Team MDL helps restore historic battleship

Published May 5, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Joshua King
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

CAMDEN, N.J. -- Being a mere 45 minutes from the most decorated battleship in U.S. history, offers a unique opportunity to today's Sailors and Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Thirty-four service members visited the ship, not for fun, but to assist in restoration efforts, May 1.

"It's only fitting that we came out and supported the (Battleship) New Jersey," said Naval Support Activity-Lakehurst Command Master Chief Petty Officer Everett Parker. "It's an opportunity for us to give back to the community by preserving the Battleship New Jersey."

The Sailors and Airmen removed rust from the helicopter deck, hung awnings over other portions of the ship to help protect it from damage, and painted the deck.

"My new Sailors, they will never know what the (Battleship) New Jersey was unless they can step onboard," said Parker. "By preserving it they can actually feel what it was like to be in the Navy or serve in the Navy at that time."

Though battleships were retired to give way to the smaller, faster, more technologically-advanced ships of today, battleships played a crucial warfighter role in World War II, and the Cold War against ships from Germany, Russia and the Japan. During that time, U.S. battleships had important offensive and defensive roles during those wars, providing much-needed fire power during crucial battles at Normandy, Marshall Islands, Philippine Sea and many more.

Battleship New Jersey was first among them as the most decorated battleship in U.S. history, having received nine battle stars during WWII and service medals from the Philippines, Korea and Vietnam. You can see its many decorations painted on the ship's side.

The Sailors and Airmen volunteered last week, paying tribute to their predecessors who served aboard the Battleship New Jersey during those momentous battles.

"There are only eight battleships left in the world," said Philip Rowan, Battleship New Jersey executive director. "It is important that the younger people see what role this ship played and the role the Navy played in preserving freedom."

Rowan oversees the Battleship New Jersey and its 300 volunteers - more than half of whom are U.S. Navy retirees. The Battleship, located on the Camden, New Jersey side of the Delaware River, serves as a monument to its historical service and the members who manned it. It is now open to the public and military members can visit for free.

"I was talking with one of the boiler tenders that actually sailed on this ship and they have never had this much volunteer help come on board before," said Parker. "They're going to continue to get this type of support."

"I'm really proud of them," said retired Chief Petty Officer Joe Boyle. "It makes you feel good to know you were part of them at one time.

"I give 'em a big attaboy," said Boyle.