About the BB-62 New Jersey Serving from 1943 to 1991, the BB-62 New Jersey is the most decorated battleship in U.S. Naval history. Launched in 1942, the New Jersey was one of 4 Iowa class battleships built by the U.S. Navy. Like other Iowa class ships she boasted a 45,000 ton displacement, an amazing 212,000hp, was packed with three turrets of 50 caliber 40.6cm triple guns, and despite her large size, with hull stretching over 270m, was designed narrow enough to pass through the Panama Canal. Following serving in major battles in the Pacific during WWII, she was then deployed to both the Korean and Vietnam wars. In 1982, she was upgraded with modern technology and weapon's systems enabling her to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Following providing fire support during the Lebanon conflict she served in the Gulf War, and then was finally decommissioned for the last time in 1991.