USS New Jersey crew visits Morris County
Highlights of Visit Included Morristown Green and Washington’s Headquarters
MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – The Morris County Commissioners welcomed the crew, Chief of the Boat and Commissioning Committee of the United States Ship New Jersey (SSN 796) to Morris County Wednesday, as the sailors travel through the Garden State this summer as part of their “Namesake Program.”
The tour aims to connect the submarine crew to New Jersey through visits ahead of the Sept. 14 commissioning of the U.S. Navy’s latest fast attack submarine. The new USS New Jersey is the first Virginia-based class submarine. Eight members of the crew, which included four men and four women, toured the historic Morristown Green and Washington’s Headquarters while in Morris County.
Commissioner Director Christine Myers and Commissioner John Krickus, a U.S. Marine veteran, greeted the crew on the Morristown Green, where they guided the tour and shared how the region played a major role in American history, particularly the American revolution.
“We are honored to welcome the crew of the USS New Jersey to Morris County,” said Myers. “Our county is home to so many sites of immense historical importance, and we are proud to share its legacy with the officers and crew who will soon serve on the USS New Jersey. We hope this visit highlights our deep appreciation for their service and connects them to the critical history they protect for our county.”
“The USS New Jersey, the Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack submarine, follows in the footsteps of the proud Battleship New Jersey (BB 62) with her upcoming commissioning. I deeply appreciate all that this crew has already accomplished as they lay a foundation that will endure for the entire life of the boat — from her first dive to her last trip to periscope depth,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, whose office coordinated the crew’s Morris County visit with the U.S. Navy. “Thank you to everyone in Morris County who welcomed the crew members visiting today — Marotta Controls, Morristown National Historical Park, Beenie’s Ice Cream, Madison YMCA and Drew University, as well as local officials and members of our veterans community. And to the crew, thank you for visiting New Jersey — fair winds and following seas!”
The submarine will be the 23rd member of the Navy’s Virginia-class vessels and is the third ship to bear the name of New Jersey. The first was a battleship launched in 1904 and, during its nearly 20 years in service, joined 16 U.S. battleships to journey around the world between 1907 and 1909. It also returned U.S. soldiers from Europe after World War I before being decommissioned in 1920 and scuttled in 1923.
The second USS New Jersey was also a battleship. Commissioned in 1943, it became the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history. It served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and is now a museum ship docked in Camden.
The new USS New Jersey crew began their Morris County visit at Marotta Controls in Montville, followed by a lunch at Beenie’s Ice Cream in Morristown before they visited the Morristown Green. The crew took photos at various historic markers, including “The Alliance” statue, depicting a 1780 meeting of General George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette.
“During the American Revolution, the Green was not only a military parade ground but also a hub for the community. General Washington himself drilled troops here and planned campaigns that were pivotal to our independence,” said Krickus, sharing the historical significance of the Green.
Other notable stops on the Morristown Green included:
- Jacob Arnold’s Tavern: The site of General Washington’s headquarters in the winter of 1777.
- Patriots Farewell Statue: The monument honors the sacrifices of the New Jersey Militia and their families. The statue and fountain were dedicated on Memorial Day 2001.
- Civil War Monument: Erected in 1871, the monument pays tribute to the soldiers of the Civil War and lists battles involving New Jersey troops.
The crew also visited Washington’s Headquarters Museum, where Park Superintendent Tom Ross provided insights into General Washington’s time in Morristown. The visit concluded with a stop at Madison YMCA Summer Camps at Drew University and a meeting with Drew University President Hilary Link.
To learn more about Morris County’s 250th Anniversary celebrations in 2026, email 250@morriscountyalliance.org.
