WETSU: A BattleshipNJ Podcast

Episode: RADM Blackmon: A Conversation with Vice Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command
Host: Marshall Spevak (CEO, Battleship New Jersey)
Guest: Rear Admiral (RADM) Ken Blackmon (Vice Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command)
Date: September 17, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Marshall Spevak sits down with Rear Admiral Ken Blackmon, a Burlington County, NJ native and the current Vice Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command. The conversation explores Admiral Blackmon’s journey from growing up near Maguire Air Force Base, through his decades of naval service, to his central role in organizing the Navy’s upcoming 250th birthday celebrations. Listeners gain insights into life at sea, career-defining moments, the evolving fleet, and how New Jersey’s military community continues to shape and support the Navy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Early Influences and Joining the Navy

• Legacy and Inspiration

  • Family ties: Admiral Blackmon’s father served as a naval officer in the 1960s (02:27).
  • ROTC at George Washington University (GWU) made higher education and a military career possible.

• New Jersey Roots

  • Grew up in Chesterfield, Burlington County.
  • Daily exposure to military dependents at Northern Burlington Regional HS, close to Maguire Air Force Base:

    “That history of service was something I saw every day...” (03:34 – Blackmon)

2. Early Navy Career and Desert Storm

• Spruance-Class Destroyer: USS David Ray

  • Multiple roles: strike warfare officer, electrical officer, navigator, administrative officer.

• Experiences in the Arabian Gulf

  • Saw real-world consequences when Iraq invaded Kuwait while his ship operated just 20 miles offshore in 1990.

    “We could see the dog fights, the aircraft on the radar... it was a little tenuous until the carrier got into the area there.” (05:43 – Blackmon)

• Transition to Leadership at Sea

  • The challenge and abruptness of moving from college life to commanding sailors:

    “One day you’re hanging out at GW… and then boom, you’re leading a group of… about 20 sailors.” (07:08 – Blackmon)

3. The Move from Active Duty to Naval Reserve

• Personal and Professional Factors
  • After four years, chose the Reserve to return to NJ and family following the loss of grandparents during deployments.
  • Continued contributing via Reserve units at Philadelphia Navy Yard:

    “It was a tough decision, but I’m so glad I continued to serve.” (09:50 – Blackmon)

4. Evolution of Naval Technology and the Fleet

• Spruance vs. Arleigh Burke Destroyers
  • Spruance lacked modern phased-array radar.
  • Arleigh Burke (DDG) class now forms the Navy’s “workhorses.”

    “The current DDGs... are really our workhorses of the Navy... I see destroyer tin can sailors, Tin Can Navy there.” (10:20 – Blackmon)

5. Career-Defining Deployments and Influences

• Notable Operations
  • Desert Storm and Red Sea ship boarding ops (66 boardings in 1992).
  • Memorable experiences, including port visits (Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore) and diving in the Red Sea.

6. The Special Connection to Battleship New Jersey

• Promotion Ceremony on BB-62
  • Chose the Battleship New Jersey for his rear admiral promotion due to meaningful past ties, including seeing BB-62 in Long Beach while serving on the David Ray.

    “There was no better place to do it really... it was perfect weather, everything pre-COVID.” (14:46 – Blackmon)

7. Command Roles and Historic Continuity

• Deputy Commander, U.S. Third Fleet
  • Reflected on stepping into roles once held by legends like Admiral Halsey, fellow NJ native and Third Fleet Commander in WWII.
  • Expressed pride in NJ’s ongoing contribution to Navy leadership.

8. Current Role at Fleet Forces Command

• Responsibilities of Vice Commander

  • Advise and augment Fleet Forces leadership in preparing, deploying, and training all East Coast naval forces.
  • Oversee support for ballistic missile submarines and homeland defense.
  • 1,000 Reserve sailors support U.S. Fleet Forces, providing 40% of manpower at the Maritime Operations Center.

