USS Michael Murphy: Navy Warship Christened in Name of Hero Navy SEAL Killed in Afghanistan
- Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:19am by
Scott Baker
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BATH, Maine (AP) — The mother of a Navy SEAL killed in a firefight in Afghanistan christened a warship bearing her son‘s name on Saturday as the leader of the nation’s special forces said those who died that day would be comforted to know that the al-Qaida leader who caused the war in Afghanistan was killed by the U.S. military.
Maureen Murphy, mother of Lt. Michael Murphy, said “Happy birthday, baby” during remarks from the podium minutes before smashing a bottle of Champagne against the bow of the Navy destroyer on what would‘ve been her son’s 35th birthday.
The Navy lieutenant and Medal of Honor recipient led a four-member SEAL team against overwhelming odds in a gun battle in eastern Afghanistan.
Killed along with Murphy on June 28, 2005, were two members of his team, as well as 16 rescuers — eight Navy SEALs and eight members of the Army’s elite Night Stalkers — after their helicopter was shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade.
“If these brave men are watching today, they must be extremely proud of — and somewhat comforted by — the reports that the man who started the war in which they died was himself killed when their brothers — Navy SEALs and Army Night Stalkers — assaulted his compound,” said Adm. Eric Olson, leader of the Special Operations Command and a former SEAL instructor.
Security was beefed up for Saturday’s event, which followed less than a week after Osama bin Laden was shot to death in Pakistan.
Outside, about two dozen peace demonstrators held signs and banners, and made speeches, but there were no arrests, Bath police said.
Joining the 3,000 spectators at General Dynamics‘ Bath Iron Works were more than a dozen SEALs from Murphy’s Hawaii-based unit, as well as family members of four of the fallen SEALs and a contingent of 22 firefighters from New York City.
Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., was leading a reconnaissance team looking for the commander of a group of insurgents known as the Mountain Tigers when he died.
The mission was compromised when goat herders encountered the SEALs and alerted the Taliban; within an hour the small team was facing 100 heavily armed Taliban.
Already shot and disregarding his own safety, Murphy left his protected position and went to a clearing — where he was exposed to a hail of Taliban gunfire — to get a clear signal to contact Bagram Airfield to relay the dire situation.
He dropped the satellite phone after being shot a second time but finished the call and even signed off, “Roger that, sir. Thank you.”
Speakers including Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, Maine‘s governor and members of Maine’s congressional delegation praised the courage, determination and valor that Murphy exhibited in leading his team under the most difficult of circumstances on steep rocky terrain 6,000 miles from home.
“Michael was the leader of a small team, operating against our most vicious enemies, in the most forbidding terrain on earth, the high mountains of eastern Afghanistan, the legendary Hindu Kush. And a place from which a true warrior feels at home, and a place from which a heroic warrior’s released soul finds a shorter flight to the heavens,” Olson said.
Before the ceremony ended, Murphy’s mother asked for a moment of silence before reading the names of all 19 service members who died in the firefight and rescue attempt before christening the ship.
After it is completed and delivered to the Navy, the $1.1 billion warship will be homeported in Hawaii, where Murphy was a part SEAL Delivery Team 1. The Murphy is the 62nd of the Arleigh Burke-class of destroyers.
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Comments (130)
LastAmerican
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 11:02amMrs. Murphy thank you. Know that your son is now protecting us in the form of this ship. And know that because of your son my sons are safe. Words can not express how grateful we all are.
Report Post »OpenEyeAz
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 12:55pmWell said , he was a patriot warrior of the first class.
Report Post »BlackPantherParty
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:58amGo forth and kick ass!!!
Report Post »caprica
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:54amMichael Murphy …this is a man ! this is a Hero ! honest ! Good ! Proud to be a Seal ! taking care of His Brothers……Michael Murphy spirit is in the body of this destoryer…..He will lead and protect Good Americans as HImself ! Honest and pround real Americans …….shame on the anti-america garbage people ! they will never win…they are evil and evil will never last !
Report Post »Shame on those who vote this no man ! the spinless man ! the marxist ! the closet mulim ! this caniving ! lieing – cheating man who all he knows is how to steal and take away someone elses eran money and how to put communsit shackles on our GOD GIVEN CONSTITUTION ! shame on those who elected this unwothy less than half a man borack husssein obama ! spinless chaos liar and organizer….we are so ashamed of him ! as a USA president !
God be with Michael Murphy soul ..his ship and his parents….and his family ! God be with American People
TODAY IS SUNDAY
TIME TO GO TO CHURCH AND PRAY TO LORD – TO HELP US TO save our country from obama and his criminals
Marine Recon Dad
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:50amSemper Fi
You are guarding us from a better place
Report Post »temple62
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:41amThank God Obama didn’t try to “horn in” on the photo op, America is sick and tired his his dam campaigning!
