WETSU: a BattleshipNJ Podcast

For Pat Dailey, it started with a Marine Corps birthday party in South Philadelphia, where he expected a few hundred Marines and found thousands. On this episode of WETSU, Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with Dailey, founder of the Tun Legacy Foundation, to talk about the historic tavern remembered as the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps, and his mission to rebuild it just across the river from Battleship New Jersey.

A Philadelphia native, Dailey went through Officer Candidate School in Quantico and served as a Marine officer with the 3rd Marine Division...

What does it take to bring a battleship back from the dead and then send her into combat? On this episode of WETSU, Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with Captain Dick McKenna, USN (Ret.), the ship's plank owner executive officer.

A 1963 Naval Academy graduate, McKenna served aboard destroyer escorts, an LST, and a frigate before finding himself XO of USS Kirk during the fall of Saigon in April 1975, where his ship helped rescue tens of thousands of South Vietnamese refugees in the days before the city fell. Just seven years later he reported aboard...

A warship is only as capable as the systems that drive her — so who builds, maintains, and modernizes the machinery that keeps the fleet at sea? On this episode of WETSU, Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with CAPT Joseph Darcy, Commanding Officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, for a wide-ranging conversation about the engineering backbone of the United States Navy.

A Long Island native, Naval Academy graduate, and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, Captain Darcy has spent his career at the intersection of naval innovation and fleet readiness — from...

On this episode of WETSU, we go straight into the firepower of the 1980s reactivation era with CDR Mike Holmes (USN, Ret.) — a Battleship New Jersey plankowner who helped bring Big J back to life.

Assigned to USS New Jersey (BB-62) in 1982 as the ship’s Reactivation & Repair Officer, Mike stood at the center of one of the most consequential moments in modern naval history—bringing the nation’s most decorated battleship back to life. Tasked with overseeing critical overhaul and maintenance efforts, he helped prepare the ship to rejoin the fleet under the direction of President Ronald R...

The Navy doesn’t sail on firepower alone—so who keeps the fleet fueled, supplied, and ready to fight? On this episode of WETSU, Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with Atlantic City native Rear Admiral Mark “Buz” Buzby, USN (Ret.), for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation on one of the Navy’s most under recognized—but absolutely indispensable—missions: sealift, underway replenishment, and logistics. 

From growing up at the Jersey Shore with dreams of life on the salt water, to commanding at sea aboard USS CARNEY (DDG-64) and Destroyer Squadron 31, to leading the two...

On this episode of WETSU, host and Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with Rear Admiral Michael A. York, Commanding Officer of Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapon Systems Support (WSS), for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, logistics, and the quiet systems that sustain American sea power.

In a compelling discussion with the Philadelphia-based flag officer, Admiral York reflects on a distinguished career at sea and ashore—from a Laundry Officer at his alma mater, the United States Naval Academy, to serving as Supply Officer aboard an aircraft carrier USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-65), to co...

On this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host and CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phillip Brashear—son of Navy legend Master Chief Carl Brashear, the first Black U.S. Navy Master Diver whose life inspired the 2000 film Men of Honor.

Phillip reflects on his own distinguished military journey, from his early years in the Navy to his transition into the Army, where he became a helicopter pilot and amassed more than 2,600 flight hours during deployments to Bosnia and Iraq.

He shares what it was like growing up as th...

On this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host and CEO Marshall Spevak welcomes a very special guest: Congresswoman and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill.

Fresh off her election as New Jersey’s 57th Governor, Governor-elect Sherrill reflects on her journey of service — from the halls of the U.S. Naval Academy, to the skies as a Navy helicopter pilot, to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, and soon, the Statehouse in Trenton.She shares her thoughts on servant leadership, the importance of preserving our history, and how her time in uniform continues to shap...

In this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host and CEO Marshall Spevak welcomes a special guest—Bill Kraus, Co-Founder of Mission BBQ.

With more than 140 locations across 23 states, including several here in New Jersey, Mission BBQ has become a national symbol of patriotism served with a side of authentic, slow-smoked flavor. The company is also a proud catering partner of the Battleship New Jersey.

In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, Bill reflects on his early days as one of the first employees at Under Armour and how that experience fueled his entrepreneurial dr...

In this special episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO and host Marshall Spevak is joined by George Leone, President and Chair of Homecoming250, the nonprofit leading the charge in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

George shares the history and exciting vision behind this once-in-a-generation celebration, set to take place across Philadelphia and South Jersey in October and November 2025. From the arrival of Navy ships you’ll be able to tour, to major headline events that will bring our region to life, listeners will get a front-row seat to...

