New Jersey Naval Museum
From 1972 until closing, the Museum had paid one dollar per year to rent its riverside site. In January 2007, the North Jersey Media Group, owner of the site, informed the museum that the site was going to be sold for redevelopment within the year and that the museum and submarine would need to be relocated.
Collections
Prior to the closing of the museum, guided tours of the Ling were available to take visitors from bow to stern, exploring equipment, quarters, and weaponry. The weaponry on the Ling includes twenty-four torpedoes and one 4 in (100 mm) deck gun (it originally had two 5 in (130 mm) deck guns) for handling military targets too small to warrant the expenditure of a torpedo.
Volunteers maintained Japanese Kaiten IIs, a World War II manned torpedo; a German Seehund, a World War II German two-man coastal defense submarine; and a Vietnam War-era Patrol Boat, River (PBR), all of which the US Navy has since reclaimed, in addition to Ling and some torpedoes, missiles, and artillery shells. The onshore museum building contained a number of different and unique items ranging from a United States Navy SEALs delivery vehicle to personal photographs and effects.
Closing
After Hurricane Sandy the gangway was destroyed, leading to the closure of the sub and museum. Furthermore, the area was selected for a development project. The Naval History and Heritage Command has taken several artifacts after they were in a state of disrepair; with the remaining artifacts being housed by Harbor Freight Transport.
Vandalism and burglary
In September 2018, artifacts from the submarine were stolen, and the Ling was also flooded. Several people were identified in connection with the burglary.
See also
- List of maritime museums in the United States
- List of museum ships
- Naval History and Heritage Command