WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast
Episode: Ken Kirsch: From Vietnam Plankowner to Museum Overnight Encampment Director
Release Date: July 2, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host Marshall Spivak sits down with Ken Kirsch, a distinguished veteran and steward of the USS New Jersey's enduring legacy. Kirsch's journey from a dedicated sailor during the Vietnam War to his current role as the Director of the Overnight Encampment Program offers a profound glimpse into the life aboard America's most decorated battleship.

Early Career and Joining the Navy

[00:12 - 02:26]

Ken Kirsch enlisted in the Navy in 1965, seeking to avoid the draft into the Army by opting for naval service. Initially assigned to the USS Simon Lake, a Polaris submarine tender stationed in Scotland, Kirsch served as a Machinery Repairman 3rd Class. His expertise in machining and repair laid the foundation for his pivotal role in bringing the USS New Jersey back to operational status.

“I knew I was going to get drafted and I wanted to be in the Navy and I didn't want to go in the army, so I went and signed up for the Navy.”
— Ken Kirsch [02:18]

Transition to the USS New Jersey

[02:38 - 03:33]

Kirsch's transition from the USS Simon Lake to the USS New Jersey marked a significant shift in his naval career. The grandeur of the Iowa-class battleship left a lasting impression on him, highlighting the stark differences in scale and operation compared to his previous assignment.

“I was awestruck when I saw the majestic battleship when I walked around upon the pier to it. Yes, it was much bigger.”
— Ken Kirsch [03:19]

Reactivating the USS New Jersey

[03:55 - 05:30]

In 1968, Kirsch played a crucial role at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, part of the Pre-Commissioning Unit tasked with reactivating the USS New Jersey for its third commissioning. The ship, which had been decommissioned after the Korean War, required extensive overhauls, including cleaning cosmoline, repairing rusted sections, and restoring the machinery to operational condition.

“You break it, we make it.”
— Ken Kirsch [02:38]

Life Aboard During the Vietnam Deployment

[05:48 - 14:38]

Serving aboard the USS New Jersey during the Vietnam War, Kirsch witnessed the battleship's formidable firepower firsthand. The ship fired an astonishing 5,688 rounds from its 16-inch guns and over 14,000 rounds from its 5-inch mounts, providing critical support to American and allied forces.

Daily Operations and Fire Missions
The crew maintained a rigorous schedule, ensuring that at least one turret was always manned and ready. Kirsch detailed the intense atmosphere on board, especially during fire missions and the constant readiness required to respond to support calls.

“We always had one 16 inch mount, one 5 inch mount, manned and ready.”
— Ken Kirsch [11:33]

Handling Adversity: Typhoon Encounter
One of the most harrowing experiences Kirsch recounts was enduring a powerful typhoon between the Philippines and Japan. The USS New Jersey faced significant damage, including flooded decks and compromised lifeboats, yet the crew's resilience ensured that critical repairs were made even amidst the storm.

“There was a lot of work going on up there. They had to overhaul all the machines in the machine shop.”
— Ken Kirsch [05:04]

Leadership Under Captain J. Edward Snyder

[22:27 - 25:40]

Captain J. Edward Snyder, affectionately known as “the Phantom,” exemplified exceptional leadership and camaraderie. Unlike previous captains who maintained strict protocols, Snyder fostered a more relaxed and approachable environment. He personally engaged with the crew, ensuring their well-being and maintaining high morale through simple yet impactful actions, such as improving the quality of food on board.

“He was a sailor's captain. If you had a birthday during that month, part of the mess deck was closed off and you were invited down there to have dinner with the captain.”
— Ken Kirsch [22:27]

Notable Moments and Anecdotes

[24:15 - 44:23]

Christmas 1968 with Bob Hope
A memorable highlight during Kirsch's service was hosting Bob Hope on Christmas Day 1968. The festivities included performances from renowned entertainers and a heartfelt Christmas dinner, solidifying the ship's role as a bastion of morale and support for the troops.

“I took down one of the sailors and had my Christmas dinner with December 25, 1968.”
— Ken Kirsch [27:35]

Gun Line Operations and Safety Incidents
Kirsch described the ship's operational protocols on the gun line, emphasizing the constant readiness and the balance between maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring crew safety. A significant incident involved a hangfire in one of the guns, showcasing the dangers faced by sailors and the swift actions taken to mitigate potential disasters.

“We had a hang fire in one of the guns... They took seven guys and they went in the gun.”
— Ken Kirsch [43:19]

Post-Service Life and Legacy

[35:03 - 45:37]

After his honorable discharge, Kirsch transitioned smoothly into civilian life, leveraging his naval skills in the information technology sector. However, his enduring connection to the USS New Jersey led him back, not as a sailor, but as a passionate advocate and director of the museum's Overnight Encampment Program.

Return to the Battleship
Kirsch's return was fueled by a desire to preserve the ship's history and share his experiences with future generations. His role involves guiding young visitors through the ship, imparting the rich heritage of the USS New Jersey and instilling a sense of pride and respect for those who served.

“It's part of me. I enjoy it. It's something I can do to pass on to other people.”
— Ken Kirsch [43:08]

Director of Overnight Encampment Program

[40:25 - 43:19]

In his current role, Kirsch oversees the Overnight Encampment Program, which offers young visitors a hands-on experience of life aboard the battleship. Participants are guided through various sections, partake in simulated naval activities, and gain firsthand insight into the daily lives of the ship's crew during its active service years.

“We bring them aboard between 5 and 6, and we assign them to a bunk area in one of the compartments where the sailors actually slept.”
— Ken Kirsch [40:35]

Final Reflections and Continuing Legacy

[44:30 - End]

Ken Kirsch reflects on his naval career with pride and gratitude, acknowledging both the challenges and the honor of serving aboard the USS New Jersey. His unwavering dedication ensures that the ship's legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations, preserving the rich history of one of America's most storied naval vessels.

“Everybody come to the battleship. It's a piece of living history. It's a beautiful ship, it's in good condition considering the amount of people we have maintaining it.”
— Ken Kirsch [45:08]

Conclusion

Ken Kirsch's narrative is a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of those who served aboard the USS New Jersey. Through his stories and ongoing commitment, the legacy of this legendary battleship remains vibrant, educating and inspiring future generations about the valor and sacrifices of America's naval heroes.

Notable Quotes:

• “I knew I was going to get drafted and I wanted to be in the Navy and I didn't want to go in the army, so I went and signed up for the Navy.”
  — Ken Kirsch [02:18]

• “You break it, we make it.”
  — Ken Kirsch [02:38]

• “He was a sailor's captain. If you had a birthday during that month, part of the mess deck was closed off and you were invited down there to have dinner with the captain.”
  — Ken Kirsch [22:27]

• “It's part of me. I enjoy it. It's something I can do to pass on to other people.”
  — Ken Kirsch [43:08]

• “Everybody come to the battleship. It's a piece of living history. It's a beautiful ship, it's in good condition considering the amount of people we have maintaining it.”
  — Ken Kirsch [45:08]

This episode of WETSU offers an intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of the USS New Jersey through the eyes of one of its most dedicated veterans. Ken Kirsch's stories not only honor the ship's past but also ensure its lessons and memories endure for future generations.