On this very special bonus episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO and Host Marshall Spevak welcomes the 56th Governor of New Jersey and Commander-in-Chief of the New Jersey National Guard, the Honorable Phil Murphy.

In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, Governor Murphy reflects on nearly eight years in office and his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Germany. He shares stories from his visits with U.S. troops in Afghanistan, overseeing the highest operational tempo in New Jersey National Guard history, and his recent trip to the U.S. 5th Fleet. The Governor also...

On this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, we proudly hosted Rear Admiral Kenneth R. Blackmon, Vice Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Admiral Blackmon sat down with Battleship CEO & Host Marshall Spevak for a dynamic conversation tracing his remarkable journey—from witnessing the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait as a junior officer aboard USS DAVID R. RAY (DD-961), to rising through the ranks from Ensign to Flag Officer. Over more than three decades in uniform, RADM Blackmon has served in every major theater of operations worldwide, bringing a truly global perspective on leadership and se...

On this episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host and CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with CDR Skip Leeson, who served as Commanding Officer of the USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) Reserve Unit in the 1980s.

In this wide-ranging conversation, CDR Leeson reflects on his active-duty service off the coast of Vietnam—where his ship was part of the New Jersey’s protective convoy near the DMZ—and shares remarkable insights from one of the most significant chapters in the battleship’s modern history. He recounts organizing and executing the largest peacetime crew relief in U.S. Navy...

On this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host Marshall Spevak sits down with author, historian, and USS New Jersey (BB-62) veteran Paul Stillwell—one of the foremost authorities on America’s most decorated battleship.

In this engaging conversation, Paul reflects on his 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy, shares vivid stories from his time as a crew member aboard the New Jersey, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ship’s third decommissioning.

Paul also previews his highly anticipated new book, Battleship New Jersey: The Complete History, releasing August 5th, 2025—a defini...

On this episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, we’re giving the people exactly what they’ve been asking for: an in-depth conversation with our very own Curator, Ryan Szimanski!

Join host Marshall Spevak as he sits down with Ryan to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to care for, interpret, and share the story of America’s most decorated battleship. From the massive undertaking of dry docking a 45,000-ton historic warship, to the surprising artifacts and hidden treasures that turn up in the ship’s steel corridors, Ryan shares his unique perspect...

On this episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO and Host Marshall Spevak welcomes Ken Kersch, a proud veteran of the USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) who served during her Vietnam War deployment.

A plankowner from the ship’s 1968 recommissioning, Ken personifies the WETSU spirit—"We Eat This Stuff Up"—from his days preparing the Battleship for war to standing the watch off the coast of North Vietnam. In this compelling and heartfelt conversation, Ken shares firsthand stories of the ship's activation, life as part of the pre-commissioning crew, combat operations in theater, and the pride of ser...

On this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO and Host Marshall Spevak welcomes Commander Carne Livingston, USN, for an engaging and insightful discussion that captures the breadth of a distinguished naval career.

CDR Livingston exemplifies the phrase “join the Navy, see the world,” having served across a diverse array of platforms—including landing helicopter docks (LHDs), amphibious transport docks (LPDs), and guided-missile destroyers (DDGs). Most notably, he served as the Plankowner Commanding Officer of USS JOHN BASILONE (DDG-122), which was officially commissioned into active service in November 2024.

In this comprehensive conversation, CDR Living...

In this compelling episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO and Host Marshall Spevak welcomes a distinguished guest—Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, USAF, The Adjutant General and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs.

As New Jersey’s highest-ranking military official, Brig. Gen. Mays commands over 8,400 citizen soldiers and airmen of the New Jersey National Guard while overseeing the state’s Veterans Affairs operations. She joins the podcast to reflect on her remarkable career in uniform and to share strategic insights into the Guard’s wide-ranging missions—from the 177th Fighter Wing in At...

In this poignant and powerful episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host Marshall Spevak welcomes a truly remarkable guest—Assemblywoman and Gold Star Mother, Melinda Kane.

Melinda shares the deeply personal story of her son, Marine LCpl Jeremy Kane, who was killed in action during combat operations in Afghanistan in 2010. With courage and grace, she reflects on the profound grief that followed—and the strength it took to transform that loss into a lifelong mission of service.

From her work with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.) to her ongo...

On this episode of WETSU, Battleship New Jersey CEO and Host Marshall Spevak welcomes Tim Parlatore, Managing Partner of Parlatore Law Group LLP — a distinguished attorney who specializes in representing veterans and active-duty service members. A former Surface Warfare Officer turned Navy JAG, Tim brings a rare blend of operational experience and legal expertise to the conversation.

From his days as a Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy to leading sailors aboard the USS NORMANDY (CG-60), Tim shares his unique journey transitioning from the bridge of a warship to the courtroom — and how his time in unif...

