U.S. Navy initiated research in 1938 to design new battleships to outclass Japanese vessels, leading to the creation of the Iowa class battleship.
Four Iowa class battleships were completed: USS Iowa, USS Missouri, USS Wisconsin, and USS New Jersey, with the latter commissioned in 1943. USS New Jersey, nicknamed “Big J,” saw extensive combat during World War II, participating in major battles and amphibious invasions across the Pacific. The battleship was decommissioned in 1948 but was recalled for service during the Korean War in 1950, providing artillery support.
USS New Jersey was recommissioned in 1968 for the Vietnam War, firing over 5,688 16-inch rounds and more than 15,000 five-inch rounds during its service. The battleship was decommissioned for a fourth time in 1991, having served more than 21 years, the longest of any Iowa class battleship. USS New Jersey is the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history, earning a total of 19 battle and campaign stars.
