Piedmont Airlines Veterans/Military ERG Volunteer Aboard Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial

Camden, NJ — Over the course of 2 days, volunteers from Piedmont Airlines’ Veterans/Military Employee Resource Group (VMERG) rolled up their sleeves to give back aboard the Battleship New Jersey (BB-62), the most decorated battleships in U.S. history. The group spent two days restoring a heavily used berthing compartment, which saw significant wear and tear during the battleship’s recent multimillion-dollar dry-docking. They also prepared another area for a forthcoming exhibit detailing the dry-docking process of ships along the Delaware River.

The USS New Jersey (BB-62), also known as the “Big J,” was launched in 1942 and saw action in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and during the Lebanese Civil War. Decommissioned in 1991, it was transformed into a museum and memorial in 2001, now resting along the Camden waterfront. The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial serves as a tribute to the sailors who served aboard and educates visitors about the ship’s storied past and offering a glimpse into the lives of sailors who once served aboard her.

Jason Smith, a Navy veteran and Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor/Tower Coordinator at Piedmont Airlines, led the VMERG team during the volunteer effort. Reflecting on the volunteer effort, Smith remarked, “It’s an honor to work aboard the Battleship New Jersey, a vessel that has played such a significant role in American and Naval history. Being able to give back in this way not only strengthens our bond as veterans but also preserves a piece of naval history for future generations.”

The VMERG volunteers were tasked with restoring a berthing compartment, 2-38-2-L, that had been heavily utilized by shipyard workers during the ship’s recent dry-docking. This compartment was used to run the hoses that brought 500,000 gallons of water onboard to level the ship before it was brought into the drydock. The team also assisted in preparing a new exhibit space, which will tell the story of how ships like the USS New Jersey are maintained and restored along the Delaware River.

After a morning of hard work, the volunteers enjoyed lunch in the 1st Class Mess, a rare privilege for those familiar with naval service. Following lunch, they were treated to an exclusive tour of the battleship, visiting some of its most iconic locations. Highlights included a walk-through of the 5-story tall Turret 2, one of the three massive turrets that house three Mark 7 naval guns, capable of firing 2,700-pound shells up to 23 miles with pinpoint accuracy, as well as the bridge, the captain’s quarters, and numerous other compartments throughout the ship.

Ryan Szimanski, curator of the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, praised the work of the Piedmont volunteers. “The volunteers from Piedmont Airlines helped restore parts of Battleship New Jersey that have needed work for years,” Szimanski said. “With so much ship to preserve, the museum can’t accomplish everything we need to without the support of corporate volunteers like Piedmont Airlines. Their contributions make a tangible difference in preserving this national treasure.”

The Piedmont Veterans ERG is dedicated to supporting veterans within the company and giving back to the broader military community through initiatives like this. “As veterans, we understand the importance of teamwork and service,” said Smith. “This volunteer effort not only allowed us to bond as a group but also gave us the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of a ship that represents the bravery and dedication of so many.”

The Battleship New Jersey continues to be a key historical landmark, attracting visitors from around the world to explore its history and learn about its significant contributions to U.S. naval operations. Thanks to efforts like those of Piedmont’s Veterans ERG, the museum can maintain and enhance the ship’s condition for future generations.

In addition to this successful volunteer event, the group plans to return for another volunteer opportunity next May. Volunteers will once again have the chance to roll up their sleeves and help preserve this monumental piece of American history.