Step aboard for Episode 8 of WETSU, where Battleship CEO & Host Marshall Spevak welcomes Dr. Chris Lehman for an extraordinary conversation.

A key figure in the reactivation of the Iowa-class battleships, Chris brings firsthand insight from his time on the Senate Armed Services Committee staff and as Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs in the Reagan White House. He was in the Situation Room with President Reagan when the USS NEW JERSEY unleashed its powerful 16-inch guns on targets in Lebanon—witnessing history as it happened.

Chris also shares the remarkable military legacy of...

Join Battleship CEO & Host Marshall Spevak for an exclusive conversation with CAPT Kent “Brewski” Smith, Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle, a critical hub for U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Monmouth County, NJ.

In this episode, CAPT Smith shares his firsthand experiences—from deploying with his Carrier Strike Group in the aftermath of 9/11 to the historic commissioning of the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN-796) at NWS Earle. Learn about the base’s strategic role in storing, handling, and supplying ordnance to the U.S. Navy and allied forces, as well as the unwavering support from the New Jers...

Dive deep into the legacy of the USS NEW JERSEY—this time, not the legendary battleship, but the cutting-edge Virginia-class submarine!

In this must-listen episode of WETSU, host and Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with a distinguished guest: CDR Steve Halle (USN), the Plankowner Commanding Officer of the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN-796).

Together, they explore CDR Halle’s remarkable naval career—from his journey through the STA-21 program to navigating the Arctic in ICEX 2018—and the immense responsibility of delivering a nuclear-powered submarine. They also dive into the excitement of Commissioning Week and the...

In this compelling episode of WETSU, Battleship New Jersey CEO & Host Marshall Spevak welcomes Captain Joe Benton III—a veteran docking pilot with McAllister Towing, a Battleship New Jersey Board Trustee, and the only docking pilot in the entire U.S. Navy Reserve.

Captain Benton has had the rare honor of maneuvering the 887-foot Battleship New Jersey to and from dry dock on four separate occasions. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes of these high-stakes movements, offering an exclusive look at the intricate logistical, technical, and strategic planning involved in dry docking a national tr...

Episode 4 of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast brings you an extraordinary conversation with Admiral J. Paul Reason (USN, Ret.), a trailblazing leader whose remarkable career helped shape the modern Navy.

Host and CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with Admiral Reason for a candid and captivating discussion, tracing his journey from the U.S. Naval Academy to his pivotal encounter with Admiral Hyman Rickover that secured his place in the nuclear propulsion program. Admiral Reason shares firsthand accounts of his time serving as the Naval Aide to the President of the United States to his command of...

On Episode 3 of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO & Host Marshall Spevak welcomes retired Navy SEAL Bill Brown for a riveting discussion on service, sacrifice, and leadership.

Bill takes us inside his extraordinary career—from the grueling trials of BUD/S to high-stakes missions protecting the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister during Operation Iraqi Freedom and as a first responder to suicide bomber attacks in Iraq. But his dedication to service didn’t end with the Navy. Now an Attorney, Veterans Advocate, and leader of the NYC SEAL Swim, Bill continues to champion the values of patriotic unit...

Dive into the second episode of the WETSU Podcast, where Battleship New Jersey CEO and host Marshall Spevak sits down with Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-1st) for an engaging and insightful conversation.

In this episode, Congressman Norcross delves into the remarkable journey of the Battleship New Jersey, from the founding of the Home Port Alliance, a 501(c)(3) organization that now stewards the historic ship, to her dramatic transit through the Panama Canal en route to Camden. He also shares his thoughts on the Save Our Ships Act—the Norcross legislation to bring federal funds to museum ships ac...

Introducing the inaugural episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast! Host and CEO Marshall Spevak kicks off the series with a powerful conversation featuring Rear Admiral R.D. Tucker (USN, Ret.), the 19th and final Commanding Officer of the legendary USS New Jersey (BB-62).

In this episode, Admiral Tucker reflects on the meaning of WETSU, his distinguished Naval career, and his time at the helm of the Battleship. He also shares insights into commissioning the new USS NEW JERSEY (SSN-796) submarine and much more.

Don’t miss this special first episode of WETSU—a must...

🚨BIG NEWS🚨 On January 15, 2025, we're launching WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey podcast. Our CEO Marshall Spevak will spotlight untold stories with key figures connected to the ship's legacy, explore life onboard with veterans including a former commanding officer, and connect our past and present with New Jersey's military and veteran community leaders. These stories behind the steel will be launching every other Wednesday on our YouTube channel and wherever you listen to your podcasts! Subscribe and follow us @wetsupod to never miss an episode. 

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