art Conover of Green Creek in Middle Township, who served aboard the USS New Jersey, stands in line before boarding the Cape May ferry boat to view the USS New Jersey as it sails the final leg of a 5,000-mile journey to the Philadephia Navel Shipyard Wednesday, Nov.10, 1999. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Bryan Gauthier-9 from Adubon looks at a cake of the Battle ship N.J. at Red Bank Battlefield in National park(photo by paris l. gray)

George Sinitsky camander Gloucester Co. Chapter #64 Disabled Vets he is from Mantua and holds a welcome home sign as the Battleship N.J. passes by the Red Bank Battlefield in National park(photo by paris l. gray)

Dennis Murphy from Mantua and sits beside a welcome home sign as he waits for the Battleship N.J. to pass by the Red Bank Battlefield in National park(photo by paris l. gray)

Heat exchanger in the boiler room on the USS New Jersey docked at the Broadway Terminal of the South Jersey Port Corporation in Camden, while restoration work is being completed. Photo by Ron Karafin

Tugboats guide the USS New Jersey through e Puget Sound near Seattle, Wash., The battleship left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

Courier-Post staff writer Carol Comegno working on location in Panama as she covers the passing of the USS New Jersey through the Panama Canal.

The USS New Jersey clears Rich Passage outside Bremerton, Wash., the second narrowest area on its route to the East Coast .In the background are the Olympic mountains. The battleship left the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

Watchers from the Tugboat Jupiter watch as the USS New Jersey battleship is manuevered into place Philadelphia shipyard Thursday, Nov. 11, 1999.

Captain Kaare L. Ogaard Jr., master of the Sea Victory, stands in front of the tug boat docked in Seattle. It will tow the USS New Jersey to Philadelphia from Bremerton, Wash.. Photo by Chris LaChall/Gannett State Bureau. 9/9/99.

Tugboats push the USS New Jersey Battleship into dock at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on November 11, 1999. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Terry Jacobsen, first mate of the Sea Victory, the tug boat towing the USS New Jersey to Philadelphia, examines a 180 foot long chain with 100 pound links that will be used in the towing. Photo by Chris LaChall/Gannett State Bureau. 9/9/99.

On the ferry, Twin Capes, L-R Edward A. Kelly, Jr. from Mt Laurel NJ chairman, NJ committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and Robert H. Yancey, Sr. State Commander Disabled American Veterans talking, USS New Jersey in background. Photo by Ron Karafin

Jerry Gray of Spotswood, NJ hugs his wife Betty while attending ceremonies honoring the USS New Jersey held at the Puget Sound Navy Ship Yard in Bremerton, Wash 9/10/99 . Photo by Chris LaChall/Gannett State Bureau.

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Tugboats nudge the USS New Jersey into a turn outside Bremerton, Wash., The battleship left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

The USS New Jersey clears Rich Passage outside Bremerton, Wash., the second narrowest area on its route to the East Coast .In the background are the Olympic mountains. The battleship left the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

Tugboats guide the USS New Jersey through e Puget Sound near Seattle, Wash., The battleship left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

The USS New Jersey heads north through Admiralty Inlet near Seattle en route to the Pacifiic Ocean.into a turn The battleship left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

Tugboats guide the USS New Jersey through Puget Sound near Seattle, Wash., The battleship left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

Gun batteries aboard the USS New Jersey, The battleship left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

Tugboats guide the USS New Jersey through Puget Sound near Seattle, Wash., The battleship left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

State Assemblymen Joseph Azzolina, R-Monmouth, stands in front of the USS New Jersey. As chairman of the USS New Jersey Battleship Commission, he has worked to bring the ship to New Jersey. 9/10/99 . Photo by Chris LaChall/Gannett State Bureau.

Tugboats guide the USS New Jersey through Puget Sound near Seattle, Wash., The battleship left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton Wash. Sunday Sept. 12, 1999 en route to Philadelphia, and eventually a new role as a museum in its namesake state. PHOTO BY Chris LaChall/GANNETT STATE BUREAU

USS New Jersey vet Hugh Dixon of Miami, Florida, raises out of his wheel chair to pay respects to the battleship as his friend George Chesnut of Redmond, Wash, assists him while attending ceremonies honoring the USS New Jersey held at the Puget Sound Navy Ship Yard in Bremerton, Wash 9/10/99 . Photo by Chris LaChall/Gannett State Bureau.

