Ceremony for 80th Commissioning Anniversary and Heroes Banners May 13, 2023

BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES 80^TH ANNIVERSARY OF COMMISSIONING IN THE US NAVY

Ceremony Will Also Unveil Banners Honoring our Regional Military Heroes

DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 11am

DETAILS: The Battleship New Jersey will celebrate the 80^th Anniversary of her Commissioning into the US Navy, as well

as unveil new “Honor Our Heroes” banners along the promenade, during a ceremony on the ship’s fantail on

Tuesday, May 23 at 11am. The ceremony is free to attend.

On May 23, 1943, the USS New Jersey was commissioned into the US Navy at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

The largest battleship ever built, the New Jersey went on to successfully serve our nation in World War II, the

Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Lebanon Crisis and the Persian Gulf War. Her 19 Battle Stars make the New

Jersey the most decorated Navy ship still afloat.

The ceremony on May 23 will feature officers and crew members from all of the eras that the Battleship served.

Speakers include:

– FC2 William “Bill” Ryan, 1943-1945 WWII USS New Jersey Veteran

– Capt. Louis A. Ivey, MD, USN (Ret), 1950’s USS New Jersey Veteran

– Paul Stillwell, Author, Historian, 1969 USS New Jersey Veteran

– VADM Douglas J. Katz, USN (Ret), 1987-1989 Commanding Officer, USS New Jersey

– Capt. Mark E. Easton, USN (Ret), 1990’s USS New Jersey Veteran

– RADM Samuel J. Cox, USN (Ret), Director, Navy History and Heritage Command

Prior to the Commissioning Anniversary Ceremony, the Battleship will unveil 22 new banners that

“Honor Our Heroes” along the promenade. The banners feature veterans and military supporters from the

area, as well as officers who served aboard the USS New Jersey. Col. Ted Gallagher, USA (Ret), and

Director of Camden County Veteran Affairs, will present an overview on the banner program, while

Capt. Walter M. Urban USN (Ret.), the Battleship’s Military Liaison Officer, who will also serve as

MC for the ceremony, will read the names of the Banner honorees.

The National Anthem will be performed by Battleship Bugler, Volunteer Nan LaCorte, and Camden County’s

Maria Discuillo will sing “God Bless America” at the end of the ceremony. The US Navy Honor Guard

from Joint Base – McGuire-Ft. Dix-Lakehurst will present colors. Chaplain LT. James A. Johnson will do

the Invocation and Benediction, while WWII veterans William “Bill” Ryan and John Quinesso, who is also

a volunteer aboard the Battleship, will cast a memorial wreath upon the river.

Cake and beverages will be served on the fantail at the conclusion of the ceremony.

PHOTO OPP: USS New Jersey Officers and Crewmembers for Each Era Aboard the Battleship

Located on the Delaware River, along the Camden Waterfront across from the city of Philadelphia, the

Battleship New Jersey is open every day from 10:00am to 4pm for self-guided tours and offers guided tours

every day at 12pm. Guests can extend their tour with free tours of Turret II and/or the Engine Room. The

Battleship will open her decks for guests to watch the July 1 and July 4 fireworks. Admiral’s VIP tickets

And general admission tickets for just a $10 donation per person are available. For more information, visit

###

Related Posts