Pack 55 stood in front of the New Jersey’s 16” guns Veterans Day weekend proved to be a valuable learning experience for 45 boys from Cub Scout Pack 55. A total of 80 people from the pack had the opportunity to tour and sleep over on the Battleship New Jersey. The ship, which is berthed in Camden, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, had been home to approximately 1500 sailors up until its decommissioning in 1991. It now hosts a museum dedicated to highlighting its 40 plus years in service as one of the United States premier defenders of freedom. This ship participated in World War II, Korea and Vietnam as well as incidents in Lebonon. The Cub Scouts came away with a new appreciation for what our military does and the conditions that they endure in order to protect our way of life.

After arriving at the Camden waterfront, the Cub Scouts had the opportunity to ride a flight simulator that portrayed the conditions of a battleship-launched spotter plane and its participation in the battle of Iwo Jima. Conditions on those planes proved pretty bouncy and some of the boys, as well as parents, had a green glow about them when they came off the simulator. After stowing their gear in a dormitory style berthing area, the Cubs and their parents were treated to a military style chow line. This was followed by small group tours hosted by very knowledgeable docents. The boys really learned what it takes to man a big ship.

David Leary and Brian McKenna toured the ship After the tours, it was light out. Although the pack was on a battleship, some of the boys must have had visions of being on an aircraft carrier. There were a few late-night launches from the tops of those three-tiered bunk beds. All Scout aircraft were safely recovered.

Breakfast and a morning flag ceremony rounded out the weekend. Then it was home on the New Jersey Turnpike. It was amazing how quiet the boys were on the homeward trip!

Cub Scout Pack 55 is chartered by the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City. Please help support all of the local Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops in Garden City.

The Wilson family enjoyed morning chow The Battleship New Jersey displayed her most impressive assetsAlex Halka enjoyed working the Chow line