Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:12:28-2:12:54

New Jersey could draw on former crews but would still need tugs

Some personnel from the Iowa class's last active period may remain available, but self-propulsion does not remove the need for tug assistance.

Dry DocksIowa Class BattleshipsMuseum ShipsShip HandlingUSS New Jersey (BB-62)
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Question

If USS New Jersey moved to dry dock under her own power, would enough personnel remain to crew her?

Short answer

Some experienced former crew probably remain, but tugs would still be required for the dry-dock movement.

Notes

Some former personnel from New Jersey's or the Iowa class's last activation are likely to remain available. Their experience could help provide the specialist knowledge needed for a controlled move. Even if the battleship could generate its own power, entering a dry dock would still require tugs. Ship handling in confined water depends on external control and precision rather than propulsion alone.