Battleship New Jersey invites the public to its VJ Day (Victory over Japan) Symposium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The event about the historic ship will feature presentations from respected naval historians and authors, among them:
- Paul Stillwell, retired Naval officer, historian, and author of “Battleship New Jersey: The Complete History”
- Robert Lundgren, naval author and researcher
- Steve Katona, David L. Johnston, and Thaddeus Weaver, presenting on the WWII submarine USS Dorado (SS-248)
This half-day event will explore critical WWII events, the legacy of naval warfare, and the enduring significance of VJ Day. Lunch and self-guided tours of the battleship are included with admission.
“The VJ Day Symposium is more than a history lesson — it’s a chance to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served in World War II and to preserve their stories for future generations,” said Capt. Walt Urban, (USN, Ret.), military liaison officer, Battleship New Jersey. “We’re honored to welcome such esteemed authors and researchers to the ship for this meaningful event.”
“This symposium reinforces our mission to educate and engage the public through the stories of the men and women who shaped our nation’s naval history,” said Battleship CEO Marshall Spevak.
The $40 admission includes lunch and self-guided access to the ship following the program. Seating is limited and early reservations are strongly recommended.
USS New Jersey is the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history, participating in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and conflicts in the Middle East. The New Jersey is an Iowa-class ship, the last class of American battleships built.
The ship was launched on the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor in 1942, and went on to travel more miles, fight in more battles, and fire more shells in combat than any other battleship in history.
In World War II, the New Jersey led the Pacific Fleet under admirals Raymond Spruance and Elizabeth native William “Bull” Halsey and fought in the two of the largest naval battles in history — the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf.
The battleship was reactivated to fight in the Korean War, and again to fight in the Vietnam War. She was reactivated for a third time in the Cold War to halt Soviet expansionism and help resolve conflicts in the Middle East.
After fighting fascism, communism, and terrorism, she was decommissioned for the final time in February 1991. The New Jersey serves as a living museum and memorial in Camden, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia where she was built.
USS New Jersey is an Iowa-class battleship — the ultimate battleships, and the epitome of the gun-armed ships of the line that ruled the sea for almost three centuries. The Iowa-class ships were the last class of American battleships built, and the last battleships in service in the world. They were the largest American battleships, and the longest and fastest of all battleships.
