WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast – Episode Summary

Title: Congressman Norcross: U.S. Representative & Founding Member of The Home Port Alliance
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Host: Marshall Spevak
Guest: Congressman Donald Norcross

Introduction

In this engaging episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host Marshall Spevak welcomes Congressman Donald Norcross, a pivotal figure in the preservation and advocacy of the Battleship New Jersey. With nearly 25 years of dedication to the ship's legacy, Norcross brings a wealth of experience from his multifaceted career as an electrician, labor leader, state senator, and U.S. Representative. The conversation delves deep into the intricate efforts behind maintaining the battleship as a museum, the challenges faced, and the future of naval heritage.

The Genesis of the Home Port Alliance

Timestamp: [01:56]

Congressman Norcross recounts the formation of the Home Port Alliance, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to bringing the Battleship New Jersey back to Camden. He emphasizes the collaborative spirit that brought together diverse stakeholders to save the battleship from disposal.

Norcross: "There was a group of individuals from the southern part saying, hey, wait a minute, we deserve a shot at this level, the playing field and we'll compete for it." ([02:29])

The Alliance included influential figures such as Senator John Matheson, Admiral Sigenthaler, and Joe Balzano Sr., who sought to present a comprehensive 2,000-page application to the Navy. Norcross highlights the volunteer-driven effort that was lauded by the Navy as one of the finest applications they've ever received.

Key Points:

• Formation driven by a desire to keep the battleship in New Jersey.
• Inclusive collaboration between politicians, military personnel, and organized labor.
• The application process set a benchmark for future museum ship proposals.

Navigating the Panama Canal: A Feat of Engineering

Timestamp: [05:29]

Norcross shares his firsthand experience during the battleship's transit through the Panama Canal, a monumental task requiring meticulous planning and engineering prowess. He describes the challenges faced, such as modifying the ship's gun holes and the delicate maneuvering required to prevent the massive vessel from getting stuck.

Norcross: "It was amazing that something as large as a battleship just fits through Panama Canal by design." ([07:32])

The successful passage not only demonstrated the ship's robust design but also highlighted the collective expertise of those involved in its maintenance and operation.

Key Points:

• Technical modifications made to facilitate canal transit.
• The role of seasoned personnel in ensuring a smooth passage.
• The symbolic significance of the battleship's journey back to New Jersey.

Dry Docking and Ship Maintenance

Timestamp: [07:56]

Congressman Norcross reflects on the emotional and logistical aspects of dry docking the Battleship New Jersey for the first time since it became a museum. Observing the ship's 180-degree turn and its return to the Delaware River brought back memories of its storied past.

Norcross: "Watching it reminded me as we brought it up from Cape May, all the way up the river, you could see just thousands of people on both sides because you know, it's iconic." ([08:00])

He commends the dedicated crew at Philly Ship Repair for their around-the-clock efforts during the 78-day dry docking period, ensuring the ship remains a pristine historical artifact.

Key Points:

• The significance of dry docking in preserving the ship’s condition.
• Community support and public interest in the battleship.
• The ongoing maintenance efforts to honor the ship's legacy.

Commissioning of the USS New Jersey Submarine

Timestamp: [12:20]

Norcross discusses the commissioning of the new USS New Jersey (SSN 796), the first submarine named after the battleship. He highlights its state-of-the-art Virginia-class design, which accommodates both men and women, symbolizing progress and inclusivity in the Navy.

Norcross: "The USS New Jersey is the first submarine ever built that fully facilitates for both men and women." ([13:38])

He underscores the submarine's role in continuing the proud legacy of its namesake, emphasizing its strategic importance in modern naval operations.

Key Points:

• The innovative design and capabilities of the Virginia-class submarines.
• The symbolic continuity between the battleship and the new submarine.
• The strategic significance of the USS New Jersey in contemporary naval defense.

Role on the House Armed Services Committee

Timestamp: [14:02]

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee's Sea Power and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Norcross sheds light on his responsibilities overseeing Navy and Marine Corps acquisition programs. His background in construction and labor provides him with a unique perspective on naval procurement and shipbuilding.