• Recent Major Exercises

  • Served as Exercise Director for Large Scale Exercise 2025:

    “A global exercise where we have all 10 of the maritime operations centers... communicating and working in exercise together.” (19:05 – Blackmon)

9. The Navy’s 250th Anniversary (Homecoming 250)

• Significance and Excitement

  • Celebrations in Philadelphia and New Jersey, October 9–16, 2025.
  • Navy and Marine Corps “coming home” to their birthplace.

• Events and Activities

  • Participation of multiple ships: LCS Billings, LCS Cooperstown, USS Lassen (DDG), USS Arlington (LPD), Coast Guard cutters, yard patrol craft, midshipmen’s sailboats (26:04).
  • Public ship tours (free), aviation demos, school outreach, STEM events, static displays, parades, Blue Angels flyover, birthday cake, community engagement.
  • “This is more than a fleet week. We want to really show... how much this area supports the Navy and Marine Corps.” (23:22 – Blackmon)

• Local Ties and Contributions

  • Highlighted Philadelphia’s legacy as home of the Aegis system and other naval innovations.
  • “The celebration continues... Marines will be in force with us. Bring our amphibious ship... Marine static displays and their expertise.” (30:40 – Blackmon)

10. Future of the Navy

• Looking Ahead
  • Integration of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence for modern naval operations.
  • Emphasis on “peace through strength” and deterrence.

    “My hope for the next 250 years is that the US Navy is so strong and formidable that… we deter any future wars.” (33:52 – Blackmon)

Highlighted Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Leadership and Service:

  “Coming out of those experiences made me a better person... times that I’ve been most challenged have been times when… made me a better person.” (38:45 – Blackmon)

• On the Importance of Sailors:

  “Our competitive advantage against the adversary: we have really talented youth. Part of our effort here will be to share... what service above self can really mean.” (30:40 – Blackmon)

• Favorite Liberty Port:

  “I would say Phuket, Thailand was a pretty neat place to go and might have been my first overseas port visit.” (35:08 – Blackmon)

• Ultimate Jersey Question:

  “Pork roll. Absolutely. I mean, I don’t… Who calls it Taylor Ham? Where are they?” (36:45 – Blackmon)

• Memorable Museum Gift:

  “One of my prized possessions is my teak name tag that you guys gave me...” (37:18 – Blackmon)

Notable Segments with Timestamps

• [02:21] Why Admiral Blackmon Joined the Navy; Family legacy and ROTC
• [05:43] Experience during Iraq's invasion of Kuwait
• [07:08] Transition from student to officer/leader
• [13:23] Choosing Battleship New Jersey for Rear Admiral promotion
• [17:11] Explaining role as Vice Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
• [19:05] Leading Large Scale Exercise 2025
• [22:13] Significance of the Navy’s 250th Anniversary & celebration preview
• [26:04] Ship arrivals and public events for Homecoming 250
• [30:40] Navy & Marine Corps history, future, and local technological innovation
• [33:23] The future of the Navy: AI and unmanned systems
• [34:12] Lightning round (favorite ship, liberty port, packed item)
• [36:45] Pork roll vs. Taylor Ham
• [37:18] Reflections walking the decks of Battleship New Jersey
• [38:45] “WETSU” moments: most challenging times at sea (bucket brigade in 110°F heat)
• [39:49] Final invitation and call for public participation in Homecoming 250

Takeaways for Listeners

• Hear firsthand stories of Navy service through historic and modern transitions.
• Learn about the massive urban and community effort behind the Navy’s 250th anniversary.
• Appreciate how New Jersey’s legacy and community still support the nation’s sea services.
• Discover upcoming opportunities during Homecoming 250 to tour ships, meet sailors, and celebrate living history—free and open to the public.

Closing Thoughts

Rear Admiral Blackmon’s career and reflections intertwine the Navy’s storied past with its dynamic present and optimistic future. His deep New Jersey roots, commitment to service, and pride in the Navy and its people stand out—especially as he helps bring the fleet “home” for a major national milestone.

For event details and up-to-date information:

• battleshipnewjersey.org
• homecoming250.org
• navy.mil