On Sept. 14, the Navy commissioned the USS New Jersey fast attack submarine at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Monmouth County.
Through the commissioning of the boat, the USS New Jersey officially joins the naval fleet.
Political, business and civic dignitaries were among the thousands of people who attended the sun-splashed event on the waterfront side of the naval base, whose piers stretch miles into Sandy Hook Bay.
Among the dignitaries attending were Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (R-4th Dist.), Frank Pallone (D-6th Dist.) and Donald Norcross (D-1st Dist.).
Others in attendance included Middletown Township Mayor Tony Perry, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Rear Adm. Ronald Tucker, the last commander of the USS New Jersey battleship, and veterans who served on that battleship.
