Veterans and Other Cyclists Pay Tribute to USS New Jersey
CAMDEN, NJ: August 27, 2001 - What do approximately four thousand motorcycles have to do with possibly the finest battleship ever produced? Well, if it got your attention, the Home Port Alliance has won half the battle. The Home Port Alliance is the organization responsible for preparing the USS New Jersey to open as a floating museum. On Sunday, it held a 62-mile motorcycle run from the ship`s birthplace at the Philadelphia shipyard to its docking site on the Camden waterfront, hoping to create a buzz about the grand opening next month. "The ship is coming over early next month," says Admiral Tom Seigenthaler. "We`ll be open to visitors and we`re ready to go, ready to present the New Jersey to the public."
The Iowa Class battleship, commissioned in 1943, was among the largest, fastest, and most powerful battleships the United States ever built. "Big J," as it is known, engaged in fierce Pacific battles during World War II, and in Cold War conflicts like the Vietnam War. The ship was decommissioned in 1991. Vietnam veterans knew they were in safe company, with "Big J" around, and many of them participated in the motorcycle run to say thanks. According to John Wagner of Lambertville, New Jersey, "The battleship New Jersey showed us a lot of support in Vietnam, and we`re just showing a little support for it."
"When we were in Vietnam, a lot of guys were supported by the New Jersey, the 16 inch guns," says Johnson Wincz of Woodbridge, New Jersey. "And we figured it`s a kind of attempt to pay the things that the ship, and the guys that manned it did for us."
Until next month`s scheduled opening becomes reality, organizers are content with drumming up as much support as possible. They`re hoping the continued anticipation will only serve to further whet the appetites of war history enthusiasts, and those looking to step into the ship said to have an unmatched record of service to her native land.
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Author: 6 ABC - Action News
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