Ken Kersch: From Vietnam Plankowner to Museum Overnight Encampment Director

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.Send us Fan MailJoin the WETSU community or Follow us on Instagram.