|
BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY TO FIRE 5-INCH GUN DURING ANNUAL BLAST FUNDRAISER
FIRST TIME IN NEARLY 20 YEARS THAT GUNS WILL BE USED TO FIRE BLANKS ON JUNE 27
CAMDEN, NJ – June 26 – The impressive 5-inch guns of our nation’s largest and most decorated battleship Independence Week this year will begin with a bang as the 7th Annual Battleship Blast, presented by Susquehanna Bank, will take place on Saturday evening, June 27th. But the firing of the 5-inch gun is but one portion of this unique event, which will include an overnight family encampment, a special surf and turf BBQ on the fantail, live music, entertainment, and, of course, the BEST view of the Fireworks over the Delaware River.
“It has taken quite some time and effort to get the gun ready to fire,” said Ken Kersch, a Watch Officer of the Battleship and former crew member of the USS New Jersey from 1967 to 1969. “And to fire it during the Blast, after having it be silent since the ship was decommissioned nearly 20 years ago is very thrilling for us.”
This year’s Blast will also be open to the public. For a $10 Ship ticket or a $7 Pier ticket, guests can come aboard the Battleship to view the fireworks from the ship’s forecastle and pier, and will be greeted with live music, face painting, the Phillie Phanatic, animals from the Philadelphia Zoo Wheels, the Philadelphia 76ers Dance team, Interactive Gaming Experience and more! There will also be food and bar service available. The Battleship’s Decks and Pier will open for fireworks viewing at 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.battleshipnewjersey.org, or by calling 1-866-877-6262 ext. 107, or at the Battleship’s Tickets Office.
“We are so excited to share this unique evening with the people of the Delaware Valley,” said Patricia Egan- Jones, Chair of the Battleship New Jersey’s Board of Trustee and Camden County Surrogate. “In past years, we held a private fundraiser that was very nice and important to funding the ship. However, this year, we will continue to offer special benefits to our partners, as well as have the many fans of the Battleship and fireworks come on board for a great time.”
“We open the Battleship’s decks to the public each New Year’s Eve for Midnight fireworks,” explained Jim Schuck, Acting President and CEO of the Battleship New Jersey. “We get about 2,000 people to view fireworks and another 220 people who spend the night in our encampment program. This is at midnight in the winter! Now think and imagine coming aboard the Battleship in the early evening time in the summer! It will be a great time.”
“Susquehanna Bank is proud to support Battleship New Jersey, and strong nonprofit partners in all of our communities. We’re committed to the revitalization and economic development efforts in Camden, and appreciate the Battleship’s work in this regard as well,” added Joseph Lizza, Susquehanna Bank’s Delaware Valley Division President.
The 5”/38 gun is considered the best medium caliber weapon of World War II. Mount 52, which we will be firing, was the best and most efficient 5”/38 gun mount in the Pacific Fleet for four years running during its 1908’s commission. The five inch guns protected American sailors from Kamikaze attacks in World War II, supported American land forces in Korea, Vietnam, and Beirut, and last fired in 1990. For almost fifty years these guns provided firepower for freedom, on June 27, you too can witness their strength and might
During the WWII, Korean War and Vietnam eras, the Battleship had 10 five-inch gun mounts five starboard and five portside). After being “modernized” in the 1980s, the 5-inch gun mounts were cut back to three on each side of the ship. This was due to the modern missile and phalanx-system defense systems. The guns, which fired a 45-ound projective, were used to defend against incoming aircraft or to fire on ships or land targets within a 10-mile radius.
Today, the Battleship New Jersey is opened to the public as a floating museum on the Delaware River, along the Camden Waterfront. A signature attraction to veterans, patriots, students and families from around the world, the Battleship New Jersey has already undergone massive restoration efforts. She brings history to life for visitors during daily guided tours through the Iowa-class ship, one of the largest battleships ever built – seeing the Admiral's quarters, the officers and crew’s mess, the crew’s quarters, the communications center and more, throughout the ship's massive nine decks.
This past year, the Battleship added the new tour route, “City at Sea”, which allows guests to tour never seen areas before such as the Machine Shops, the Medical and Dental facilities, the Post Office, the WWII-Era Radio Room, the TV Studio and Control Room , and more. Further, the Battleship added an audio tour to her popular self-guided tour route. This newly names General Quarters Tour, allows guests to experience both the sights and sounds of the legendary 16-inch gun turrets, the bridge, the officers wardroom, the tomahawk missiles and much more. The new audio includes experiences by former crew members, sound effects and music.
Yet there is more to come. A new “Below Decks Engine Room Tour” is planned for 2010. Guests will get to experience the engine rooms, dental and medical facilities, the plotting room and more.
Susquehanna Bank serves consumers and businesses through a network of more than 40 branches in southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. It is part of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc., a financial services holding company with assets of approximately $14 billion and more than 230 branch locations in the mid-Atlantic region. Through Susquehanna Wealth Management, the company offers investment, fiduciary, brokerage, insurance, retirement planning, and private banking services. Susquehanna also operates an insurance and employee benefits company, a commercial finance company, and a vehicle leasing company. For more information, please visit www.susquehanna.net.
The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial offers guided and self-guided tours daily, beginning at 9:30 am with the last tour departing at 5pm. Spend the night aboard the Battleship as part of the Overnight Encampment program. Guests experience dinner and lunch from the crew’s mess, a tour of the ship, a ride on the 4D flight simulator and the opportunity to sleep in the bunks that the crew of the USS New Jersey once did. Also, special group packages and event/meeting space are available. For more information, call 856-966-1652 or visit the Battleship at www.battleshipnewjersey.org.
# # #
# # #
|
