A Proud Moment for New Jersey: Reflections on the USS New Jersey SSN 796 Commissioning

September 15, 2024: As President of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, I’ve had the incredible privilege of being part of a momentous journey over the past couple of years, culminating in yesterday’s commissioning of the USS New Jersey (SSN 796), “Devils of the Deep”. This experience has filled me with a profound sense of humility and gratitude, and I’m honored to share this reflection with you.

Just last week, I had the opportunity to tour the USS New Jersey submarine, getting a firsthand look at this marvel of modern naval engineering. The tour set the stage for the unforgettable commissioning ceremony yesterday at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey, attended by an impressive crowd of more than 4,000 people.

The commissioning ceremony was a testament to American ingenuity, naval tradition, and the indomitable spirit of the Garden State. As I stood among distinguished guests, shipbuilders, veterans, families of active duty, and supporting organizations, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for our state and our nation.

A particularly touching moment occurred when USS New Jersey SSN 796 Commander Halle was passed the long glass from Retired Rear Admiral Ronald Tucker, the last commanding officer of the USS New Jersey BB62 Battleship, to assist in setting the first watch. This symbolic gesture beautifully bridged the past and present of naval tradition.

As the ceremony progressed, we were treated to a flyover by the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard. This moment held special significance, as I have the honor of serving as an Honorary Wing Commander with the 177th. The roar of the jets overhead served as a powerful reminder of our Chamber’s ongoing collaboration with the Fighter Wing. This partnership exemplifies the strong bonds between our local business community and our military, further underscoring the importance of events like the USS New Jersey’s commissioning in fostering these vital connections.

For those who couldn’t attend in person, the Navy provided a livestream of the event, which can still be viewed here. I encourage everyone to watch the ceremony, which starts at the 42-minute mark, to experience the moments of the commissioning.

The commissioning of the USS New Jersey is more than just a military milestone; it’s a reminder of the vital role our state plays in national defense and technological innovation. As we move forward, I’m excited about the possibilities this brings for our local economy and the inspiration it provides to our next generation of engineers, scientists, and leaders.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee for their hard work over the years to make this a reality. Special recognition goes to Peter Engelman, President and Chairman, and Julianne Thurrell Dods, Vice President, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in bringing this day to fruition. Our association’s connection to this historic event runs particularly deep through Julianne, a former member of our executive committee, whose son, Lieutenant Matthew Dods, serves as the assistant engineer on the boat. This personal connection has made the entire process even more meaningful for our organization, bridging our local business community with this awe-inspiring vessel and its crew.

One of the most humbling aspects of this experience was being recognized as an honorary “plankowner”. In the earliest days of the U.S. Navy, crewmembers who were part of the original commissioning crew of a ship were known as “plankowners,” named for the wooden planking of the ship’s deck. Traditionally, when a ship was decommissioned, plankowners could appeal for a small piece of the deck planking to keep as a memento. While the tradition has evolved, the honor of being associated with the ship’s beginning remains a source of immense pride.

To have been part of this journey from conception to commissioning has been an honor beyond words. It reinforces the importance of collaboration between the business community, government, and military in achieving great things. As the USS New Jersey embarks on its mission to safeguard our nation’s interests, we can all take pride in knowing that a piece of New Jersey will be sailing the world’s oceans, representing the very best of what our state has to offer.

The commissioning of the USS New Jersey is not just a celebration of a new naval vessel; it’s a testament to the spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and dedication that defines our great state. As we look to the future, let’s carry forward the inspiration and pride generated by this historic event, working together to ensure that New Jersey continues to lead the way in progress and achievement.

For those interested in commemorating this historic event and supporting the crew, I encourage you to visit the USS New Jersey’s online store, where you can find a variety of memorabilia.