On this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host and CEO Marshall Spevak welcomes a very special guest: Congresswoman and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill.

Fresh off her election as New Jersey’s 57th Governor, Governor-elect Sherrill reflects on her journey of service — from the halls of the U.S. Naval Academy, to the skies as a Navy helicopter pilot, to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, and soon, the Statehouse in Trenton.She shares her thoughts on servant leadership, the importance of preserving our history, and how her time in uniform continues to shape her approach to public service.

As a proud Navy veteran, Governor-elect Sherrill understands the legacy of the Battleship New Jersey — a symbol of our state’s strength, our veterans’ sacrifices, and our nation’s naval heritage. 

WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey podcast is proudly sponsored by Engineers Labor Employer Cooperative ELEC 825.

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In this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host and CEO Marshall Spevak welcomes a special guest—Bill Kraus, Co-Founder of Mission BBQ.

With more than 140 locations across 23 states, including several here in New Jersey, Mission BBQ has become a national symbol of patriotism served with a side of authentic, slow-smoked flavor. The company is also a proud catering partner of the Battleship New Jersey.

In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, Bill reflects on his early days as one of the first employees at Under Armour and how that experience fueled his entrepreneurial drive to create Mission BBQ. He shares stories behind the brand’s deeply rooted patriotic traditions, his favorite item on the menu, and his passionate support for the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C.—a cause close to his heart.

Whether you’ve enjoyed Mission BBQ on board the Battleship or at one of their restaurants nationwide, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the company’s mission, its people, and the values that unite us all.

Special Note: This episode was recorded in early September 2025. On September 17, 2025, Bill’s son, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, age 39, was tragically killed along with three fellow soldiers in a helicopter training accident in the State of Washington. The entire Battleship New Jersey crew extends our deepest condolences to Bill and his family.

To make a donation to the GWOT memorial in Andrew’s honor, please visit: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/donate/

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

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In this special episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO and host Marshall Spevak is joined by George Leone, President and Chair of Homecoming250, the nonprofit leading the charge in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

George shares the history and exciting vision behind this once-in-a-generation celebration, set to take place across Philadelphia and South Jersey in October and November 2025. From the arrival of Navy ships you’ll be able to tour, to major headline events that will bring our region to life, listeners will get a front-row seat to all the planning and festivities that honor two and a half centuries of naval tradition.

Whether you’re traveling to the region to celebrate, a local looking to explore active-duty Navy ships, or simply someone passionate about naval and American history, this episode has everything you need to know about Navy and Marine Corps 250. Tune in and get ready to be part of history.

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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On this very special bonus episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO and Host Marshall Spevak welcomes the 56th Governor of New Jersey and Commander-in-Chief of the New Jersey National Guard, the Honorable Phil Murphy.

In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, Governor Murphy reflects on nearly eight years in office and his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Germany. He shares stories from his visits with U.S. troops in Afghanistan, overseeing the highest operational tempo in New Jersey National Guard history, and his recent trip to the U.S. 5th Fleet. The Governor also highlights milestone moments, including the commissioning of the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN-796) and his deep admiration for the legendary Battleship New Jersey.

The discussion also explores his newly signed legislation that creates two distinct cabinet-level departments, one dedicated to the National Guard and another focused solely on Veterans Affairs—an historic step for New Jersey.

Don’t miss this engaging bonus episode filled with leadership insights, military history, and even a few surprise moments—listen closely, and you just might hear Governor Murphy embrace the iconic WETSU spirit himself.

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

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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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On this episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host and CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with CDR Skip Leeson, who served as Commanding Officer of the USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) Reserve Unit in the 1980s.

In this wide-ranging conversation, CDR Leeson reflects on his active-duty service off the coast of Vietnam—where his ship was part of the New Jersey’s protective convoy near the DMZ—and shares remarkable insights from one of the most significant chapters in the battleship’s modern history. He recounts organizing and executing the largest peacetime crew relief in U.S. Navy history during the New Jersey’s 190-day deployment off Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983–1984.

