USS New Jersey (BB-62), ("Big J" or "Black Dragon") is an Iowa-class battleship, and was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named in honor of the U.S. state of New Jersey. The New Jersey earned more battle stars for combat actions than the other three completed Iowa-class battleships, and is the only US battleship to provide gunfire support during the Vietnam War.

During World War II, New Jersey shelled targets on Guam and Okinawa, and screened aircraft carriers conducting raids in the Marshall Islands. During the Korean War, she was involved in raids up and down the North Korean coast, after which she was decommissioned into the United States Navy reserve fleets, better known as the "mothball fleet".

She was briefly reactivated in 1968 and sent to Vietnam to support U.S. troops before returning to the mothball fleet in 1969. Reactivated once more in the 1980s as part of the 600-ship Navy program, New Jersey was modernized to carry missiles and recommissioned for service. In 1983, she participated in U.S. operations during the Lebanese Civil War.

The New Jersey was decommissioned for the last time in 1991, having earned a Navy Unit Commendation for service in Vietnam and 19 battle and campaign stars for combat operations during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Lebanese Civil War, and service in the Persian Gulf. After a brief retention in the mothball fleet, she was donated to the Home Port Alliance in Camden, NJ and began her career as a museum ship on October 15, 2001.

Member of the Eastern Regional H. S. Marching Band playing Our National Anthem

Mr. John Stanz and his Eastern Regional H.S. Marching Band

Father Peter Molnar, Chaplain (Col), USA Ret. gives the Invocation

Troy Collins, President, Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial giving his remarks.

Marine Corps League Det. #1775 Color Guard

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine addresses the audiance

Kathryn Earp, Camden County Center for the Deaf, signs for Congressman Robert E. Andrews remarks.

Congressman Rob Andrews giving special recognition to Pearl Harbor Survivors & The Fallen Heroes of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. William Mead USMC singing America The Beautiful.

Pearl Harbor Survivor Ray Veruno telling his remembrances of that fateful day.

I bet you that this Vet could sure tell you some great stories.

Colonel John Rawley assists student with Memorial Wreath Ceremony

Student, Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Rob Andrews and Pearl Harbor Survivor Ray Veruno prepare to throw wreath over the side of BB62

May God Bless the souls of all those who died that day, and are still dying today for Our Freedom.

Marty Seroter and Greg Murphy playing taps, echo taps.

21 Gun Salute, Marine Corps League, Giordaino Detachment, led by Bill Simon.

Marine 111th Fighter Wing, Willow Grove, PA

Left to Right:
Congressman Rob Andrews, Ray Veruno, Michael Florio and Governor Jon Corzine