Podcast
WETSU: a BattleshipNJ Podcast
Hosted by Battleship New Jersey · EN
WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast dives into the untold stories of America’s most decorated battleship. Hosted by the Battleship’s CEO, Marshall Spevak, this podcast features interviews with veterans, historians, and key figures connected to the ship’s legacy. We’ll explore life aboard the Battleship, spotlight New Jersey’s military and veteran community, and connect the past to the present. Whether you’re a history buff, a Navy enthusiast, or just curious about the stories behind the steel, WETSU is your all-access pass to the heart of the Battleship New Jersey.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Commander Steve Halle: Helping Build the Legacy of USS New Jersey
Mar 26, 202501:03:47Summary readyDive deep into the legacy of the USS NEW JERSEY—this time, not the legendary battleship, but the cutting-edge Virginia-class submarine!In this must-listen episode of WETSU, host and Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with a distinguished guest: CDR Steve Halle (USN), the Plankowner Commanding Officer of the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN-796).Together, they explore CDR Halle’s remarkable naval career—from his journey through the STA-21 program to navigating the Arctic in ICEX 2018—and the immense responsibility of delivering a nuclear-powered submarine. They also dive into the excitement of Commissioning Week and the enduring bond between the Battleship and its modern namesake. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with a true leader and great friend of the Battleship, CDR Steve Halle!Toward the end of Episode 6 of WETSU, Battleship New Jersey CEO and host Marshall Spevak makes a special promise—Battleship New Jersey will match donations to the Family Readiness Groups (FRG) and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) funds. These programs play a vital role in supporting sailors and their families, strengthening the Navy community. This initiative closely aligns with the Battleship’s mission, and we're pleased to support the growing legacy of our namesake boat. Show your support here: https://ussnjcc.myshopify.com/products/ssn-796-family-readiness-group-frg-donationSend us a textJoin the WETSU community or Follow us on Instagram.
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Captain Joe Benton III: Navigating Giants as a Veteran Docking Pilot & Strategic Sealift Officer
Mar 12, 202500:43:21Summary readyIn this compelling episode of WETSU, Battleship New Jersey CEO & Host Marshall Spevak welcomes Captain Joe Benton III—a veteran docking pilot with McAllister Towing, a Battleship New Jersey Board Trustee, and the only docking pilot in the entire U.S. Navy Reserve.Captain Benton has had the rare honor of maneuvering the 887-foot Battleship New Jersey to and from dry dock on four separate occasions. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes of these high-stakes movements, offering an exclusive look at the intricate logistical, technical, and strategic planning involved in dry docking a national treasure.Beyond the battleship, Captain Benton also serves as a Strategic Sealift Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, training navigators and pilots worldwide on the complex art of guiding massive warships in and out of ports. Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of dry docking, naval logistics, and dedicated service on WETSU. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation!Send us a textJoin the WETSU community or Follow us on Instagram.
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Admiral Reason: Commander, Battle Group Romeo & USS NEW JERSEY Veteran
Feb 26, 202500:46:01Summary readyEpisode 4 of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast brings you an extraordinary conversation with Admiral J. Paul Reason (USN, Ret.), a trailblazing leader whose remarkable career helped shape the modern Navy.Host and CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with Admiral Reason for a candid and captivating discussion, tracing his journey from the U.S. Naval Academy to his pivotal encounter with Admiral Hyman Rickover that secured his place in the nuclear propulsion program. Admiral Reason shares firsthand accounts of his time serving as the Naval Aide to the President of the United States to his command of Battle Group Romeo, where USS New Jersey served as his flagship, and reflects on the leadership, challenges, and historic milestones that defined his service.Notably, Admiral Reason made history as the U.S. Navy’s first Black 4-Star Admiral while serving as Command-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet—an achievement that cemented his legacy as one of the Navy’s most distinguished officers. Don’t miss this compelling episode of WETSU, where history, leadership, and the legacy of USS New Jersey come to life through the words of an iconic naval figure.Please note: Due to technical audio issues during the original recording, some portions of our host’s audio were re-recorded for clarity. However, the conversation with Admiral J. Paul Reason was too outstanding for our listeners to miss. We’re thrilled to share it with you, but please keep this in mind while viewing!Send us a textJoin the WETSU community or Follow us on Instagram.
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Bill Brown: From Navy SEAL to Veterans Advocate
Feb 12, 202501:00:00Summary readyOn Episode 3 of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO & Host Marshall Spevak welcomes retired Navy SEAL Bill Brown for a riveting discussion on service, sacrifice, and leadership.Bill takes us inside his extraordinary career—from the grueling trials of BUD/S to high-stakes missions protecting the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister during Operation Iraqi Freedom and as a first responder to suicide bomber attacks in Iraq. But his dedication to service didn’t end with the Navy. Now an Attorney, Veterans Advocate, and leader of the NYC SEAL Swim, Bill continues to champion the values of patriotic unity.Join us for an insightful conversation about the realities of life as a SEAL, the future of the Navy, and the enduring mission to support those who serve. Don’t miss Episode 3 of WETSU!For more information on the New York City SEAL Swim including the Navy SEAL Foundation’s mission and the August 16 SEAL Swim event this year, we encourage you to check out their website. Send us a textJoin the WETSU community or Follow us on Instagram.
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Congressman Norcross: U.S. Representative & Founding Member of The Home Port Alliance
Jan 29, 202500:27:13Summary readyDive into the second episode of the WETSU Podcast, where Battleship New Jersey CEO and host Marshall Spevak sits down with Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-1st) for an engaging and insightful conversation.In this episode, Congressman Norcross delves into the remarkable journey of the Battleship New Jersey, from the founding of the Home Port Alliance, a 501(c)(3) organization that now stewards the historic ship, to her dramatic transit through the Panama Canal en route to Camden. He also shares his thoughts on the Save Our Ships Act—the Norcross legislation to bring federal funds to museum ships across the country—the ship's recent dry docking and offers a compelling look at the future of the Navy's surface and silent service fleets.Whether you're passionate about the Battleship’s legacy as a museum and memorial or curious about the evolution of the U.S. Navy, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss this fascinating discussion about history, preservation, and the path ahead for our naval forces!Send us a textJoin the WETSU community or Follow us on Instagram.
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Rear Admiral Ronald Tucker: Final Commanding Officer of Battleship NJ
Jan 15, 202500:37:13Summary readyIntroducing the inaugural episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast! Host and CEO Marshall Spevak kicks off the series with a powerful conversation featuring Rear Admiral R.D. Tucker (USN, Ret.), the 19th and final Commanding Officer of the legendary USS New Jersey (BB-62).In this episode, Admiral Tucker reflects on the meaning of WETSU, his distinguished Naval career, and his time at the helm of the Battleship. He also shares insights into commissioning the new USS NEW JERSEY (SSN-796) submarine and much more.Don’t miss this special first episode of WETSU—a must-listen for naval history enthusiasts and Battleship New Jersey fans alike! Tune in now to hear Admiral Tucker’s incredible stories and perspectives.Join the WETSU community or Follow us on Instagram.
SummaryWETSU: Season 1 Trailer
Dec 26, 202400:00:48Summary ready🚨BIG NEWS🚨 On January 15, 2025, we're launching WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey podcast. Our CEO Marshall Spevak will spotlight untold stories with key figures connected to the ship's legacy, explore life onboard with veterans including a former commanding officer, and connect our past and present with New Jersey's military and veteran community leaders. These stories behind the steel will be launching every other Wednesday on our YouTube channel and wherever you listen to your podcasts! Subscribe and follow us @wetsupod to never miss an episode.
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