From October 9 through 16, Battleship New Jersey is hosting a week of extraordinary events, immersive exhibits, and one-of-a-kind ship tours to honor the United States Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. Visitors will have the chance to explore modern naval vessels, participate in family-friendly activities, and engage with living history aboard America’s most decorated battleship. This milestone celebration shines a spotlight on our nation’s maritime heritage and salutes military service members and veterans.
USS Billings (LCS-15) Open for Tours
Docked alongside Battleship New Jersey, the USS Billings, a Freedom-class littoral combat ship, is open for free public visits from October 10–15. Guests can explore this cutting-edge vessel and learn about its role in today’s Navy. For more details, visit the Homecoming 250 site.
Thursday, October 9 – Enterprise Stern Plate Unveiling Ceremony
The week kicks off with the USS Enterprise (CV-6) stern plate unveiling at 3:00 PM on the ship’s pier. Transported from River Vale, New Jersey, this historic artifact honors the legacy of one of the Navy’s most iconic aircraft carriers. The event is open to the public at no cost.
Saturday, October 11 – “Navigating the Past” History Symposium
History enthusiasts can join the “Navigating the Past” History Symposium, co-hosted by Rutgers-Camden and the University of Pennsylvania’s McNeil Center for Early American Studies. Beginning at 10:00 AM, distinguished historians will present lectures on the evolution of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the modern era. Set aboard the Battleship New Jersey, this program provides a rare opportunity to connect historical insights with America’s naval legacy. Separate registration is required for Day 1 of the symposium, held on Penn’s campus.
Family Day & Fleet Fest
Also on October 11, Family Day & Fleet Fest offers a full day of interactive experiences for all ages. On the pier, explore vintage firetrucks from the New Jersey Fire Museum & Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Aboard the battleship, hands-on stations teach about buoyancy, radios, shipbuilding, and electricity, while guided tours of Turret II and the Engine Room reveal the inner workings of the massive vessel. Tickets include self-guided access throughout the ship.
Monday, October 13 – Big J Food Truck Festival & Fireworks on the Delaware
Celebrate the Navy’s 250th with the Big J Food Truck Festival from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM on the pier. Sample local flavors from Soba, Loco Gringos Street Taco Express, Shugar Shack, Red’s Rolling Restaurant, Not Your Average Weiner, and UMM Ice Cream. The day continues with a spectacular fireworks display over the Delaware River, complemented by live music and food concessions. Decks open at 6:30 PM, offering unbeatable views. Tickets provide access to the fireworks show but do not include ship tours.
Special Tours and Experiences
Throughout the month, Battleship New Jersey offers a range of tours for all ages and interests. The Guided Turret II Tour explores the five stories of one of the ship’s 16″ gun turrets, while the Engine Room Tour provides hands-on insight into the steam-powered engines that propelled the battleship at record speeds. Adults can enjoy the Twilight Tour, featuring sailor stories, hidden art, and a post-tour beer and wine reception. Young visitors can join the Small Sailors Tour to learn about ship components and life at sea.
Podcasts and Behind-the-Scenes Content
The region is preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime series of events honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, with festivities spanning Philadelphia and South Jersey throughout October and November 2025. These celebrations will showcase the rich history, modern capabilities, and enduring legacy of America’s naval forces while offering residents and visitors an immersive experience like no other.
In a recent episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO and host Marshall Spevak spoke with George Leone, President and Chair of Homecoming250, the nonprofit organization orchestrating this landmark commemoration. Leone shared the vision behind the celebrations, highlighting the extraordinary scale and variety of events designed to connect the public with two and a half centuries of naval tradition.
Listeners learned that the celebrations will include tours of active-duty Navy ships, giving attendees a rare chance to see cutting-edge vessels up close. The schedule also features headline events, special exhibits, family-friendly activities, and interactive experiences that shine a spotlight on the role of the Navy and Marine Corps in shaping both regional and national history.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a local resident eager to explore naval heritage, or a visitor planning to experience the region’s maritime traditions firsthand, the Navy and Marine Corps 250th anniversary offers something for everyone. Attendees can expect educational opportunities, live demonstrations, and commemorative programs that honor the service and sacrifice of sailors and Marines throughout the nation’s history.
The podcast episode provides a comprehensive preview of all activities and behind-the-scenes insights into the planning of this extraordinary milestone celebration. From the arrival of naval vessels to interactive community events and ceremonial observances, listeners get a front-row view of how Homecoming250 is bringing history to life in New Jersey and Philadelphia.
Residents and travelers alike are encouraged to follow updates, secure tickets, and plan visits early, as this historic commemoration is set to draw crowds eager to participate in the celebrations and explore America’s naval legacy in an unforgettable, hands-on way.
Upcoming Events Beyond Navy Week
Battleship New Jersey continues to celebrate with a Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, featuring keynote speaker and Medal of Honor recipient Marine Corps Col. Harvey Curtiss “Barney” Barnum, Jr., and a MARDET exhibit unveiling. In December, the beloved Breakfast with Santa event returns, combining a hot breakfast, photos with Santa, and self-guided ship tours.
Visitors are encouraged to reserve guided tours in advance due to limited availability. Self-guided tours allow guests to explore at their own pace while experiencing the rich history and innovation of the Battleship.
Discover all events, special exhibits, and ticket options at Battleship New Jersey and celebrate the Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th birthday with unforgettable experiences for the entire family.
