On this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, we proudly hosted Rear Admiral Kenneth R. Blackmon, Vice Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Admiral Blackmon sat down with Battleship CEO & Host Marshall Spevak for a dynamic conversation tracing his remarkable journey—from witnessing the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait as a junior officer aboard USS DAVID R. RAY (DD-961), to rising through the ranks from Ensign to Flag Officer. Over more than three decades in uniform, RADM Blackmon has served in every major theater of operations worldwide, bringing a truly global perspective on leadership and service.

We explore his career highlights, including his tenure as Deputy Commander of the U.S. 3rd Fleet—the same fleet once led in World War II by New Jersey native Fleet Admiral Bull Halsey from the Flag Bridge of Battleship New Jersey—and his current leadership role in preparing for the Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday celebration, coming to Philadelphia and South Jersey October 9–16, 2025.

If you want a firsthand look at naval leadership, history, and the exciting plans for the 250th, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Admiral Blackmon is not only a great friend of the Battleship, but also a passionate leader of America’s “away team.”

For more news and info about the upcoming Homecoming 250 celebrations this Fall, please visit:

https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/homecoming-250-events/

homecoming250.org

navy.mil/Navy-250

WETSU: A Battleship NJ Podcast is proudly sponsored by Engineers Labor Employer Cooperative ELEC 825.

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