WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast

Episode: Governor Phil Murphy—A Candid Conversation on his Work for the State of New Jersey

Host: Marshall Spevak

Guest: Governor Phil Murphy

Original Airdate: September 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features a wide-ranging, candid conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, focusing on his tenure’s impact on veterans and the active-duty military community, New Jersey’s strategic defense infrastructure, military diplomacy abroad, and the proud legacy of the Battleship New Jersey. The discussion, hosted by Marshall Spevak, CEO and Executive Director of the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial, highlights significant milestones, personal anecdotes, and Murphy’s vision for supporting military families and preserving both history and readiness in New Jersey.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Military Diplomacy and Experience as U.S. Ambassador to Germany

[02:11–04:46]

• Murphy recalls his four years as U.S. Ambassador to Germany, a country hosting 35,000 U.S. military personnel.
  • Developed deep ties with both American and German military, including NATO operations in Afghanistan.
• Adopted an on-the-ground approach to assessing realities in Afghanistan, resulting in annual visits with the Bundeswehr and U.S. troops.
• Successful advocacy helped Germany maintain its commitment to the Afghan mission.

“The Germans to their credit, stayed the course every step of the way in Afghanistan till the bitter end. But just great, great lifelong memories and experiences with our military.”
—Governor Murphy [04:34]

2. Leadership as Commander-in-Chief of the New Jersey National Guard

[04:46–06:34]

• Oversaw the Guard’s highest operational tempo, including major deployments in the Middle East (second-largest since WWII).
• Expressed deep pride in the safe return of all Guard members.
• Praised the Guard’s vital contributions during COVID-19—setting up testing/vaccine centers and emergency medical facilities.
• Commended General Mayes and her predecessor for leadership, especially with a medical background during the pandemic.

“The National Guard did an enormous amount of good … just extraordinary work.”
—Governor Murphy [05:32]

3. New Jersey's Strategic Military Installations & Economic Benefits

[06:34–09:31]

• Marshall highlights bases: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Weapons Station Earle, 177th Fighter Wing, Picatinny Arsenal, Coast Guard station at Cape May, and Fort Monmouth’s transformation.
• Governor Murphy emphasizes the economic and job creation engine these bases provide—military and civilian.
• Worked closely with congressional leaders to defend against job losses (notably at Picatinny Arsenal) and to attract new military investments.
• Created the Office of Strategic Defense Investment to protect and grow military presence.

“If you said quick two words, what two words describe New Jersey… it’s talent and location.”
—Governor Murphy [08:32]

4. USS New Jersey Rejoins the Fleet—Submarine Commissioning and State Pride

[09:31–11:55]

• Celebrates the commissioning of USS New Jersey SSN 796, a Virginia-class fast attack submarine.
• Details the ship’s technological and social milestones—first to accommodate both male and female sailors.
• Shares the story of Jon Bon Jovi’s handwritten “Living on a Prayer” lyrics hanging onboard, representing unique Jersey pride.

“To get the words ‘New Jersey’ back into the water with the most sophisticated submarine on the planet... What could be more Jersey than Living on a Prayer handwritten by Jon Bon Jovi?”
—Governor Murphy [11:33]

5. Visit to U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain & Supporting NJ Sailors Abroad

[12:26–15:13]

• On a recent Middle East trade mission, Murphy toured the U.S. Fifth Fleet’s headquarters and ships, delivering Battleship New Jersey hats to NJ sailors and presenting a Bon Jovi-signed guitar to the admiral.
• Highlights the global service of the Coast Guard, beyond the U.S., in cooperation with Navy fleets.

“Our Coast Guard does indispensable work around the world with our fleets... It made you really proud of who we are as a nation.”
—Governor Murphy [14:13]

6. Expanding Veterans Services: Every County Gets an Office

[15:13–17:30]

• Murphy details fulfillment of his pledge for all 21 NJ counties to have a Veterans Service Office by end of 2024—making vital assistance more accessible.
• Names challenges still ahead, especially healthcare and mental health for veterans—spotlighting ongoing efforts despite federal limitations.

