Battleship New Jersey Closed Due To Harsh Weather, Open For Special Events

CAMDEN (CBS) -- The Battleship New Jersey is closed to the public this month, but it is still open for special events and the traditional overnight visits.

President of the Battleship New Jersey Jim Shuck explains why the ship is closed in January.

"We have a saying that nothing is easy on the battleship and when it comes to weather, that's the biggest thing," said President of the Battleship New Jersey, Jim Shuck, who explained the closure to KYW Newsradio. "You walk up the pier its five degrees colder, you get to the ship with all the wind and it drops another 10 degrees. There are days when your face actually hurts by the time you get to the ship."

That's why Shuck says they have closed the ship to the general public in January for the past four years. Six seasonal employees have been laid off and will be brought back when the tours resume again.

"We'll be open Saturdays and Sundays in February and March and then in April, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and then in May we'll open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and that will run through Labor Day."

The staff will take advantage of this month to do much needed maintenance and prepare for the upcoming busy season, but the popular overnight encampments that allow people to spend a night aboard ship continue.

Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio