The New Jersey Naval Militia (NJNM) is the inactive naval militia of the state of New Jersey. As a portion of the New Jersey organized militia, it existed as an active entity from 1895 to 1963 and again from 1999 to 2002. The Naval Militia was stood down by the state in 2002 due to a concerns about training, accession processes, security clearances, background checks, rank criteria, medical standards, physical fitness criteria, vessel fitness, and command qualifications. Since 2002, a group of dedicated volunteers and former members have been lobbying to have the New Jersey Naval Militia funded and returned to duty. In support of the NJ Naval Militia's return, the non-profit New Jersey Naval Militia Foundation was established. After 2002, the duties performed by the Naval Militia were absorbed by civilian agencies, volunteer groups, the New Jersey National Guard, and law enforcement agencies on the local, state, and federal level. In 2005, the New Jersey Adjutant General reported to the state legislature that the Naval Militia no longer had a defined mission to justify support or funding from the state. In March 2005, the New Jersey State Police issued a memorandum which cited issues that would preclude their support for the NJNM. As a naval militia, the NJNM was partially regulated and equipped by the federal government, but served as a reserve force under the control of the State of New Jersey. Naval militias are authorized and regulated by federal law under Title 32 of the United States Code. New Jersey law also allows for the state to maintain a naval militia. As it was under state jurisdiction, the Governor of New Jersey was the Commander-in-chief of the NJNM. History The New Jersey Naval Militia was originally called the Naval Reserve of New Jersey. Founded in 1895, with the purpose of protecting the coast, harbors, and waterfront property. After the passage of the Federal Naval Reserve Law of 1916, the name was changed to the Naval Militia of New Jersey. The NJNM first saw combat during the Spanish–American War, and also fought in the World War I and World War II. After reaching a peak strength of 3,590 during the Korean War, the NJNM was absorbed by the United States Naval Reserve in 1963, after which it ceased to exist as an independent organization. In 1999, the NJNM was reorganized by Governor Christine Todd-Whitman to better integrate the NJNM