Battleship Blast Plans

Celebrating both American freedom and America's birthday, the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial will hold its 3rd annual Battleship Blast fundraiser event on Saturday evening, July 2nd.

"This is a an exciting way to kick-off the 4th of July celebration and provide much needed support for the on-going restoration of the Battleship New Jersey,” said John Matheussen, Co-Chair of the Battleship New Jersey and CEO of the Delaware River Port Authority. "This offers corporate partners and residents of this area the chance to enjoy a fun evening out and help the continued preservation and restoration of our nation’s most decorated battleship.”

“The Battleship New Jersey served a vital role in defending and preserving freedom for our great nation and throughout world,” said Patricia Egan Jones, Co-Chair of the Battleship and Camden County Surrogate. “This event will not only pay tribute to this great battleship, but also to all who served on it. “

Festivities are expected to begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner, entertainment, and the fireworks display. Last year, the Battleship Blast featured the USO performers, “Liberty Belles,” the sounds of the Bobby Mansure band, and included a military contingent in dress uniform lined up along the gangway to greet guests. Over $150,000 was raised for the continuing restoration, maintenance and education programs of the Battleship New Jersey.

The USS New Jersey, constructed at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, was commissioned into the US Navy in May, 1943, and participated in operations in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Beirut Crisis and the first Person Gulf War. Its 19 Battle Stars makes the New Jersey the most decorated battleship in our nation’s history. Over 55,000 naval veterans once referred to the USS New Jersey as home.

Today, the Battleship New Jersey is opened to the public as a floating museum on the Delaware River, along the Camden Waterfront. A signature attraction to veterans, patriots, students and families from around the world, the Battleship New Jersey has already undergone massive restoration efforts. She brings history to life for visitors during daily guided tours through the Iowa-class ship, one of the largest battleships ever built – seeing the Admiral's quarters, the officers and crew’s mess, the crew’s quarters, the communications center and more, throughout the ship's massive nine decks.

This past year, the Battleship added a new 4D flight Simulator ride, which simulates flying a Seahawk plane on a combat mission from the Battleship’s deck during World War II; a new Homeland Security exhibit, co-sponsored by Lockheed Martin, and a Distance Learning program, which allows students from around the world to learn about the ship and talk to USS New Jersey veterans live on camera.

Yet there is more to come. A new Engineering and Medical Tour is planned for 2007. Over the next few months, new additions include a real Sea Sprite Helicopter and a new exhibit in the ship’s Museum Area, entitled “New Jerseyans on the Big J,” which will chronicle the lives of Garden State residents and natives who served on or with the Battleship. These additions will continue the New Jersey’s tradition of being a living, breathing history classroom, providing a boost to both the regional tourism and hospitality industry as a showcase destination.

Said Troy M. Collins, President and CEO of the Battleship New Jersey, "The Battleship New Jersey is a tribute to American courage and freedom. She has given so much to our country – we're hoping that on July 2, while having a great time and the best possible seat for the Delaware River fireworks, that people of this community will see the value of giving back to one of our country's greatest Battleships and the 55,000 veterans who served upon her decks – so that we all can continue to enjoy and learn from her."

Tickets are available for the Battleship New Jersey's 3rd Annual fundraiser, Battleship Blast. Prices range from $150 for a Young Friend ticket, to $250 for admittance, cocktail reception, dinner, etc., and $500 for a VIP ticket, which includes a special cocktail reception and preferred viewing space for the fireworks. Corporate sponsorships are also available and range from $1,250 to $10,000. To purchase a ticket or sponsorship, contact Dawn Presley at 856-966-1652 ext. 225.

The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial offers guided and self-guided tours daily, beginning at 9 am with the last tour departing at 5pm. Spend the night aboard the Battleship as part of the Overnight Encampment program. Guests experience dinner and lunch from the crew’s mess, a tour of the ship, a ride on the 4D flight simulator and the opportunity to sleep in the bunks that the crew of the USS New Jersey once did. Also, special group packages and event/meeting space are available. For more information, call (856) 966-1652 or visit the Battleship at www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

For more information on the Battleship New Jersey, please contact Jack Willard at (856) 966-1652 ext. 144.

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Author: Press Release