Battleship New Jersey: The Complete History

Battleship New Jersey: The Complete History offers the complete history of this long-storied ship from its keel laying in 1940, across all major naval conflicts of the 20th Century from WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and into the Persian Gulf. Driven by compelling new interviews with those who served on the NJ, this volume will be a major draw for readers of battleship design, WWII naval combat in the Pacific, and modern naval warfare.
Battleship New Jersey: The Complete History is a deeply detailed account of one of the world's most famous and decorated battleships. This new edition builds upon the 1986 original, incorporating the ship's service from 1986 to 1991, her final decommissioning, and her transformation into a world-class museum and memorial in Camden, New Jersey, in 2001. Author Paul Stillwell, who served on the ship, presents a narrative rooted in the personal stories of more than two hundred crew members. His research included interviews with thirteen of the ship's nineteen commanding officers. Through these men's recollections, readers will witness a firsthand perspective of life on board this legendary vessel, fostering a deep appreciation for the camaraderie and challenges faced by her sailors.
The story begins with the ship's genesis, from her design and construction at the Philadelphia Navy Yard to her historic launch on December 7, 1942--exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Commissioned in 1943, New Jersey arrived in the Pacific in 1944. During her World War II service, she defended aircraft carriers, conducted shore bombardments, and served as Adm. William F. Halsey Jr.'s flagship. The battleship's wartime service continued through pivotal moments in history, including the sprawling Battle of Leyte Gulf. During the Korean War, she was the first battleship recommissioned, providing critical shore bombardment fire support and flagship duties. The Vietnam War saw her in action once again, with her powerful guns safeguarding U.S. troops and striking enemy positions with unmatched accuracy.

"Rest well, yet sleep lightly and hear the call, if again sounded, to provide firepower for freedom."

These words were spoken by Capt. Robert C. Peniston at the ship's decommissioning in 1969. She did indeed hear the call, and President Ronald Reagan recommissioned New Jersey in 1982. "Firepower for Freedom" was once again the ship's motto--a perfect metaphor for the battleship's powerful weaponry used to protect American interests. Under President Reagan's rearmament program, New Jersey returned to duty and embarked on a global deployment that included combat operations off Lebanon, where she fired a record 288 rounds in a single day. Her legacy extended to her role as the centerpiece of the Navy's first battleship battle group from the mid-1980s until her decommissioning in 1991.

Battleship New Jersey: The Complete History invites readers aboard "Big J" to experience the remarkable journey of a vessel that stands as a testament to naval innovation, resilience, and service. More than a ship's history, this book is a tribute to the men who served in her and their indomitable spirit. Whether you are a naval history enthusiast or new to the topic, this book will be an essential and compelling addition to your library.

Paul Stillwell is an independent historian and retired naval officer. He worked for thirty years at the U.S. Naval Institute as an oral historian and editor of Naval History magazine. He is the author or editor of fourteen books, including five on battleships and an award-winning volume on the U.S. Navy's first African American officers, The Golden Thirteen. His 2021 book Battleship Commander: The Life of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr. also received acclaim. He lives in Arnold, Maryland.