RADM Buz Buzby (USN, Ret.): From the Jersey Shore to the Backbone of America’s Global Navy

WETSU: a BattleshipNJ Podcast

WETSU: a BattleshipNJ Podcast
RADM Buz Buzby (USN, Ret.): From the Jersey Shore to the Backbone of America’s Global Navy
Feb 11, 2026 Season 1 Episode 24
Battleship New Jersey

The Navy doesn’t sail on firepower alone—so who keeps the fleet fueled, supplied, and ready to fight? On this episode of WETSU, Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak sits down with Atlantic City native Rear Admiral Mark “Buz” Buzby, USN (Ret.), for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation on one of the Navy’s most under recognized—but absolutely indispensable—missions: sealift, underway replenishment, and logistics. 


From growing up at the Jersey Shore with dreams of life on the salt water, to commanding at sea aboard USS CARNEY (DDG-64) and Destroyer Squadron 31, to leading the two largest maritime organizations in the nation—Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD)—Admiral Buzby reflects on a career defined by mentorship, leadership, and service. He also shares the unique significance of commanding a namesake ship tied to one of Battleship New Jersey’s most storied sailors, and sheds light on the often unseen, less glamorous—but critically vital—“non-pointy end” of the Navy that keeps the fleet in the fight. 


From the Jersey Shore to the backbone of America’s global Navy—meet the leader who helped keep the fleet moving. Join us for another compelling WETSU conversation, tracing an extraordinary journey from a Jersey Shore kid to the highest levels of naval and federal service—only on WETSU: a Battleship New Jersey Podcast.


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


Article mentioned: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/july/modern-maritime-service-can-deliver-what-nation-needs

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Episode Artwork RADM Buz Buzby (USN, Ret.): From the Jersey Shore to the Backbone of America’s Global Navy 54:24 Episode Artwork RDML York on Global Logistics, Support, and Keeping the Fleet Replenished 37:05 Episode Artwork Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phillip Brashear: A Distinguished Military Journey 23:31 Episode Artwork Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill: From Naval Aviator to being elected New Jersey's next Governor 12:18 Episode Artwork Mission BBQ's Bill Kraus: The Co-Founder of Mission BBQ's personal connection to the company's mission 23:13 Episode Artwork George Leone on Leading the Charge of Homecoming 250 This Fall 31:36 Episode Artwork Governor Phil Murphy: A Candid Conversation on his Work for the State of New Jersey 25:51 Episode Artwork RADM Blackmon: A Conversation with Vice Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command 42:21 Episode Artwork CDR Skip Leeson: Sea Stories from the CO of the Battleship's Beirut Reserve Unit 39:20 Episode Artwork Paul Stillwell: From USS New Jersey Veteran to Author & Historian 57:19 Episode Artwork Ryan Szimanski: A Curator's Journey 47:48 Episode Artwork Ken Kersch: From Vietnam Plankowner to Museum Overnight Encampment Director 46:53 Episode Artwork CDR Carne Livingston: The Hands-on Perspective of a Seasoned Commander 58:16 Episode Artwork Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays, USAF, and her Dual Role in State and Federal Operations 59:34 Episode Artwork Asw. Melinda Kane: Turning Grief into Purpose & Public Service 42:22 Episode Artwork Tim Parlatore: Service, Leadership, and a Return to the Fleet 1:04:42 Episode Artwork Chris Lehman, PhD: Insights from the Reagan Administration & a Military Legacy 45:20 Episode Artwork CAPT Kent "Brewski" Smith: Firsthand Experiences with the Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle 42:26 Episode Artwork CDR Steve Halle: Helping Build the Legacy of USS New Jersey 1:03:47 Episode Artwork Captain Joe Benton III: Navigating Giants as a Veteran Docking Pilot & Strategic Sealift Officer 43:21 Episode Artwork Admiral Reason: Commander, Battle Group Romeo & USS NEW JERSEY Veteran 46:01 Episode Artwork Bill Brown: From Navy SEAL to Veterans Advocate 1:00:00 Episode Artwork Congressman Norcross: U.S. Representative & Founding Member of The Home Port Alliance 27:13 Episode Artwork Rear Admiral Ronald Tucker: Final Commanding Officer of Battleship NJ 37:13 Episode Artwork WETSU: Season 1 Trailer 0:48