Battleship NJ Has Dry-Dock Tours Available

PHILADELPHIA — The most-storied battleship in U.S. Navy history has made it to Philadelphia for dry-docking. Now you can view her as you've never seen her before.

USS New Jersey (BB-62) can be viewed below the waterline for the first time in a generation as the massive warship undergoes maintenance. Dry-dock tours are available weekends in spring while she's at the Philadelphia Naval Yard.

• Related article: Battleship NJ Leaves Camden For Dry-Docking: See Pics, Video

Last month, the battleship left the Camden waterfront for the first time in decades to undergo dry-docking — a process of removing a ship from the water to enable work below the waterline. The work will take about 60 days, with USS New Jersey expected to return to Camden in late May or early June.

USS New Jersey is about 45,000 tons and 887 feet long — the size of a 90-story building. The ship last dry-docked 32 years ago.

Following 50 years in battle, the ship reached her final resting place in Camden and has operated as a museum. During dry-docking, the public has a rare opportunity to view the underside of the ship and her massive propellers.

Tickets for standard tours cost $225 per person. A tour with Battleship Curator Ryan Szimanski costs $1,000.

The tours take place at 5195 South 19th St., Philadelphia. Find tickets and more info.