This was a story that floated among the Tin Can Navy at the end of the Vietnam War.
(Apparently the story is true and included the Barbey and not the Turner Joy)
The U.S.S. Barbey, a destroyer armed with 5-inch guns spotted a target at night off the coast of North Vietnam.
Assuming it friendly a radio call was put out:
"This is the U.S.S. Barbey, please identify yourself." No response.
Signal lights were used: "This is the U.S.S. Barbey, identify yourself, friend or foe." No response.
Signal lights again, "This is the U.S.S. Barbey, identify yourself or we will commence firing!"
Answer: "This is the battleship U.S.S. New Jersey, you may fire when ready!"
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