Commander Steve Halle: Helping Build the Legacy of USS New Jersey

03/26/25 • 63 min

Dive 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-donation

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Dive deep into the legacy of the USS NEW JERSEY—this time, not the legendary battleship, but the cutting-edge Virginia-class submarine!

Send us a text

Join the WETSU community or Follow us on Instagram.

Previous Episode

Captain Joe Benton III: Navigating Giants as a Veteran Docking Pilot & Strategic Sealift Officer

In 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!

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Next Episode

Captain Kent "Brewski" Smith: Firsthand Experiences with the Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle

Join Battleship CEO & Host Marshall Spevak for an exclusive conversation with CAPT Kent “Brewski” Smith, Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle, a critical hub for U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Monmouth County, NJ.

In this episode, CAPT Smith shares his firsthand experiences—from deploying with his Carrier Strike Group in the aftermath of 9/11 to the historic commissioning of the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN-796) at NWS Earle. Learn about the base’s strategic role in storing, handling, and supplying ordnance to the U.S. Navy and allied forces, as well as the unwavering support from the New Jersey community.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the mission, impact, and future of one of New Jersey’s most vital military installations—led by one of the state’s highest-ranking military officers!

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Join the WETSU community or Follow us on Instagram.