From the raw power of 16-inch guns to the camaraderie of sailors serving aboard a legendary warship, CDR Leeson offers a firsthand look at life on the battleship and the pivotal moments that shaped its Cold War service. Join us for another unforgettable conversation with a NEW JERSEY veteran. WETSU!

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On this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, host Marshall Spevak sits down with author, historian, and USS New Jersey (BB-62) veteran Paul Stillwell—one of the foremost authorities on America’s most decorated battleship.

In this engaging conversation, Paul reflects on his 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy, shares vivid stories from his time as a crew member aboard the New Jersey, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ship’s third decommissioning.

Paul also previews his highly anticipated new book, Battleship New Jersey: The Complete History, releasing August 5th, 2025—a definitive second edition chronicling the legacy, heroism, and the 45,000 sailors and Marines who served aboard this iconic vessel. You can preorder a copy of his new book here.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Paul’s work, fascinated by life at sea, or simply want to hear untold stories from the decks of the Big J, you won’t want to miss this episode of WETSU.

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

Use the code WETSU for 10% off your copy of Battleship New Jersey: The Complete History.

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On this episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, we’re giving the people exactly what they’ve been asking for: an in-depth conversation with our very own Curator, Ryan Szimanski!

Join host Marshall Spevak as he sits down with Ryan to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to care for, interpret, and share the story of America’s most decorated battleship. From the massive undertaking of dry docking a 45,000-ton historic warship, to the surprising artifacts and hidden treasures that turn up in the ship’s steel corridors, Ryan shares his unique perspective on preserving living naval history.

They’ll also dive into what it’s like balancing curatorial duties with building a thriving online community — including behind-the-scenes insights on growing the Battleship New Jersey’s YouTube channel to more than 270,000 subscribers worldwide. Expect plenty of fascinating ship stories, some laughs, and a few sneak peeks at what’s next for the Battleship’s collections and restoration efforts.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Ryan’s YouTube videos or just curious about what it takes to keep this historic vessel shipshape, you won’t want to miss this special, curator-focused episode of WETSU. Tune in now and get your fix of big guns, bigger stories, and the dedicated crew who keep naval history alive!

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

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On this episode of WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO and Host Marshall Spevak welcomes Ken Kersch, a proud veteran of the USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) who served during her Vietnam War deployment.

A plankowner from the ship’s 1968 recommissioning, Ken personifies the WETSU spirit—"We Eat This Stuff Up"—from his days preparing the Battleship for war to standing the watch off the coast of North Vietnam. In this compelling and heartfelt conversation, Ken shares firsthand stories of the ship's activation, life as part of the pre-commissioning crew, combat operations in theater, and the pride of serving aboard America’s most decorated battleship.

Now, more than 50 years later, Ken continues his service as a member of the museum staff, embodying our mission to honor veterans, preserve their legacy, and inspire future generations.

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

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On this episode of WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast, CEO and Host Marshall Spevak welcomes Commander Carne Livingston, USN, for an engaging and insightful discussion that captures the breadth of a distinguished naval career.

CDR Livingston exemplifies the phrase “join the Navy, see the world,” having served across a diverse array of platforms—including landing helicopter docks (LHDs), amphibious transport docks (LPDs), and guided-missile destroyers (DDGs). Most notably, he served as the Plankowner Commanding Officer of USS JOHN BASILONE (DDG-122), which was officially commissioned into active service in November 2024.

In this comprehensive conversation, CDR Livingston recounts key moments from his time at sea, offers a firsthand perspective on the complex process of bringing a new warship into the fleet, and reflects on the connection between the crew of JOHN BASILONE and the historic Battleship New Jersey.

This episode offers a rare look into the operational realities and leadership demands of modern naval service—through the lens of a seasoned commander and trusted steward of naval tradition. Don’t miss this compelling dialogue with CDR Carne Livingston, a respected officer and steadfast supporter of the Battleship New Jersey.

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

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