The Black Dragon - USS New Jersey (BB-62)
Transparent vertical plotting board featuring the ship's nickname, "Big J."
The USS New Jersey (BB-62), a storied Iowa-class battleship, is a testament to American naval might and innovation. With an illustrious service record spanning nearly five decades, New Jersey earned an impressive 19 battle stars across three significant conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Launched in 1942 and modernized in the 1980s, the New Jersey's journey from a traditional battleship to a multi-role warship showcases her adaptability and enduring significance. Today, she serves as a museum ship, preserving her legacy for future generations to admire and learn.
Bow/deck of the USS New Jersey.
World War II
The USS New Jersey, the second of the Iowa-class battleships, was launched on December 7, 1942, and commissioned on May 23, 1943. Nicknamed "Big J" and "Black Dragon," this formidable warship served with distinction in multiple conflicts. The "Black Dragon" moniker was bestowed upon her by the Japanese, who respected her formidable presence and feared her devastating firepower. Meanwhile, her crew affectionately referred to her as "Big J," emphasizing her impressive size and strength.
The USS New Jersey was integral to the U.S. Navy's Pacific fleet during World War II. She participated in numerous significant battles, providing crucial fire support in campaigns such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the bombardment of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Her 16-inch guns and advanced radar systems made her a potent force against sea and land targets, cementing her reputation as a powerful and reliable warship.
Bow/16 inch guns. Above turrets number 1 and 2.
Korean War
After deactivation following World War II, the USS New Jersey was recommissioned in November 1950 to support United Nations forces during the Korean War. Once again, her massive firepower proved invaluable. She conducted bombardments against enemy positions along the Korean Peninsula's coastline, providing critical support to ground troops and disrupting enemy supply lines. Her ability to deliver precise and sustained fire made her a significant asset in the conflict.
Vietnam War
The USS New Jersey was decommissioned again in 1957 but was reactivated in 1968 for service during the Vietnam War. As the only active battleship of her class during this period, she provided naval gunfire support for U.S. and South Vietnamese forces. Her presence off the coast of Vietnam served both as a psychological deterrent and a practical tool for delivering heavy firepower. The ship's 16-inch guns could strike targets far inland, making her a unique and valuable asset in the war effort.
Modernization in the 1980s
In the 1980s, under President Ronald Reagan's naval expansion program, the USS New Jersey underwent significant modernization to extend her service life and enhance her combat capabilities. This modernization included the installation of Tomahawk cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Phalanx close-in weapon systems. These upgrades transformed New Jersey from a traditional battleship into a modern, multi-role warship capable of engaging various threats.
The modernization also involved refurbishing her main battery and improving her radar and electronic warfare systems. These enhancements ensured that the USS New Jersey remained a formidable asset in the U.S. Navy's arsenal, capable of projecting power and delivering precise strikes even in the age of missile warfare.
Service in the 1980s and Final Decommissioning
The USS New Jersey saw action again in the 1980s, most notably during the Lebanese Civil War. In 1983, she provided naval gunfire support to American and allied forces in Beirut, using her 16-inch guns to strike enemy positions with devastating effect. Her presence in the Mediterranean underscored the ongoing relevance of battleships in modern naval warfare, even as newer technologies and strategies emerged.
Despite her continued effectiveness, the end of the Cold War and shifting defense priorities led to the USS New Jersey's final decommissioning on February 8, 1991. Her storied career spanned nearly five decades, during which she served in three major conflicts and underwent significant technological transformations.
Legacy and Museum Ship
Today, the USS New Jersey serves as a museum ship in Camden, New Jersey, preserving its rich history and allowing visitors to explore one of the most decorated and revered battleships in U.S. naval history. Her nicknames, "Big J" and "Black Dragon," continue to evoke the respect and admiration she earned throughout her service. As a museum, she educates the public about naval history and honors the legacy of those who served aboard her.
The USS New Jersey's story is a testament to the enduring power and versatility of the Iowa-class battleships. From World War II to the Cold War, her ability to adapt and remain relevant in the face of evolving threats exemplifies the innovation and resilience of the U.S. Navy.
Sources:
Battleship New Jersey - Full history, The Battleship New Jersey Museum, n.d.
USS New Jersy - Black Dragon, navalhistoria.com, 2023.