WETSU: A BattleshipNJ Podcast
Episode: Captain Kent "Brewski" Smith: Firsthand Experiences with the Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle
Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction to Captain Kent "Brewski" Smith

In this episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host Marshall Spivak welcomes Captain Kent "Brewski" Smith, the Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle in Mammoth County, New Jersey. With an illustrious 26-year career in the Navy, Captain Smith shares his extensive experiences, insights into naval operations, and the profound connection between the military and the local New Jersey community.

The Origin of the Call Sign "Brusky"

Marshall begins by delving into the story behind Captain Smith's unique call sign, "Brusky."

Captain Kent Brusky Smith [02:30]: "There was a Lieutenant Commander Courtney Smith, whose call sign was Brusque... it came down to two things. It was going to be either Courtney, since we shared the same last name, or brusky. And thank God they went with the brewski."

The call sign reflects Captain Smith's Midwest roots and his affinity for "brewskis," a colloquial term for beers, distinguishing his identity within the naval community.

Career Highlights

Captain Smith provides a comprehensive overview of his naval career, highlighting key assignments and deployments:

• Commissioning and Early Career: Commissioned through Officer Candidate School (OCS) in 1998, earned his gold wings as a Naval Flight Officer in 2000, and deployed with Carrier Air Wing One aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN71) in 2001 and the USS Enterprise (CVN65) in 2003.

• Specialized Roles: Served as a PC3 Orion pilot, navigating missions across Italy, El Salvador, Qatar, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and India. Held leadership positions at the U.S. Naval War College and U.S. Strategic Command.

• Navigator on USS Harry Truman: Deployed with Carrier Strike Group 8 in the Arctic Circle in 2018, emphasizing the challenges and responsibilities of navigating a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

• Joint Staff and NORAD/NORTHCOM: Served as a desk officer, coordinating training and exercises to ensure readiness against potential threats.

Life on an Aircraft Carrier

Captain Smith vividly describes the rigorous and disciplined life aboard an aircraft carrier, likening it to a "floating city." He emphasizes the high-tempo operations during deployments, especially post-9/11, when his carrier was among the first to respond.

Captain Smith [07:19]: "It really is just kind of rinse, repeat... get some chow, do some mission planning, you brief, you go fly, you come back... sleep and get ready for the next day."

He contrasts this experience with other deployments, highlighting the difference between constant mission-focused activity and periods of downtime where crew members engage in recreational activities and camaraderie.

Serving as a Navigator on USS Harry Truman

Taking on the role of navigator aboard the USS Harry Truman was one of Captain Smith's most stressful assignments. He discusses the immense responsibility of ensuring the ship's precise movements and the critical nature of avoiding collisions with other vessels.

Captain Smith [10:12]: "It was the most stressful time of my life... you don't control the other ships... if we trade paint with another ship out there, we're done."

Despite the pressures, Captain Smith commends his commanding officers and crew for their exceptional support, which made the challenging experience manageable.

Role as Desk Officer at NORAD/NORTHCOM

Transitioning to his role as a desk officer, Captain Smith explains his responsibilities within NORAD and NORTHCOM, focusing on aligning joint staff directives with combatant commands' training and preparedness.

Captain Smith [11:42]: "Our job is to work with the NORTHCOM team... make sure that we're all in line, that we're training to the stuff that the chairman believes is important."

He underscores the significance of NORAD's mission in homeland defense, moving beyond the popular "Santa tracking" narrative to highlight the critical nature of their operations.

Commanding Naval Weapons Station Earle

In 2023, Captain Smith assumed command of Naval Weapons Station Earle, marking his first assignment in New Jersey. He provides an in-depth look into the station's operations and its historical significance.

History of Naval Weapons Station Earle

Established in December 1943 and named after Admiral Earl, the station was strategically located in Sandy Hook Bay to safely store and distribute ammunition during World War II. By 1945, it played a pivotal role in supplying ordinance for the Normandy invasion.

Captain Smith [16:09]: "We provided the majority ordinance for the Normandy invasion... continues to that day."

Today, the station serves as a hub for aviation weapons, supporting the carrier fleet and Marine Expeditionary Strike Groups from the East Coast.

Operational Challenges and Infrastructure

Captain Smith discusses the logistical complexities of managing both the main base in Colts Neck and the pier in Sandy Hook Bay, emphasizing the "tyranny of distance" and the importance of a dedicated and empowered workforce.

Captain Smith [18:51]: "We may be small in numbers, but the size of our base and the size of our mission is enormous."

The station boasts over 100 miles of railroad tracks, facilitating the movement of ammunition and supplies to the pier, which is situated 2.2 miles into the water for safety reasons.

Commissioning of USS New Jersey

A significant highlight of the episode is Captain Smith's recounting of the commissioning of the USS New Jersey (SSN-796), a Virginia-class nuclear submarine.

Planning and Execution

The success of the commissioning ceremony was attributed to the enthusiasm and dedication of both Naval Weapons Station Earle's staff and the broader New Jersey community.

Captain Smith [26:21]: "The people here were excited to do it... you guys did the majority of the heavy lifting."

Marshall Spivak adds that WETSU was instrumental in the meticulous planning and execution, ensuring the event's smooth progression despite challenging weather conditions.

Community Involvement and Support

The strong support from New Jersey's citizens, including commendations from local leaders and heartwarming interactions with the public, underscored the deep-rooted military appreciation within the state.

Captain Smith [37:54]: "New Jersey loves its military... it's every citizen from the elected leaders down to the working-class Joe."

Community and Support in New Jersey

Captain Smith emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between Naval Weapons Station Earle and the Monmouth County community. From ceremonial support to daily interactions, the community's unwavering respect and gratitude for military service are evident.

Local Partnerships and Programs

He highlights initiatives such as Sheriff Shawn Golden's cremains program, which honors unclaimed veteran remains, demonstrating the county's commitment to honoring its service members.

Captain Smith [36:18]: "It's an incredible ceremony... it's a beautiful program where we honor them and give them their proper respects."

The collaboration extends to law enforcement, education, and local governance, fostering a supportive environment for military personnel and their families.

Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Reflecting on his tenure and experiences, Captain Smith shares memorable moments that epitomize the WETSU ethos—grueling work met with unwavering dedication and a positive spirit.

Captain Smith [39:05]: "The 911 deployment... you can't get enough of it. I would have kept doing it for, for, you know, months and months more."

As his three-year command at Earle progresses, Captain Smith expresses pride in his team's accomplishments and the station's pivotal role in supporting naval operations.

Captain Smith [40:48]: "We may be small in numbers, but the size of our base and the size of our mission is enormous."

Conclusion

The episode culminates with heartfelt acknowledgments from both Marshall and Captain Smith, celebrating the collaborative efforts that ensure Naval Weapons Station Earle's success and the enduring legacy of the Battleship New Jersey.

Marshall Spivak [42:16]: "Captain Kemp Ruski Smith, thank you for your service... thank you for all that you and your team do for our Navy at Naval Weapons Stationary right here in the great state of New Jersey."

Captain Smith [42:23]: "Keep doing what you're doing. I love you, man."

This comprehensive conversation offers listeners an intimate look into the life and leadership of Captain Kent "Brewski" Smith, the operational intricacies of Naval Weapons Station Earle, and the profound bond between the military and the New Jersey community. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a naval aficionado, or simply curious about the stories behind the steel, this episode provides invaluable insights into America's most decorated battleship and its enduring legacy.