Report Post »Gail_B_Bell
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 12:15pmIt is SOOO true, whenever the Gangsta Lying King shows up, it means the Military are turned to slave cowards who DO HIS WILL rather than take care of honorable business. Fire ALL Government and hire Bush-hera WAR HEROES as Contract Labor (no retirement fees) who will NOT aid and assist TERRORISTS.
Report Post »Malt_Vinegar
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:38amHappy Mother’s Day to all you mothers out there!
As a dad, this is a special day of the celebration of LIFE! May your day be bright, filled with love and family, mother’s are the center of everything family!
May God Bless you mothers, all.
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:36amMurph was a truly great man. May God bless him and his family.
Report Post »WEHTexas
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:19amI enjoy seeing pictures and reading articles about this stuff. Well deserved and can not wait to see what she can do. My blessing goes out to the family and our military personnel.
Report Post »NEAF
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:16amI was an infantry soldier served both Afghanistan and Iraq. My comfort was knowing that I had the support and commitment of my team, squad, and platoon. Above all, the US Army and Air Force watching over me ready to provide help and support when most needed.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:14amWell, yes, God bless them all. And I am comforted to “know that I know” that God honors and remembers all these brave efforts against evil. What the liberals/nonbelievers don’t believe or know is that there is a God who blesses and remembers……whether you think we shouldn’t be there or not. That doesn’t matter – it’s their hearts and intentions, etc. So God will bless America for all of our noble efforts/self sacrifice in these wars – whether it was a mistake to get into or not. He also brings judgements, yes – but He’ll also take into account ALL godly prayers of past generations, starting at the beginning of the founding – & also past efforts in all those wars also. So I take comfort & encouragement in that knowledge. Hang on, repent, get back to God and Founding biblical principles and God will indeed bless us…..again.
Report Post »NEAF
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:11amObama cannot take credit for this. I might be wrong, but who order the construction of this ship? Under Bush? It takes more than 2 years for the construction? If this is the case, was under Bush.
Report Post »Xpat48
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:10amOne rightfully proud mother! Happy Mother’s Mrs. Murf!
God bless you and your family. Enjoy this day. It‘s your’s.
Report Post »boone b
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:09amcool
Report Post »bringbacknixon
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:08amYou all know Bush was a really great president. His gifts runneth over:
1. Two wars based on lies
2.A War on Terror that will never end
3.Tax cuts + Wars = never ending economic chaos
4. The death of New Orleans
5.The Patriot Act
6. A weakening of America at home and abroad
So if your a blind deaf and dumb loser (and wearing a diaper) you gotta love Bush.
Report Post »Bill359
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:18amMove out of your mothers basement and get a job.
Report Post »On The Bayou
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:44amHow about the Brother that`s running things now, Bringbacknixon????????? He promised to cut our debt in half before the end of his first term. Instead he has damm near doubled it half way into his first term. How are you lefties OK with that. The same Muslims he bowed to are the ones that are calling for death to he and his family. Every move Barry makes is in is own intrest not ours. And remember there are only Patriots and Heros in the graveyards of this country, such as Mr. Micheal Murphy!!!!!!!!! You will not find any leftist liberals there. They are all cowards.
Report Post »Gail_B_Bell
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 11:00amYEAH! Nixon was too much of a Coward to ATTACK China! The presidential Bush and military heroes and cost-efficient Contractor labor CONQUERED IRAQ right from under Saddam Hussein’s NOSE! How about that!
Report Post »What happens now will be Big GOVERNMENT and military SLAVES doing Gangsta Deeds for the Clown in Barf! It could be Worse than Nixon!
GRANNYMOO
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 11:12amHow dare you use this boy’s story to spew your hatred, but what can you expect from some one who’s love of anything good is non-existant. It must be hard to here of so much love and respect going to one so beautifully brave and the family that taught him. I‘m sorry yours didn’t teach you anything!!!
Report Post »Calamity Jane
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 12:04pmbringbacknixon…….Before you display your ignorance for the entire world to see, you’ll need to work on your homophones……..I‘m sure you’ll have to consult a dictionary at some point.
BTW….How can you be such an embarrassment to your mother on her special day?
Calamity Jane
Report Post »jeffyfreezone
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 12:15pmDon’t forget to wash the doritos crumbs out of your belly button.
Report Post »Dannowood
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 12:47pmCongradulations Brokebackmountian:
Report Post »You have just vaulted yourself as the most vile troll ever to post on The Blaze. Our apologies Mrs. Murphy. May God Bless and Comfort You. Your son will always be cherished in our hearts.
cja23
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 2:12pmGood Bless Mrs. Murphy and her family. God Bless President Bush, the Seals, and the CIA for all their hard work. Hopefully Obama and Bush won’t continue to prosecute the CIA agents for helping to protect this country from the Islamic terrorists!
