WETSU: a BattleshipNJ Podcast
WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast dives into the untold stories of America’s most decorated battleship. Hosted by the Battleship’s CEO, Marshall Spevak, this podcast features interviews with veterans, historians, and key figures connected to the ship’s legacy. We’ll explore life aboard the Battleship, spotlight New Jersey’s military and veteran community, and connect the past to the present. Whether you’re a history buff, a Navy enthusiast, or just curious about the stories behind the steel, WETSU is your all-access pass to the heart of the Battleship New Jersey.
Episodes
25 episodes
RADM Buz Buzby (USN, Ret.): From the Jersey Shore to the Backbone of America’s Global Navy
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 (Re...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 24
•
54:24
RDML York on Global Logistics, Support, and Keeping the Fleet Replenished
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 ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 23
•
37:05
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phillip Brashear: A Distinguished Military Journey
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 ins...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 22
•
23:31
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill: From Naval Aviator to being elected New Jersey's next Governor
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 S...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 21
•
12:18
Mission BBQ's Bill Kraus: The Co-Founder of Mission BBQ's personal connection to the company's mission
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, M...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 20
•
23:13
George Leone on Leading the Charge of Homecoming 250 This Fall
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 Unit...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 19
•
31:36
Governor Phil Murphy: A Candid Conversation on his Work for the State of New Jersey
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 thi...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 18
•
25:51
RADM Blackmon: A Conversation with Vice Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command
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 dyn...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 17
•
42:21
CDR Skip Leeson: Sea Stories from the CO of the Battleship's Beirut Reserve Unit
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 convers...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 16
•
39:20
Paul Stillwell: From USS New Jersey Veteran to Author & Historian
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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 15
•
57:19
Ryan Szimanski: A Curator's Journey
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 dow...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 14
•
47:48
Ken Kersch: From Vietnam Plankowner to Museum Overnight Encampment Director
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 rec...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 13
•
46:53
CDR Carne Livingston: The Hands-on Perspective of a Seasoned Commander
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.<...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 12
•
58:16
Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays, USAF, and her Dual Role in State and Federal Operations
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 Mili...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
59:34
Asw. Melinda Kane: Turning Grief into Purpose & Public Service
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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
42:22
Tim Parlatore: Service, Leadership, and a Return to the Fleet
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 servic...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
1:04:42
Chris Lehman, PhD: Insights from the Reagan Administration & a Military Legacy
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 firstha...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 8
•
45:20
CAPT Kent "Brewski" Smith: Firsthand Experiences with the Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle
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 e...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
42:26
CDR Steve Halle: Helping Build the Legacy of USS New Jersey
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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 6
•
1:03:47
Captain Joe Benton III: Navigating Giants as a Veteran Docking Pilot & Strategic Sealift Officer
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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 5
•
43:21
Admiral Reason: Commander, Battle Group Romeo & USS NEW JERSEY Veteran
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 Marsha...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 4
•
46:01
Bill Brown: From Navy SEAL to Veterans Advocate
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 ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 3
•
1:00:00
Congressman Norcross: U.S. Representative & Founding Member of The Home Port Alliance
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, Congre...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 2
•
27:13
Rear Admiral Ronald Tucker: Final Commanding Officer of Battleship NJ
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 O...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 1
•
37:13
