The board of the Home Port Alliance (HPA) for the USS New Jersey, America’s most decorated battleship, appointed Joseph Azzolina Jr. to its board of trustees.
“Today is truly a historic day for the Home Port Alliance and the Battleship New Jersey,” said Rodney Sadler, chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Battleship. “We have added an outstanding trustee, who will carry on the legacy of his father, captain Joseph Azzolina, former state senator/assemblyman who served on the New Jersey and was a key player in the effort to bring her back to her home state. Joe wants to continue the preservation and maintenance of the Battleship New Jersey as a legacy to his father’s relentless efforts on her behalf.”
Azzolina said, “To follow in the footsteps of my father on the board of trustees for this great battleship is truly an honor. I look forward to continue the work that the board, staff and volunteers of the battleship have accomplished and to further expand the mission of this museum and memorial.”
Azzolina, currently vice president of Food Circus Super Markets, based in Middletown, formerly served as a board member of the USS Battleship New Jersey Foundation.
“Joe brings strong business and strategic planning experience, strengthens our relationship with the state, and opens some important doors for partners and supporters in Central and Northern New Jersey,” said Phil Rowan, executive director of the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, who made the announcement.
Opened to the public as a floating museum in October 2001, the Battleship New Jersey has undergone extensive restoration efforts, bringing history to life for visitors during daily guided tours of the Iowa-class ship – one of the largest battleships ever built – throughout its nine decks. A living testament to all of the brave men and women who have fought, and still fight for American freedom, The Battleship New Jersey has become an integral part of the revitalization of the Camden waterfront.
The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial offers guided and audio tours daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day. Families can spend a unique overnight adventure aboard the battleship. The award-winning Overnight Encampment Program offers families, Scouts, and youth organizations the chance to experience a night on board the ship. Guests enjoy dinner and breakfast served from the crew’s galley, a ride on the 4D Flight Simulator, a tour of the ship and the chance to sleep in the bunks once used by the crew of the USS New Jersey.
Additional information about the ship is available by calling 866-877-6262 or 856-966-1652 or by visiting www.battleshipnewjersey.org.