Norcross: "I have been in the construction industry and certainly know how to build things. So when we as armed Services have to make those decisions, not only which Ships to build, which vessels we're currently upgrading." ([14:02])

He emphasizes the importance of balancing quantity with capabilities, focusing on the strategic value each vessel brings to the fleet.

Key Points:

• Oversight of naval acquisition and shipbuilding programs.
• Balancing fleet size with the strategic capabilities of each vessel.
• Ensuring domestic workforce involvement in ship production to maintain technological sovereignty.

The Future of the Navy Fleet

Timestamp: [16:56]

The discussion shifts to the evolving landscape of naval warfare and the future composition of the Navy fleet. Norcross argues that the future lies in enhancing undersea and missile submarine capabilities rather than merely increasing the number of surface ships.

Norcross: "I do not see any time in my lifetime us not putting our full faith and effort into our undersea and those undersea assets are probably the greatest mechanism to keep that nuclear triad to keep at bay those who want to do us harm." ([16:56])

He cites recent conflicts, such as those in Ukraine, to illustrate the shifting dynamics and the need for adaptable and technologically advanced naval assets.

Key Points:

• Emphasis on undersea warfare capabilities.
• The strategic importance of missile submarines in maintaining the nuclear triad.
• Adapting naval strategies to address modern threats and technological advancements.

Importance of Maintaining Historic Ships

Timestamp: [21:10]

Norcross advocates for the preservation of historic naval vessels, arguing that they serve as vital educational tools and symbols of national pride. He highlights the economic and community benefits these ships bring, citing the Battleship New Jersey's significant contribution to the local economy.

Norcross: "Understanding our history, because if we forget that, it will quite frankly impact what we do in the future." ([22:13])

He introduces the recently proposed "Save Our Ships Act," aiming to secure federal funding for the maintenance of museum ships across the country, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Key Points:

• Historic ships as educational and cultural landmarks.
• Economic benefits derived from museum ships.
• Legislative efforts to secure federal support for naval heritage preservation.

Vision for the Next 25 Years

Timestamp: [25:50]

In concluding the episode, Congressman Norcross shares his aspirations for the Battleship New Jersey over the next quarter-century. He envisions a future where the battleship continues to receive steady funding, remains a beacon of civic pride, and serves as a training ground for future service members.

Norcross: "I just want to finish up by thanking those in the original home port alliance, those who contributed those dollars. If it wasn't for all of them, and their names are etched in history on the battleship, we wouldn't have it here today." ([25:50])

He underscores the importance of bipartisan support for historic preservation and the enduring legacy of the battleship in inspiring future generations.

Key Points:

• Ensuring consistent funding for ongoing maintenance and operations.
• Strengthening the battleship's role in community engagement and education.
• Honoring the contributions of past advocates and maintaining the ship’s legacy.

Conclusion

This episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast masterfully blends historical insights with contemporary naval strategy, all through the lens of Congressman Donald Norcross's extensive experience and dedication. From the intricate logistics of maintaining a museum ship to the forward-looking perspectives on naval warfare, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the Battleship New Jersey's enduring significance and the vital efforts to preserve its legacy for future generations.

Notable Quotes:

• "There was a group of individuals from the southern part saying, hey, wait a minute, we deserve a shot at this level." – Congressman Norcross ([02:29])
• "Watching it reminded me... you could see just thousands of people on both sides because you know, it's iconic." – Congressman Norcross ([08:00])
• "The USS New Jersey is the first submarine ever built that fully facilitates for both men and women." – Congressman Norcross ([13:38])
• "I do not see any time in my lifetime us not putting our full faith and effort into our undersea." – Congressman Norcross ([16:56])
• "Understanding our history, because if we forget that, it will quite frankly impact what we do in the future." – Congressman Norcross ([22:13])

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Marshall Spevak and Congressman Donald Norcross, highlighting the critical efforts in preserving the Battleship New Jersey, the strategic insights into naval operations, and the commitment to honoring military history.