USS New Jersey Submarine Will Be Commissioned Saturday In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The U.S. Navy's newest submarine, the USS New Jersey, will be commissioned this Saturday, Sept. 14 in an elaborate ceremony at the U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle in the Leonardo section of Middletown.

Members of the public could see the USS New Jersey arrive Friday, as the submarine made its way through Raritan Bay to dock at Earle's signature trident-shaped pier that extends into the bay.

The USS New Jersey is a nuclear-powered, cruise missile, fast-attack sub, Virginia-class. There are others like it currently in service in the U.S. Navy. She can dive deeper than 800 feet. The USS New Jersey weighs 7,800 tons, is 377 feet long, can travel at max speeds of 25 knots (46 km/h) and can remain submerged under the water for up to three months. She can carry 120 enlisted members of the U.S. Navy and 15 officers, for a combined 135 people.

Saturday's commissioning ceremony is an official U.S. Navy event, and you must have tickets to attend the commissioning. It is not open to the public.

A commissioning is where boats or submarines are officially recognized as becoming part of the Naval fleet. It is usually a large event, with hundreds, if not thousands of people in attendance, including many high-ranking members of the U.S. Navy.

The sub was built by Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Virginia. A commissioning also signifies the official transfer of a warship from the ship builder to the United States Navy. Learn more about the USS New Jersey and the Sept. 14 commissioning here: https://njcommissioning.org/

The USS New Jersey is the third naval vessel named after the state of New Jersey.

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On Monday night, the Middletown Township Committee presented a key to the city to the captain and crew of the USS New Jersey, pictured above. Perry and other members of the Middletown Township Committee were also given an opportunity to tour the submarine Monday.