USS New Jersey vet Charles Thommen from Glen Burnie, Maryland, whipes away a tear during the reading of a poem, while attending ceremonies honoring the USS New Jersey held at the Puget Sound Navy Ship Yard in Bremerton, Wash 9/10/99 . Photo by Chris LaChall/Gannett State Bureau.

USS New Jersey docked at the Puget Sound Navy Ship Yard in Bremerton, Wash 9/10/99 . Photo by Chris LaChall/Gannett State Bureau.

Kerri Singley,6, of Voorhees, sits on Her Dad, George, Shoulders, While the USs New Jersey Docks at The Shipyard in Philadelphia.

Michael L. Warner, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs for the State of New Jersey, speaking on behalf of Gov. Christie Whitman, is dwarfed by the USS New Jersey at a ceremony marking the end of the ship's milatary career held at the Puget Sound Navy Ship Yard in Bremerton, Wash 9/10/99 . Photo by Chris LaChall/Gannett State Bureau.

Congressmen John Saxton and Robert Andrews view the Uss New Jersey as it makes its way up the Delaware,

Workers ride on the USS New Jersey on the Delaware River as it makes its way toward it’s final Berth on the Delaware River in Camden by Beckett Street Terminal. . 9/23/01 Photo by Chris LaChall

Cape May Ferry greeting the USS New Jersey on the Delaware near Wilmington Del.

The USS New Jersey in the channel on the Delaware River on it's way to it's final Berth on the Camden waterfront. Photo by Ron Karafin

The battleship USS New Jersey sits at the Broadway Terminal waiting to be moved to its new home on the Camden Waterfront early Sunday. Tugboats moved the ship at sunrise and arrived at the pier around 8:15am.

Camden Fire Rescue by USS New Jersey on the Delaware River on it's way to it's final Berth on the Camden waterfront. Photo by Ron Karafin

The USS New Jersey passes the SS United States docked in Phila. on the Delaware River on it's way to it's final Berth on the Camden waterfront. Photo by Ron Karafin

As the sun rises the USS New Jersey on the Delaware River makes its way toward it’s final Berth on the Delaware River in Camden by Beckett Street Terminal.. 9/23/01 Photo by Chris LaChall

After arriving at it's final Berth on the Delaware River in Camden by Beckett Street Terminal, members of the crew on the USS New Jersey, takes down the Flag that was flown on it's final trip. Photo by Ron Karafin

The USS New Jersey on the Delaware River, approaches it's final Berth on the Delaware River in Camden by Beckett Street Terminal. Photo by Ron Karafin

The USS New Jersey in the channel on the Delaware River, with Phila. in the background, on it's way to it's final Berth on the Camden waterfront by Beckett Street Terminal. Photo by Ron Karafin

At the Broadway Terminal in Camden a sign on the rusting steel wall directs one to the USS New Jersey where it was refurbished to be come a museum. Photo by Ron Karafin

Men release the last starboard line to the USS New Jersey at the Broadway Terminal in Camden just before starting the trip to its final berth by Beckett Street Terminal in Camden. Photo by Ron Karafin

The USS New Jersey in the channel on the Delaware River on it's way to it's final Berth on the Camden waterfront by Beckett Street Terminal. Photo by Ron Karafin

The USS New Jersey is backed out into the channel on the Delaware River from the Beckett Street Terminal in Camden, on it's way to it's final Berth on the Camden waterfront. Photo by Ron Karafin

As she leaves the Twin Capes, Gov. Christie Whitman gets a round of applause and waves expressing there approval after a trip to see the USS New Jersey on it's way to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Photo by Ron Karafin

On the ferry, Twin Capes, Bill Paradiso formerly from Camden and now from Trenton served in Vietnam on the USS New Jersey. Bill has Gov. Christie Whitman sign his 1968-69 USS NJ yearbook while Major General Paul Glazar lends a hand. Photo by Ron Karafin

The USS New Jersey on the Delaware River, approaches it's final Berth on the Delaware River in Camden by Beckett Street Terminal. Photo by Ron Karafin

On the ferry, Twin Capes, people crowed along the rail to sees the USS New Jersey on the Delaware River. Photo by Ron Karafin

(Second From Left) The Home Port Alliance President David McGuigan standson a tugboat next to the USS New Jersey after it reached its final restying plave in Camden on September 23, 2001. Photo by Shawn Sullivan

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

The USS New Jersey is moved along the Delaware River from the Beckett Street Terminal in Camden, on its way to its final berth on the Camden waterfront on November 11, 1997.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.

Images from the Battleship New Jersey's journey from Bremerton, Washington, through the Panama Canal to its new home on the Camden Waterfront.