WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast
Episode: George Leone on Leading the Charge of Homecoming 250 This Fall
Date: October 1, 2025
Host: Marshall Spevak, CEO of Battleship New Jersey
Guest: George Leone, President & Chair of Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps
Overview
This special edition episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast centers on the upcoming Navy Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebrations in Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey. Guest George Leone—President and Chair of Homecoming 250 and Battleship NJ trustee—joins host Marshall Spevak to discuss the origins, planning, and highlights of the massive multi-day events recognizing 250 years of Navy and Marine Corps history. Rich with stories, personal reflections, and practical information, the episode is an all-access preview for history enthusiasts, veterans, and families alike.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Genesis of Homecoming 250
Personal Motivation and Institutional Vision
- Origins: After retiring from the bench, Leone sought to participate in America’s 250th birthday (the Semiquincentennial), only to find scant planning focused on the military’s origins—despite Philadelphia being the birthplace of not just the country but its armed services (01:50).
- Battleship Involvement: As a trustee of the Battleship New Jersey, Leone envisioned leveraging the unique historical assets of the area—ships representing every major American war since the Revolution—to make the Navy's 250th an inclusive celebration.
- Quote:
“I told my wife that idea and my wife said it was a very good idea, which she does not say very often.” —George Leone (02:53)
2. Personal Connection to the Celebration
Honoring Family and Service
- Leone’s father was a WWII Navy veteran; his early mentor, a WWII Marine.
- Quote:
“It's my chance to honor him… I like to think this honors them.” —George Leone (04:33)
- Meaning for the community: Leone emphasizes how the Delaware River region was crucial in American and naval history.
3. October’s Signature Events (05:43)
Parade of Ships — October 9th
- Nine modern Navy ships, two Coast Guard cutters, and three historic ships converge on the Delaware River.
- Ships include amphibious and destroyer vessels, four Naval Academy ships, and even a nuclear fast-attack submarine (10:04).
- First-time submarine appearance on the Delaware:
“To get a submarine in particular was a big achievement.” —George Leone (11:27)
- Enterprise Stern Plate Unveiling:
- The stern plate of USS Enterprise, the most decorated Navy ship, will be displayed on the Battleship New Jersey for several years (08:00).
- Quote:
“The stern plate’s going to come down here and get unveiled on October 9 and be at the New Jersey for the next several years… as the holy grail of naval artifacts.” —George Leone (08:45)
Ken Burns “The American Revolution” Series Preview
- 7:00 PM, adjacent to the battleship: Private preview of the new Ken Burns documentary series (09:33).
Free Public Ship Tours — October 10-15
- Modern and historic ships open for tours 10am–4pm.
- Quote:
“All those ships that George just mentioned are completely free of charge to tour.” —Marshall Spevak (10:57)
Expanded Event Scope Beyond Fleet Week
- Special flyovers, Army-Navy soccer with men’s and women’s teams (Sweet Park), Navy-Temple football game, and air displays (12:00–13:13).
- Historic church service commemorating John Paul Jones’s first American flag event, and a massive parade focused on young military entrants (13:19).
- Quote:
“7,000 people marching… bands from Navy and the Marine Corps… civilian bands, ROTC students, floats, balloons. It’ll be a great parade to see.” —George Leone (13:47)
- All-Veterans Picnic and Victory at Sea concert on Independence Mall, followed by fireworks over the Delaware River (15:20–16:55).
4. Education & Community Outreach (17:34)
- STEM competitions: Student-built sailboats and submersibles, judged October 12th.
- School visits: Veterans and service members deliver talks; flyovers and helicopter landings at local high schools.
- Navigating the Past Academic Symposium:
- Hosted by UPenn and Rutgers; day one covers early Navy history, day two (on the battleship) focuses on WWII and later (18:30).
5. November: Celebrating the Marine Corps’ 250th (23:47)
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Events Planned Around Marines’ Birthday (Nov 10):
- Ceremony at the grave of Samuel Nicholas, first Marine commandant.
- Marine Corps 250th commemoration at Independence Hall with anticipated flyovers and speeches by high-ranking officials.
- Block party at the site of historic Tun Tavern (with plans to recreate the tavern).
- 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Bellevue Hotel, with auxiliary celebrations at the Museum of the American Revolution (23:47–29:21).
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Battleship Events (Nov 11):
- Marine-focused Veterans Day ceremony with Medal of Honor recipient Col. Harvey Barnum Jr.
- Ribbon-cutting for the battleship’s Marine detachment berthing space.
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Quote:
“If you’re a Marine you should come twice. … See your amips, F35s… come back in November to really celebrate the birth and have a great time.” —George Leone (28:45)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Planning the Unplannable:
“The original idea proved to be harder to realize than I thought…” —George Leone (02:53)
- Making Navy History Accessible:
“We want to revive that…this was a Navy town for well over 200 years.” —George Leone (18:05)
- On Traditions & Legacy:
“The tradition I’d most like to keep is selfless service—that’s what the military teaches everyone who goes into it.” —George Leone (22:20)
- Choosing a Dream Ship (excluding Battleship New Jersey):
“It might be the Enterprise. She was everywhere, doing everything… there were periods where she was the only American carrier operational in the Pacific, the only thing that stood between Japan and further conquest.” —George Leone (22:55)
Timeline of Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment/Highlight | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:21 | Origin and personal motivation for Homecoming 250 | | 04:33 | Connection to family, meaning of celebration | | 05:43 | Preview of October and November events | | 09:12 | Details on parade of ships, historical artifact unveiling | | 11:07 | Public ship tours and differences from Navy Fleet Week | | 13:19 | Naval history parade, Independence Mall celebration | | 15:20 | Veterans’ picnic and Victory at Sea concert | | 16:55 | Fireworks over the Delaware River | | 17:34 | School, youth, and community engagement efforts | | 18:30 | “Navigating the Past” academic symposium details | | 19:23 | Leone’s favorite event and aviation passion | | 19:58 | Lightning round—naval heroes and legacy traditions | | 23:47 | November Marine Corps 250th programs and birthday balls | | 28:45 | Battleship New Jersey’s Veterans Day and Marine Corps events | | 29:55 | Where listeners can find up-to-date info: www.homecoming250.org |
Resources & Further Information
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Event Information & Updates:
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Quote:
“Best place to get that information is at the Homecoming 250 website… homecoming250.org.” —George Leone (30:12)
Closing Highlights
- George Leone’s driving message is one of remembrance, education, and community—honoring service rather than simply commemorating history.
- The events aim not only to celebrate the Navy and Marine Corps, but to reconnect the region to its deep military roots and involve the next generation.
- The enthusiasm of Leone and the Battleship NJ team is palpable, marking this as a can’t-miss occasion for history lovers, families, and veterans alike.
If you want an immersive dive into Navy and Marine Corps history—with some unforgettable riverfront spectacles—mark your calendar and visit the event pages above.