Report Post »WeRunDCnotThem
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 11:16pmThe Death of New Orleans?? Building a city BELOW sea level surrounded by a LAKE held back by crappy Levees? A genius design? WAY BEFORE BUSH! The funny thing is that they are RE-BUILDING! Go annoy one of your own………maybe in the janitors closet at your local BurgerKing
Report Post »DEADCATBOUNCE
Posted on May 9, 2011 at 12:36amWow – how is it that someone as enlightened as you can’t comprehend that we are engaged in one global war vs “two wars” (or “three wars” as you would probably say now)? In 1944, we were engaged in one war — WWII. Just because we were fighting on multiple fronts in WWII, no one says that we were fighting “two wars” then.
Of your listed faults of Bush, what is telling that you didn’t mention the following things:
Report Post »– massive expansion of government
– failed to secure our borders
Dan
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:05am“Bath police” what next? ; )
Report Post »Gloria
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:01amGod Bless
Report Post »icareabouttheusa
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:59amGod Bless the Murphy family and to Marcus Luttrell, the Lone Survivor….
Report Post »jeffyfreezone
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 12:20pmAmen!
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 3:05pmGlad you mentioned that aside. To get the full story of SEAL Team 10, please pick up the book “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson…It tells the full story of the fight and why Marcus Luttrell (and all SEALS) are held in such high esteem by Glenn Beck.
Side note: One of the team members killed there, Danny Dietz was honored with a statue in honor of his courage, in his home town here in Colorado. The statue was PROTESTED by a couple of moronic peaceniks because he was depicted in the statue holding his primary tool of the trade, AN M-4 CARBINE!
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:54amGod bless those that go in harms way. Michael, your spirit lives on in this warship.
Report Post »commonsenseguy
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:50ammay this true American hero live on , i thank you and your comrades for you sacrifice for our great nation, i pray that you will look after all who serve on the Micheal Murphy,amen, THANK YOU ALL.
Report Post »On The Bayou
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:46amHow great this country would be if our President was willing to die for the Honor of The United States Of America, instead he represents the Death Of The United States Of America.
Report Post »Gail_B_Bell
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:55amIt will never be -because he will NEVER DIE! He is too much the Gangsta Lying King to “give’ anything – especially his LIFE! He!! will freeze before this one DIES!
Report Post »MikeinIdaho
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:43amA true American hero and an Irishman to boot! God bless the USA!
Report Post »Gail_B_Bell
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:47amThey are CHRISTIANING this SHIP! Not Irishiring it! They are using holy wine, not wiskies! Only a Christain Ship can fight the Mole-Slims Navel vassels!
Report Post »nothingbuthetruth
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 11:24amGail….shhhh. Dont remind the progressives or they will take that away too.
Report Post »JP4JOY
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:36amPerfect name for a ship whose mission is to put itself in harm’s way to protect other ships in the task force. May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted by the Lord.
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 2:53pmAmen .
Report Post »Toastery
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 6:06pmHe is the embodiment of the phrase “American Patriot”! The Lib-So-Pro-Commie mommies don’t raise kids like this!
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:32amThank you Michael for your service. May God be with and bless this family.
Report Post »Gail_B_Bell
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:38amThe Gangsta In Chief was golfing and laughing about this REAL SEAL who died with HONOR.
Report Post »LDSmommy
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:28amWhat a brave man. God bless his mom. A true hero.
Report Post »Gail_B_Bell
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:36amPraise the Lord; It is good the REAL SEAL was NOT here to see this day – as a true HERO he would have been forced to DISOBEY the Commander in Barf!
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 11:04amGod Bless his mom and her son!!!
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 2:56pmGOD Bless America the land of the free & the home of the brave .
Report Post »let us prey
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:24amA true American Hero.
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:32amDitto!
Report Post »Gail_B_Bell
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:35amThis should have been done in 2008 with a REAL president – now it is just part of the Chi-Gangsta Fleet who serves like ObamaBot slaves to perform the WILL of the Lying King!
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:42amAmen.
Report Post »Thank You, Sir
AzDebi
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:50am@Gail_B_Bell:
Report Post »At least you can take comfort in knowing that it was President Bush who presented his parents with the Metal Of Honor…
Dustyluv
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:01amThe best of the best…
Report Post »APatriotFirst
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:02amTake 3 1/2 mins to watch this video. Go to bottom and click Challenger video. It is worth your time.
http://www.ustream.tv/americaneaglefoundation
Report Post »Malt_Vinegar
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:11amGod Bless you Mrs. Murphy, and our Country. You are what Col. Allen West referred to as a ‘Spartan Mother’, and your son did not give his life for our FREEDOM’s for nothing. May he ride the bow of HIS ship for as long as she floats. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, we shall vanguish ALL evil in the world, and your son swung a mighty sword for GOOD against EVIL. Amen.
