Battleship New Jersey, the most decorated battleship in history, has undergone extensive work to extend its shelf life, and is set to return to its home in Camden June 22, writes Tom MacDonald for WHYY.
The ship was due to some refurbishing after decades sitting in the Delaware River, and was sent to the Philadelphia Navy Yard for it in late May.
Given that the work is almost done, the ship will soon be returning to Camden.
Before returning to service as a museum, however, the ship will need to be refloated and moved a few feet to expose the metal covered by supports during the initial painting to complete the work.
After that, the drydock will again be drained and another round of tours will be offered as the painting wraps up.
Battleship CEO Marshall Spevak praised how wildly popular and profitable the drydock tours have been, as more than 6,000 people have paid the $225 ticket to get a glimpse of the ship out of water.
“There are a few tickets left. Not many if anyone wants to get in the last minute opportunity this once-in-a-generation opportunity to walk underneath of the Battleship, touch the hull,” Spevak said.
Read more about Battleship New Jersey’s pending return to Camden in WHYY.
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