Stillwell, Paul Battleship New Jersey

The Complete History

The book offers the complete history of this historic ship from its keel laying in 1940 through all the major naval wars of the 20th century, from World War II to Korea and Vietnam to the Persian Gulf. Driven by interviews with those who served on the New Jersey, this book will be a major draw for readers interested in battleship construction, naval warfare in the Pacific during World War II, and modern naval warfare. Battleship New Jersey. The Complete History is an extremely detailed account of one of the world's most famous and highly decorated battleships. This edition builds on the original 1986 edition and covers the ship's service from 1986 to 1991, its final decommissioning, and its conversion into a museum and memorial in Camden, New Jersey, in 2001. Author Paul Stillwell, who served on the ship, presents a narrative based on the personal stories of more than two hundred crew members. His research included interviews with thirteen of the ship's nineteen commanders. Through the memories of these men, readers gain a first-hand insight into life aboard this legendary ship and develop a deep appreciation for the camaraderie and challenges faced by the sailors. The story begins with the ship's origins, from its design and construction at the Philadelphia Navy Yard to its historic launch on 7 December 1942 exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The New Jersey was commissioned in 1943 and arrived in the Pacific in 1944. During her service in World War II, she defended aircraft carriers, conducted coastal bombardment, and served as the flagship of Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. The battleship's wartime service continued during pivotal moments in history, including the extended battle in Leyte Gulf. During the Korean War, she was the first battleship to be recommissioned and provided vital fire support through coastal bombardment and flagship duties. She saw action again in the Vietnam War, where her powerful guns protected US troops and fired on enemy positions with unmatched precision. Rest in peace, but sleep lightly and hear the call should it sound again to deliver firepower for freedom. These words were spoken by Captain Robert C. Peniston when the ship was decommissioned in 1969. She did indeed hear the call, and President Ronald Reagan recommissioned the New Jersey in 1982. Firepower for freedom was once again the ship's motto a perfect metaphor for the battleship's powerful weapons, which were used to protect American interests. As part of President Reagan's rearmament programme, the New Jersey returned to service and embarked on a worldwide deployment that included combat operations off the coast of Lebanon, where it fired a record 288 rounds in a single day. Her legacy extended to her role as the centrepiece of the Navy's first battleship strike force from the mid-1980s until her decommissioning in 1991. Battleship New Jersey. The Complete History invites readers aboard the Big J to experience the remarkable journey of a ship that stands as a testament to the innovation, resilience and service of the Navy. This book is more than just the story of a ship; it is a tribute to the men who served on her and to her unyielding spirit.