“It’s just shameful…that we didn’t have more convenient, immediate service locations for our blessed veterans.”
—Governor Murphy [15:34]

7. Legislative Milestone: Splitting Military & Veterans Affairs Departments

[17:30–20:33]

• Discusses new legislation separating New Jersey’s military affairs and veterans affairs into two departments, driven by lessons from the pandemic and changing needs.
• Emphasizes that readiness for the active Guard differs from veteran care, and this move will enhance focus and accountability in both areas.
• Vinnie Solomono to head the new Veterans Affairs department; General Mayes continues to lead military affairs.

“What you need for an active duty military and what you need for a veteran are different realities… I think this is still the right thing to do.”
—Governor Murphy [18:22, 19:55]

8. The Battleship as State Ship and Symbol of Heritage

[20:33–22:38]

• Recounts witnessing the Battleship New Jersey’s first departure from the pier in 25 years—calls it a huge source of pride, especially for the state’s upcoming 250th Navy/Marine Corps anniversary and then nation’s semi-quincentennial in 2026.
• Discusses New Jersey’s efforts to secure its place in Revolutionary War history—announces Ken Burns’ upcoming Revolutionary War documentary as a New Jersey highlight.

“To have the Big J sitting there as a living monument, the most decorated battleship in the history of our Navy… is a big badge of honor.”
—Governor Murphy [21:29]

9. Defining the “WETSU” Spirit: Grit and Pride

[22:38–24:33]

• Marshall asks Governor Murphy for his own “WETSU” moments—recalling leading through COVID, battling cancer, to uplifting events like the USS New Jersey commissioning.
• Murphy lauds Jersey’s spirit and grit (“we eat this stuff up!”), hinting he may borrow the phrase as governor.

“We do tough, dirty, hard work, but we do it with a kick in our step and a smile and our head held high… If you’re looking for somebody to do the 20-hour shift and get dirty and mucky and sweat like hell, call 1-800-NEW JERSEY… we’ll do the job for you.”
—Governor Murphy [23:16–24:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:01 | Phil Murphy | “We eat this stuff up.” | | 04:34 | Phil Murphy | “The Germans to their credit, stayed the course every step of the way in Afghanistan till the bitter end…” | | 08:32 | Phil Murphy | “It’s talent and location.” | | 11:33 | Phil Murphy | “What could be more Jersey than Living on a Prayer, handwritten by Jon Bon Jovi.” | | 15:34 | Phil Murphy | “It’s just shameful…we didn’t have more convenient…service locations for our blessed veterans.” | | 23:16 | Phil Murphy | “We do tough, dirty, hard work, but we do it with a kick in our step and a smile and our head held high.” | | 23:59 | Phil Murphy | “Call 1-800-NEW JERSEY and we’ll do the job for you.” |

Important Timestamps

• 02:11: Governor reflects on his time as Ambassador and military relations
• 04:46: Discussing leadership of the NJ National Guard and its COVID and Middle East deployments
• 06:34: New Jersey’s importance as a defense hub and economic engine
• 09:31: USS New Jersey submarine commissioning and Jersey heritage
• 12:26: Governor’s visit to U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and support for NJ sailors
• 15:13: Accomplishing the goal of Veterans Service Offices in every county
• 17:30: Details and rationale for splitting Military Affairs & Veterans Affairs departments
• 20:33: Battleship New Jersey’s journey and state/national commemorations
• 22:38: “WETSU” moments and Jersey grit

Tone and Style

The conversation is warm, direct, and often lightly humorous—laced with Jersey pride and personal anecdotes. Both Governor Murphy and Marshall Spevak speak with genuine respect for New Jersey’s military legacy and contemporary service, balancing formal insights with colloquial asides.

Summary

Governor Phil Murphy’s appearance on the WETSU podcast highlights his deep engagement with New Jersey's military community, strategic defense investments, and historic preservation efforts. He details the importance of military installations for the state, the impact of his international service, significant legislative actions for veterans, and symbolic milestones like the recommissioning of the USS New Jersey. Throughout, Murphy’s pride in “Jersey grit”—the essence of “We Eat This Stuff Up”—is evident, providing an inspiring narrative for service members, veterans, and citizens alike.