WETSU: A Battleship NJ Podcast Episode: Captain Joe Benton III: Navigating Giants as a Veteran Docking Pilot & Strategic Sealift Officer
Release Date: March 12, 2025

Introduction and Guest Background

In this episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host Marshall Spivak welcomes Captain Joe Benton III, a pivotal figure in the successful dry docking and movement of the Battleship New Jersey. Joe serves as the General Manager and Vice President of Macalester Towing in Philadelphia and holds significant roles within the Battleship's Board of Trustees and Maintenance Committee. Additionally, Joe proudly serves as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, specializing as a Strategic Sealift Officer.

Key Highlights:

• Educational Background: Joe is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, where he spent approximately 390 days aboard various commercial merchant ships, gaining hands-on maritime experience.
• Professional Expertise: With over two decades of experience piloting tugboats, Joe has been instrumental in navigating the Battleship NJ during critical movements, including its transition to dry dock.
• Military Service: As a Strategic Sealift Officer, Joe plays a crucial role in ensuring the Navy's logistical and transport capabilities, further underscoring his expertise in maritime operations.

Initial Involvement with Battleship New Jersey

Joe's relationship with the Battleship New Jersey began long before the recent dry docking project. In 2001, he captained the harbor tug Theresa McAllister during one of the ship's significant movements.

Notable Moment (03:40):

Joe Benton: "Never seen that before. And that was such a short move... It's an incredible experience to still kind of get chills about it now."

Joe reminisces about the night before the 2001 move, highlighting the suspense and excitement as they prepared to relocate the ship. His father's supportive presence and the camaraderie among the crew exemplify the deep connections formed during such monumental tasks.

Joining the Board of Trustees and Maintenance Committee

Joe's dedication to the Battleship extended beyond piloting tugboats. Through persistent effort and leveraging connections, he secured a position on the Battleship's Board of Trustees and was appointed as the chair of the Maintenance Committee.

Key Insights:

• Board Participation: Joe emphasizes the importance of proactive involvement, stating (07:07):

  Joe Benton: "You can't tell me that, you know, we don't have water leaking in somewhere and all this stuff like that."

• Maintenance Leadership: His role involves overseeing the ship's upkeep, ensuring that the Battleship NJ remains in impeccable condition for future generations.

Planning and Executing the Dry Docking Project

The dry docking of the Battleship NJ was a monumental project, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. The project's funding was secured in the summer of 2023 with a $5 million appropriation from the state FY24 budget.

Emotional Rollercoaster (08:55):

Joe Benton: "A lot of emotions like, holy crap, we got the money. And then I'm thinking, crap, we got..."

Joe discusses the dual emotions of relief and the daunting responsibility that came with the funding approval. The planning phase involved addressing significant challenges, such as:

• Airdraft vs. Bridge Clearance: Discovering that the ship's airdraft was 175 feet, exceeding the Walt Whitmer Bridge's clearance of approximately 150 feet. This hurdle required innovative solutions, including collaborating with Hudson Engineering to modify the ship's mass and ensure safe passage.

• Strategic Coordination: Navigating the logistical complexities of moving a 20-year stationary ship, coordinating with various contractors, and managing vessel traffic along the Delaware River.

The March 2024 Movement: From Camden to Dry Dock

On March 20, 2024, the Battleship NJ embarked on its journey from Camden to the dry dock, marking a significant milestone after two decades.

Crucial Requirements for the Move:

• Tidal Considerations: The movement had to coincide precisely with high tide to ensure optimal conditions.
• Weather Conditions: Managing wind speeds to stay within acceptable limits set by the Coast Guard, avoiding any adverse weather that could jeopardize the operation.

Exciting Moment (13:55):

Marshall Spivak: "What was it you actually real. What was it that it actually sort of hit you like fully? Shit, this is happening."

Joe vividly recalls the moment the ship began to move, capturing the awe and accomplishment felt by everyone involved. The efficient execution allowed the journey, initially estimated at six to ten hours, to be completed in just three, showcasing the team's expertise and dedication.

Navigating Technical Challenges

One of the significant challenges during the move was navigating around the USNS Gilliland, a parked vessel at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. This maneuver required precise coordination to ensure the Battleship NJ could safely enter the dry dock without obstruction.

Technical Maneuver (19:39):

Joe Benton: "We sailed from Paulsboro with the flood current, so it took a little wiggling to get her over into the channel."

Joe describes the intricate process of turning the massive battleship 180 degrees and positioning it accurately within the dry dock, highlighting the collaboration with tugboat crews and shipyard personnel to achieve this feat seamlessly.

Collaborative Efforts with USS New Jersey Submarine Crew

During the final leg of the journey back to Camden, Joe worked closely with Commander Steve Halley from the USS New Jersey Submarine (SSN-796). This collaboration underscored the strong ties between the Battleship NJ and its naval counterparts.

Shared Experiences (25:42):

Joe Benton: "We had a lot of media on board that day especially too. And him and the rest of my team were keeping the press away so I could focus."

Their teamwork ensured the smooth handling of the battleship during media coverage and logistical challenges, reinforcing the sense of community and shared mission among naval vessels.

Strategic Sealift Officer Role in the Navy Reserve

Joe elaborates on his role as a Strategic Sealift Officer, emphasizing the critical support reservists provide to the Navy's operational capabilities.

Role Overview (30:07):

Joe Benton: "Basically there's about 2,500 officers in the country that are reservists, that are merchant mariners by trade. And in the event of a national emergency... they would pull us onto active duty to do that."

His responsibilities include piloting Navy ships, training junior officers, and ensuring readiness for any exigent circumstances that require strategic maritime logistics.

Vision for the Future of Battleship New Jersey

Looking ahead, Joe shares his aspirations for the Battleship NJ, reflecting on its preservation and continued relevance as a historical and educational landmark.

Future Aspirations (34:55):

Joe Benton: "We have a lot of activity, Navy folks over here for different promotion ceremonies... everything is moving forward."

He envisions ongoing maintenance, modernization projects, and innovative events that will keep the Battleship NJ engaging for visitors and honoring its storied legacy.

Conclusion and Final Reflections

Joe concludes by highlighting the indispensable role of tugboats and the dedicated crews behind the scenes, ensuring that massive vessels like the Battleship NJ navigate safely and efficiently.

Closing Thoughts (41:28):

Joe Benton: "Tugboats are the workhorses of the harbor... the skill of the tug crews and the folks involved to get that large ship turned around dock is no small feat."

He underscores the importance of teamwork, family support, and the relentless commitment required to maintain such an iconic piece of naval history.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Benton on Facing Challenges:

  "I remember we had trouble getting the forward breast lines aboard... got her off the dock and drove her like we stole it." [06:46]

• Joe Benton on the Emotional Impact:

  "It was pretty awesome. I remember seeing you up there on the flying bridge and give each other a big hug and it's like, holy crap. We're finally doing this." [14:14]

• Marshall Spivak on Team Effort:

  "We went from Camden to Paulsboro and then Paulsboro to Philadelphia. We had a little bit of an obstacle... It was an incredible time for the ship." [16:33]

• Joe Benton on Preservation:

  "We're always coming up with new ideas... everything else is just kind of craving, having time and money to make these little improvements." [34:55]

Final Thoughts

This episode offers an in-depth look into the complexities and triumphs of maintaining and preserving the Battleship New Jersey. Through Captain Joe Benton III's experiences, listeners gain valuable insights into maritime operations, naval strategy, and the unwavering dedication required to honor America's naval heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a Navy supporter, or simply curious about the stories behind the steel, this episode provides a comprehensive and engaging narrative of the Battleship NJ's legacy and future.