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:35amOFF TOPIC! BUT CRITICAL!
US Soldiers Performed “Loud Recitation of the Four Takbirs” (allahu akbar) four times Over Bin Laden’s “Washed” Body On The USS Carl Vinson
The idea that we, as Americans, supported, endorsed and recited “allahu akbar” loudly four times on the back of the USS Carl Vinson as a part if his funeral would disgust most Americans.
Can you imagine the reaction of the 9/11 families when they learn we recited the battle cry of the terrorists when disposing of bin laden?
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/
Report Post »(scroll down 5 topics to find the article)
Gail_B_Bell
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:51am@AZDebi—
Report Post »“At least you can take comfort in knowing that it was President Bush who presented his parents with the Metal Of Honor…”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THANK YOU and bless you! the Metal of Honar will really test the families mettle if the LYING KING does not continue to medal around with their private bidnessess
randy
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 11:01amGoose Bumps
Report Post »AOL_REFUGEE
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 11:14amI just christened my “Michael MOORE” submarine – by flushing it down the terlet.
Report Post »D0ntTread0nMe
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 11:42amTruer words have not been spoken, Michael Murphy is yet another example in a long line of heroes, that makes our volunteer military the absolute best on the planet.
Report Post »http://www.mythoughtsfromthemiddle.blogspot.com
MontanaRob
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 11:54amAOL_REFUGEE
Posted: I just christened my “Michael MOORE” submarine – by flushing it down the terlet.
———————————————————————————————–
And I just launched his twin sub, SSM (sister socialist moron) FF Piven, a DAD(dysfunctional attack dingbat) to ply the sewers of Montana.
Clodspeed shallow travelers!!!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 12:00pmIndeed.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 12:29pmOur Military is Great. All that join are not Heroes. There are few real Heroes in there. Michael Murphy was a Hero’s HERO! God rest his soul and bless his family.
I pray Murphy Law will not follow his namesake.
Report Post »GETLIFE
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 12:40pmThe story of the last hours of Michael Murphy and his fellow soldiers is hard to hear. We can only imagine what we might feel or do in such a situation. For several years I have lived in the peaceful countryside near a town which was occupied by the Nazis in World War II. I have heard many similar stories about having to make such unbearable decisions–Who to trust with your life? Who to save? How to save? The difference is that my stories are all about civilians–and they are all told by witnesses who were only children at the time.
THAT is what happens when we do not have such brave souls working to protect us from those who would do us harm. Eventually WE are the ones hiding powerless and hoping that a 14 year old child will not turn us in….
Thankful and Proud.
Report Post »hifi74
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 12:53pmHe was a testament to the steel and honor of our armed forces. God bless ya Mr. Murphey and may the USS Murphey will serve in your name proudly.
Report Post »MontanaRob
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 1:18pmOoops! Part of my reply above vanished. I probably deleted it by ax-ee-dent.
If you have not read Marcus Lutrell’s book “Lone Survivior”, the story of that mission, you are truly missing out. To say it is inspirational is an understatement!
And a tad off topic: Have you heard of that new drink out there? It’s the “osama bin laden”; two shots and a splash of water.
Report Post »Professional Infidel
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 2:38pmGuts, Brotherhood, Heroism at it’s BEST, Makes me tear up a little to think about Michael, USA Needs a guy like that as President!!! “Do what needs to be done, to take care of business”!!
Report Post »nptden
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 8:14pmThank-you Micheal Murphy. May this ship sail with your protection from Above. USMC brother.
Report Post »BecksTheMan
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 9:47pmYes all 19 of them were heroes. God Bless them all and may they find the peace and joy in the next world, way beyond any peace that they died fighting for in this world.
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on May 8, 2011 at 10:51pmWe need to give George Bush a medal too.
Report Post »Timekeeper
Posted on May 9, 2011 at 12:07amThis was decided in 2006 or 7 if I recall – this had nothing to do with Odumbo but, like everything else…if it helps him win…he’ll lie about it and take credit.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on May 9, 2011 at 1:17amWhat a sad but uplifting christening this had to be for his Mom.
God bless brave patriots like her son. He knew he was going to die before he did what he did on that fateful day, yet he did it anyway. Hero is not a big enough word for him.
Info for Allen West Petitions…
Report Post »http://www.AmericasTeaPartyNews.com
Mainer forever
Posted on May 9, 2011 at 7:47amHe was only 29? Thank God we have men and women as patriotic as Michacel Murphy was….dying for his country. Such an awsome story.
Report Post »