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.
WETSU: a BattleshipNJ Podcast
CDR Skip Leeson: Sea Stories from the CO of the Battleship's Beirut Reserve Unit
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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 history during the New Jersey’s 190-day deployment off Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983–1984.
From the raw power of 16-inch guns to the camaraderie of sailors serving aboard a legendary warship, CDR Leeson offers a firsthand look at life on the battleship and the pivotal moments that shaped its Cold War service. Join us for another unforgettable conversation with a NEW JERSEY veteran. WETSU!