I enlisted in the Navy during World War II and, with luck and my mother's prayers, I was stationed on the USS New Jersey. I served from May 1943 to October 1945 as a radio technician.

I hope this issue will not be used as a political 'if you do this for me, I'll do this for you.' I think you get my meaning. Let this issue be what is best for the ship and what the people desire.

Placing the ship in Camden will be like the ship coming home. It will help the Aquarium, Camden and Philadelphia, as well. Philly may even help in this.

New York City is no friend of New Jersey and has nothing to offer. First, it is not easy to get from New York to Bayonne. If people do make the trip, the ship would be the only attraction - not so with Camden, just a ferry ride away, Philly to Camden or Camden to Philly.

Please don't bury the ship in Bayonne. The ship and the men who served on her deserve more than that.

ROBERT J. WESTCOTT
Bridgeton