The popular WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast is back with Episode 16, delivering another deep dive into the stories and legacy of America’s most decorated battleship. Hosted by Marshall Spevak, CEO of Battleship New Jersey, the latest installment features a compelling conversation with CDR Skip Leeson, USN (Ret.), who commanded the USS New Jersey (BB-62) Reserve Unit during the 1980s.
Listeners are treated to firsthand accounts of CDR Leeson’s experiences, including his active-duty service off the coast of Vietnam, where the battleship’s protective convoy operated close to the DMZ. His reflections provide an intimate look at life aboard one of the Navy’s most legendary vessels, offering perspective on what it meant to serve during some of the most critical years in modern naval history.
Among the most riveting moments discussed in the episode is the New Jersey’s 190-day deployment off Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983–1984. CDR Leeson details the extraordinary logistical effort required to organize and execute the largest peacetime crew relief in U.S. Navy history. His storytelling captures the intensity of the mission while also highlighting the camaraderie of the sailors who stood side by side during a pivotal Cold War assignment.
The conversation also brings listeners closer to the raw power and presence of the ship itself. From the thunderous 16-inch guns that made the battleship an icon of naval strength to the challenges and triumphs of managing operations at sea, CDR Leeson paints a vivid picture of the USS New Jersey as both a machine of war and a home for the men who served aboard her.
For Spevak, each podcast episode is more than just an interview—it is a way of preserving history through the voices of those who lived it. By spotlighting veterans like CDR Leeson, WETSU ensures that the stories of service, sacrifice, and leadership tied to the battleship continue to inspire future generations. Episodes are available to watch on YouTube or to stream across podcast platforms, giving listeners multiple ways to connect with the ongoing series.
The name WETSU itself has become a piece of New Jersey naval lore. Coined by RADM Ronald Tucker, the 19th and final commander of the battleship, it stands for “We Eat This Stuff Up”—a phrase that captured the resilient, can-do spirit of sailors during demanding operations. Over time, the motto became synonymous with the ship’s culture, emblazoned on its final battle flag and carried into the present through the podcast.
What started as a rallying cry now serves as a bridge between past and present, keeping alive the pride and legacy of the battleship’s final crew. Today, WETSU has evolved into a thriving community, drawing in veterans, naval enthusiasts, historians, and New Jersey residents alike.
As Battleship New Jersey continues to serve as a floating museum and educational destination in Camden, projects like this podcast are central to keeping the ship’s history alive and accessible. With each new episode, listeners not only learn about military history but also gain insight into leadership, teamwork, and resilience—values that continue to resonate far beyond the decks of the USS New Jersey.
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