WETSU: Episode Summary - "Chris Lehman, PhD: Insights from the Reagan Administration & a Military Legacy"

Podcast Information:

• Title: WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast
• Host: Marshall Spivak, CEO of the Battleship New Jersey Museum of Memorial
• Episode: Chris Lehman, PhD: Insights from the Reagan Administration & a Military Legacy
• Release Date: April 23, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host Marshall Spivak welcomes Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr., a distinguished figure with deep roots in naval history and national security policy. Dr. Lehman's extensive career spans service in the US Navy Reserve, influential roles within the United States Senate, the State Department, and the White House during the Reagan Administration. His unique connection to the Battleship New Jersey, alongside his brother John’s pivotal role in its reactivation, adds a personal dimension to the discussion.

Early Life and Naval Service

Background and Family Legacy

Dr. Lehman begins by reflecting on his family's strong naval tradition. His father, John Sr., served as a captain of an amphibious ship during World War II, earning decorations for his role in the Marine landing at Okinawa. Growing up near the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Dr. Lehman's early environment was dominated by naval presence and aviation, fostering his lifelong dedication to the Navy.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [04:37]: "I think it's most Americans don't really realize that our founding fathers understood you need the Navy anytime, all the time."

Naval Reserve Experience

Although Dr. Lehman joined the Navy Reserve with aspirations to become a pilot, his vision shifted when his eyesight prevented him from obtaining his wings. Nevertheless, he remained committed to the Navy, serving as an airman and participating in various naval activities. His service included time on missile submarines and carrier-based missions, albeit mostly in supportive roles due to his high-level government positions.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [05:23]: "I've probably been on 10 or 15 carriers at sea and destroyers and submarines, but I was always either a VIP or a Congressional person sniffing around my seat."

Senate Armed Services Committee

Working with Influential Senators

From 1976 to 1981, Dr. Lehman served on the Senate Armed Services Committee under Chairmen Harry Byrd Jr. and John Warner. During this period, he was deeply involved in shaping US defense policy amidst the Cold War tensions and the transition from the Vietnam era.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [06:02]: "The Senate Armed Service Committee was fighting Carter, who was trying to cut defense... The readiness was down. The Vietnam hangover was pretty heavy upon the nation."

Defense Budget and Battleship Reactivation

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the debates surrounding the reactivation of Iowa-class battleships, including the New Jersey. Dr. Lehman recounts the political maneuvering required to secure the necessary 51 votes in the Senate to override presidential vetoes and ensure continued naval strength. His anecdote about Senator Ted Stevens’ vehement opposition underscores the challenges faced by naval advocates.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [10:56]: "You need 51 votes. And I came up with the aphorism, I guess might be the word of Towers' rule of 51. And I can't tell you how many times that's been helpful to me over the years of my career."

State Department and Strategic Nuclear Policy

Role as Director of the Office of Strategic Nuclear Policy

After his tenure in the Senate, Dr. Lehman transitioned to the State Department, where he directed the Office of Strategic Nuclear Policy. His expertise in nuclear weapons and targeting doctrine was pivotal during a time when the US was reassessing its strategic nuclear capabilities in response to Soviet advancements.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [13:10]: "Our nuclear strategy had fallen on hard times, not because of the strategy, but because of the aging of our weapon systems and the onrush of the Soviet Union's nuclear capabilities."

Influence on the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

Dr. Lehman played a crucial role in navigating internal opposition within the State Department against Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), commonly known as "Star Wars." His efforts helped align the department with the administration's defense modernization goals.

White House Tenure and National Security Council

Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs

Dr. Lehman's appointment as Special Assistant to President Reagan on the National Security Council placed him at the epicenter of pivotal defense decisions. His daily responsibilities included briefing the President on legislative and legal affairs related to national security, often requiring early mornings and intense preparation.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [21:13]: "I get up at 5:30, my kids that I didn't see last night because I didn't get home till late, they're still in bed and I'm gone already before they wake up."

Grenada Operation and Presidential Leadership

A standout moment in Dr. Lehman's White House experience was witnessing President Reagan's decisive leadership during the Grenada crisis. He describes the administration's unified stance against inertia and resistance, leading to a successful military intervention despite opposition from within the State Department.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [26:22]: "The Grenada decision was one of the key moments of Ronald Reagan's leadership because the State Department was vigorously opposed to using force in Grenada."

Reactivation of the Battleship New Jersey

Connection to the Battleship’s Legacy

Dr. Lehman's involvement in the reactivation of the Battleship New Jersey is both professional and personal. While he did not attend the commissioning ceremony due to his father’s presence, his insights underscore the ship's strategic importance during the Reagan Administration.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [24:55]: "I deferred and my dad went in my place. That's being a good son certainly."

Firing of 16-Inch Guns in Lebanon

One of the most dramatic moments discussed is the order for the Battleship New Jersey to fire its 16-inch guns during the Lebanon crisis. Dr. Lehman provides a firsthand account of the power and psychological impact of naval gunfire support in modern conflicts.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [28:24]: "It is awesome, awe-inspiring and fearsome as well."

Advocacy for Naval and Maritime Infrastructure

Efforts to Revitalize Shipbuilding

Transitioning to contemporary issues, Dr. Lehman emphasizes the urgent need to revitalize America's shipbuilding industry. Citing historical parallels from the World War II era, he advocates for bipartisan support to enhance naval capabilities in the face of emerging threats, particularly from China.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [31:54]: "We're at war with China, we just don't know it. Or I should say China's at war with us and we ought to wake up."

Preserving Naval Heritage

As Chairman of the Landing Craft Support Museum Foundation, Dr. Lehman shares insights into preserving vital aspects of naval history, particularly the innovative Landing Craft Support vessels that played crucial roles in World War II battles such as Okinawa and Iwo Jima.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [35:56]: "They were absolutely vital at Okinawa and Iwo Jima and Borneo and a couple other places."

Future Directions and Legacy

Collaboration and Preservation Initiatives

In closing, Dr. Lehman expresses hope for future collaborations, including bringing the last Landing Craft Support ship to visit the Battleship New Jersey Museum for its 250th anniversary celebration. His dedication to preserving naval history reflects his broader commitment to honoring military service and ensuring the continued relevance of naval power.

Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [44:34]: "I'm hoping maybe that my little ship will come and visit your big ship, like a big dog and a little dog for the October celebration at 250."

Conclusion

This episode offers an in-depth exploration of Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr.’s remarkable career and his integral role in shaping US naval and defense policy during a critical period. From his early naval experiences to high-level strategic decisions in the Reagan Administration, Dr. Lehman provides invaluable perspectives on the enduring legacy of the Battleship New Jersey and the future of America's maritime strength.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [04:37]: "I think it's most Americans don't really realize that our founding fathers understood you need the Navy anytime, all the time."
• Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [10:56]: "You need 51 votes. And I came up with the aphorism, I guess might be the word of Towers' rule of 51."
• Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [21:13]: "I get up at 5:30, my kids that I didn't see last night because I didn't get home till late, they're still in bed and I'm gone already before they wake up."
• Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [28:24]: "It is awesome, awe-inspiring and fearsome as well."
• Dr. Christopher Lehman Sr. [31:54]: "We're at war with China, we just don't know it."

This summary encapsulates the rich narrative and insightful discussions from the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Dr. Lehman’s contributions to naval history and national security.