November 2024 – Newsletter
Letter from NEW JERSEY Commissioning Committee
By Peter Engelman
It’s never over till it’s over!
I was looking through our operating agreement the other night (prepared long ago by the Central Jersey Council of the Navy League and our founding members – Steve Hutton, Carl Hoye, Dan Dermer, and Bill Aitken). And feeling pretty good about the successes to date.
- We designed, organized, executed, and paid for an outstanding week of events and activities – capped off by a magnificent ceremony and celebration. Arguably, we met our goal of “BEST COMMISSIONING EVER!”
- Crew visits brought over 200 sailors to New Jersey – allowing them to learn about their namesake state, continue the proud heritage of ships named New Jersey, and allow residents a chance to learn about (and appreciate) the navy, submarines in general, and their contributions to protecting our freedoms.
- We set in motion a menu of “support elements” for the crew and their families. This area has “just started.”
By the way – “We” means EVERYONE that’s reading this. I count you all as a contributor to our successes. THANK YOU
The commissioning may be over, but we have serious plans to continue our relationship with the boat, the crew, and its families. Our new theme – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SAILORS (AND FAMILIES) – will be front of mind as we start this next chapter.
There are quite a few avenues to pursue, some of which are listed below:
- We fully expect to continue with crew visits. These are a tremendous morale booster, and gives the navy a chance to conduct public relations activities within the state.
- We want to make the submarine a better place to live. Habitability upgrades can add comfort for the crew and add enjoyment to their time “below.” When practical – we will “Jersey-ize” the boat, supporting the namesake and providing a little fun.
- We are pursuing different ways for sailors to pursue educational opportunities.
- MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) support can take the form of gifts, activities, or events.
- We hope to work closely with the FRG (Family Readiness Group) as it carries out its mission of supporting families when the boat is at sea.
We sincerely hope that you all will join us on this “extended journey.” We have every intention of communicating activities, successes, and needs. Please “stay tuned” to our communication vehicles. Your support of future endeavors is always appreciated.
We’re looking forward to continuing our partnership as we support the crew.
Thank You for a Successful Commissioning Week!
The USS New Jersey (SSN 796) Commissioning Committee extends its deepest gratitude to Naval Weapons Station Earle, the City of Middletown, and the New Jersey State Police for their exceptional support in making the recent commissioning week activities a resounding success. This milestone event, which welcomed the latest Virginia-class submarine into the fleet, would not have been possible without the coordinated efforts of these key partners.
Naval Weapons Station Earle, under the leadership of Captain Kent Smith, has been a dedicated supporter throughout the past few years of preparation. Captain Smith’s guidance and his team’s commitment ensured that every logistical and operational detail was meticulously planned. Their efforts—ranging from hosting key events to providing essential facilities and personnel—laid the groundwork for a smooth and memorable commissioning week.
Mayor Tony Perry and the City of Middletown also played a vital role, embracing the USS New Jersey and its crew with open arms. Through generous hospitality and engaging community events, the city fostered an environment of excitement and civic pride. Middletown’s residents, businesses, and officials demonstrated the best of New Jersey’s spirit, creating lasting memories for both the crew and visitors.
We also thank the New Jersey State Police for their dedicated service in ensuring public safety and security throughout the week. Their presence and professionalism during high-profile events and large gatherings contributed significantly to the smooth and safe execution of all activities, allowing guests to celebrate with peace of mind.
The commissioning of the USS New Jersey was more than just a ceremonial event—it was a testament to collaboration and shared purpose. On behalf of the Commissioning Committee, thank you to all our partners for their support and dedication. Together, we not only welcomed the USS New Jersey (SSN 796) to the fleet but also celebrated the strength and unity of the entire New Jersey community.
Shout out to the crew!!
We would be remiss if we didn’t congratulate and thank CDR Steve Halle and the entire crew of the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN-796) for their outstanding service to the local communities and residents of New Jersey during Commissioning week. In all matters – they were absolutely professional, dedicated to the particular mission, and grateful for the opportunity to share.
- There were over 2000 tours given over the course of the week – many of which supported a youth focus. These tours were professional and extensive. The “pride” from each crew member was apparent. Interesting note – everyone knew who had given tours the day before – they had no voice.
- A series of “community engagement” sessions gave the sailors the opportunity to link with New Jerseyans and share their stores. Whether it was outreach to students at local high schools, working in a food pantry, planting trees at a county park, or participating in local 9-11 ceremonies – the sailors had a smile on their face. They were perfect ambassadors!
BZ to all. You make us proud.
Firepower for Freedom
by Rob Cranmer, Operations Coordinator, Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
USS New Jersey (SSN 796) has adopted the motto “Firepower for Freedom” from her legacy, Battleship New Jersey (BB 62). We posed the question of the motto’s origin to Rob Cranmer of Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial’s Operation Coordinator, Rob Cranmer.
Typically, a ship will be given a motto only once. A ship’s motto is given by her commanding officer at the start of her career, traditionally serving as a battle cry for the ship’s crew and is intended to reflect the ship’s mission and purpose until the very end of the ship’s career. This was not the case for the Iowa-class battleship, USS New Jersey. Until her third commissioning, USS New Jersey operated with a simple but clear motto: “Peace through Strength.” Upon her reactivation in the late 1960s to provide fire support for US troops in the Vietnam War, this changed. Refit in 1967 and deployed for a short one-year tour in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, USS New Jersey with her new commanding officer Captain J. Edward Snyder adopted a new motto: “Firepower for Freedom.”
The origins of this motto are surprisingly unclear and not well documented, however the most likely origin traces back to a documentary from the early 1960s. This documentary, titled “FIREPOWER FOR FREEDOM,” was created by the US Army for the Office of the Chief of Information and detailed the process and work related to the research and development of new military weapons, munitions, and military systems. Coincidentally around the same time, Captain Snyder had been working for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Development of these same military systems. While it cannot be said for certain, it is very likely that “Firepower for Freedom” was a term often used in this research and development program, and Snyder found it aptly fitting for the battleship and her mission to battle communist forces.
This motto is referenced again and again in patches and merchandise bearing the ship’s crest as well as countless news and military reports. The most remarkable reference of this era, however, comes from Captain Robert Peniston who had been charged with decommissioning the ship. In the close of his powerful speech showing the passion and sadness he had for the ship and her return to the reserve fleet, Peniston prophetically delivered the words “Rest well, yet sleep lightly; and hear the call, if again sounded, to provide firepower for freedom.” Upon her reactivation in 1982, Peniston’s speech was quoted by President Reagan at New Jersey’s recommissioning ceremony. The battleship went on to serve until 1991, maintaining the motto “Firepower for Freedom.”
USS New Jersey Is First Submarine Designed to Be Fully Gender Integrated
source: Marika Price Spitulski at Nice News
The USS New Jersey is unlike any other submarine in the U.S. Navy’s fleet for one specific reason: It’sthe first sub intentionally designed for men and women to live and work on.
The Navy lifted the ban on women on submarines over a decade ago and retrofitted bathrooms and sleeping quarters to accommodate them. But this nuclear-powered submarine, nicknamed “Jersey Girl,” wasn’t adjusted after the fact — it was built to be fully gender inclusive.
Read full article at NICE NEWS
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