WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast
Episode: Mikie Sherrill—From Naval Aviator to Being Elected New Jersey's Next Governor
Date: November 12, 2025
Host: Marshall Spevak, CEO Battleship New Jersey
Guest: Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill
Episode Overview
In this episode, Marshall Spevak welcomes Congresswoman and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, the soon-to-be 57th Governor of New Jersey and the nation's first female military veteran elected governor. The conversation explores Sherrill’s path from naval aviator to public servant; her priorities for veterans and military families as she takes office; the importance of preserving military history; the rewards and challenges of leadership; and candid reflections on her “WETSU” (We Eat This Stuff Up) moments in both the Navy and on the campaign trail.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Mikie Sherrill’s Path to Service & Inspiration
- Family Legacy and Childhood Aspirations
- Inspired to service by her grandfather’s WWII experiences as a pilot, including being shot down over France and rescued ([02:20]).
- From fifth grade, was determined to become an aviator, despite her father’s uncertainty about women’s eligibility for military academies.
- Sherrill graduated with the first class of women eligible for combat aboard ships and aircraft ([02:20–03:21]).
"Growing up in this country with that sense of opportunity and that you could build something different in your future was something that everyone from my parents to my teachers...I knew I could do that."
— Mikie Sherrill, [02:38]
Veteran Support & Advocacy
- Philosophy and Legislative Achievements
- Emphasizes a “deeply held belief” in America’s obligation to all who serve, particularly after their service ([03:34]).
- Cites her work passing the Blue Water Navy Veterans Act (for Agent Orange exposure) and burn pit legislation, expressing frustration at the delay in federal action ([03:34–05:30]).
- Plans as governor: ensure well-managed veterans’ homes, increase access to housing for homeless vets, improve the transmission of information about VA services ([03:34–05:38]).
"I was really proud to pass that, but really pretty disgusted that it had taken our country about 30 years to do that. So...I swore I was not going to allow that to happen again."
— Mikie Sherrill, [04:21]
"In too many cases, the VA has these wonderful services and veterans have no idea that they're eligible for them."
— Mikie Sherrill, [05:18]
- Outreach and Access
- Stresses the need for better outreach: "putting out the billboards...if you need help and you’re a veteran, here’s what you do" ([05:31]).
Preserving Military History & Its Relevance
- Educational Value and Personal Impact
- Advocates for connecting young people with history to foster appreciation for liberty’s sacrifices ([07:24]).
- Shares her experience meeting Paul Robbins, a “plank owner” (original crew member) of the Battleship New Jersey, and the impact of hearing firsthand accounts of World War II ([07:42]).
"It's easy to forget the actual sacrifices of people and what it takes to ensure that success, what it takes to ensure liberty and how precious it is and how important it is that we preserve it."
— Mikie Sherrill, [08:14]
Leadership: A Philosophy of Service
- Advice to Young People, Especially Women and Girls
- Centers leadership on service to others, beyond personal glory or power ([08:56]).
- As a leader in the Navy, prioritized the well-being of those she led ("if somebody was overseas and their pay got messed up and their spouse couldn't make rent, then it was up to me to help figure that out") ([09:22]).
- Intends to bring “servant leadership” to the governor’s office.
"At its best, leadership is about service. It's about what you can do to make the outcome better for the people you lead, about how you protect them."
— Mikie Sherrill, [09:00]
- Memorable Message From Host
- Host Marshall Spevak references his two daughters and asks for guidance to inspire the next generation, underscoring the personal impact of Sherrill’s story ([08:44]).
WETSU Moments: Grit and Resilience
- Most Challenging Yet Rewarding Experiences
- Reminisces about Navy training (the "helicopter dunker," parachuting), despite a dislike of heights ([10:29]).
- Reflects humorously and honestly on the grind and unpredictability of her recent campaign—long days, erratic eating, but deeply inspiring interactions across New Jersey ([10:29–11:37]).
"It was grilling 14 hour days, you know, with a bunch of people trying to not eat crap, failing miserably...But man, it was grilling 14 hour days...So it was really rewarding, like I said, which is why it feels like a real wet zoo moment."
— Mikie Sherrill, [10:40]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Service and Opportunity:
"I knew I could do that. And sure enough, by the time I graduated from the Naval Academy, I graduated with the first class of women eligible for combat on ships and aircraft."
— Mikie Sherrill, [03:10] -
On Passing the Blue Water Navy Veterans Act:
"I was really proud to pass that, but really pretty disgusted that it had taken our country about 30 years to do that."
— Mikie Sherrill, [04:21] -
On Leadership and Service:
"The very best of leadership is servant leadership, and it's incredibly rewarding and something that I will certainly be doing as governor."
— Mikie Sherrill, [09:38] -
On Preserving History:
"It's easy to forget the actual sacrifices of people...and how precious it is, and how important it is that we preserve it."
— Mikie Sherrill, [08:14]
Timestamps of Key Segments
- [02:20] Sherrill’s motivation for military service, family influence, and childhood dreams
- [03:34] Vision for supporting veterans as governor; legislative track record
- [07:24] Importance of preserving military history and youth education
- [08:56] Leadership philosophy; message to young women and aspiring leaders
- [10:29] Most memorable, grueling (“WETSU”) moments in her Navy and campaign experience
- [11:37] Closing thanks and farewell
Episode Tone
The conversation is warm, candid, and inspiring, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking optimism. Governor-elect Sherrill shares with humility, authenticity, and humor, making the discussion both accessible and compelling for audiences interested in leadership, service, history, and the enduring relevance of military values in public life.