Destroyer named after Navy SEAL commissioned

The crew of the USS Michael Murphy mans the ship and brings her to life during the commissioning ceremony for the Navy's newest guided-missile destroyer Saturday Oct. 6, 2012 in New York. The ship honors Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Long Island native, who became the first American awarded the Medal of Honor during the Afghanistan War when he was killed during an ambush in 2005. / AP Photo/Tina Fineberg

NEW YORK In a ceremony that was more joyful than solemn, the U.S. Navy on Saturday commissioned the USS Michael Murphy, a sleek new warship named for a Navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan at age 29.

Cannons boomed, dignitaries spoke of heroism, and nearly 300 sailors charged up a ramp while a band played "Anchors Away" as the destroyer sprang to life in a ceremony in New York Harbor.

"You are now our family, our team," the ship's commander, Tom Shultz, told Murphy's parents, before leading hundreds of visitors in a SEAL battle cry.

"Hooyah, Michael Murphy!" Shultz said, pointing skyward.

Murphy, a Navy lieutenant who grew up in Patchogue, N.Y., was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during a 2005 ambush. Military officials said that after his four-man team was surrounded, Murphy risked exposure to enemy fire so he could radio a base for help.

The helicopter that rushed to the rescue was shot down, killing 16 sailors and soldiers. Murphy died on the battlefield. Only one man in his squad survived.

The 510-foot ship bearing his name was draped in red, white and blue banners and festooned with flags for Saturday's ceremony on a pier on Manhattan's west side.

The U.S. Navy's newest destroyer, the USS Michael Murphy, powers past the Statue of Liberty as it heads into New York Harbor, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, in New York.

/ AP Photo/Mark Lennihan

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said the ship would guarantee that Murphy's story would be retold. U.S. Rep. Peter King heralded the young sailor for "unbridled courage." U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer recounted stories of how Murphy, since he was a child, had empathy for others.

The $1.1 billion warship, built at the Bath Iron Works in Maine, is to be based in Hawaii.

[Mick_from_Amsterdam]

It sounds as though Michael Murphy should more appropriately be the name of a nuclear attack aircraft carrier...

Rather than the name of some chicken-sh*t ex-president whose only mark (stain) on naval history is that as a WWII naval pilot, he panicked and bailed out after taking a minor hit...leaving his crew to die...

And all the shameful, disastrous history he made by being father to an even more chicken-sh*t son...

And what sailor would really want to serve aboard a vessel named after a senile, third-rate, actor-turned-politician?

I'm certain the dedicated men and women serving aboard the USS Ronald Reagan and the USS George H. W. Bush...would prefer to be shipping out on a vessel named after a man whose courageous actions inspire valor, sacrifice and love of country in others...

Than on a ship named after a couple of venal, mega-sleazy politicians who inspired little beyond fear, hate and greed!

But whatever ship bears his honor and his name...

Fair winds and good fortune to "THE MIGHTY MURPH" and all who serve on her!

Mighty Murph...I like it!

I hope it sticks!

[Cigar_Smoker]

This is much more appropriate than naming ships after "living" Presidents and other "living" politicians.

[formerlyluvnut]

GAWD I wish I had one of those in my pool. Neighbors would'nt whine about noise anymore!

[robert1129]

Forgive them for they are not sailors...

[robert1129]

Finally a good story for the weekend...

[nohater]

wonder what nation state anywhere in the world can match the number of naval ships the USA has today. there haven't been any major naval battles since ww2.

[hoaganmogandogan]

Three aircraft carriers plus the task force needed to support and protect the carriers were in the Gulf of Tonkin (that's Vietnam to you) for eleven years. 24 hrs a day, seven days a week. Bombing, soldier rescue, attack and some dog fights. Yep, no wars, no Pueblo incident in Korea. No Vietnamese rescue of 1000s of the wars refugees didn't happen either.

[Yimmybob]

As a member of the Bath design team on the first DDG 51 class Aegis destroyers, the USS Arleigh Burke, I am proud to look at number 112. May her winds be calm and her seas following. These grey ladies are America's best.

[travelers345]

If you are meaning to imply that they are old and out-dated by calling them "gray", well let me tell you sirrah, you are sadly mistaken. What we need is a fleet of aircraft carriers for drones, with command and control centers in submarines. The red dawn of the drone wars is coming.

[lxdude]

Gad, these ignorant writers. It's "Anchors Aweigh". Whole different meaning from "away", a word which if you think about it doesn't make much sense.

[curiousblack]

Thank you!

[Mick_from_Amsterdam]

True, LXDUDE...

It's not very ship-shape, nautical or squared away to drop anchor before giving the command, "FULL SPEED AHEAD"

And it sounds as though Michael Murphy should more appropriately be the name of a nuclear aircraft carrier...

Rather than some chicken-sh*t ex-president whose only mark (stain) on naval history is that as a WWII naval pilot, he panicked and bailed out after taking a minor hit...leaving his crew to die...

And all the shameful, disastrous history he made by being father to an even more chicken-sh*t son...