My parents took us to see the ship in the mid 60s. It was only half as old then as it is now. I remember wondering how so much steel would float. Later when I learned mor about battleships I was even more amazed at their capabilities. Later when the New Jersey shelled Lebanon I was even more amazed. Want to talk recoil? A 40’ draft to offset a full broadside is a lot of recoil.

Alan

 

I would like to see the US Iowa BB-61 out in LA. She was the first of the last 4 ships built. Huge sucker.

 

I was visiting Philly and stayed at the holiday inn across from the USS New Jersey. Still mad I didn’t get to tour it.

 

Our kids and grandchildren took me and the wife to the USS Iowa BB61 for Father's Day in 2019. Our middle son retired from the Navy as a "CPO of Comms" (IT Microwave Communications) so he was able to give us a good run down in the ships communications and navigation's centers. At 880 feet long, it's a beauty.