Ace of Spades HQ

October 07, 2012

Welcome To The Fleet, USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112)
— andy

Yesterday the Navy commissioned its newest warship, a guided-missile destroyer named after Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy (SEAL). Murphy, who was the first Medal of Honor recipient from the Afghanistan War, lost his life in 2005 after he chose to expose his position to the enemy in order to call in assistance for his heavily-outnumbered team.

The story of Michael Murphy's life is retold in the book Seal of Honor, and the story of the battle in which he lost his life is recounted in Lone Survivor, which is currently being made into a film.

Murphy's Medal of Honor citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare Task Unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005. While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy's team was discovered by anti-coalition militia sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban fighters. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four-member team. Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his Headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

May God watch over the USS Michael Murphy and all who sail on her.

More from NavyTimes.

Posted by: andy at 10:56 AM | Comments (83)
Post contains 444 words, total size 4 kb.

1 What can one say but thank you Lt. Murphy, and God bless you and your Family..

Posted by: Hello, it's just me Donna at October 07, 2012 10:58 AM (9+ccr)

2 a real american hero

Posted by: alec at October 07, 2012 11:00 AM (usWYv)

3 God rest his soul.

Posted by: Adam at October 07, 2012 11:00 AM (/YJYi)

4 Where do we find such men......RIP, Lt. Murphy.

Posted by: Tami at October 07, 2012 11:01 AM (X6akg)

5 I can hardly read this through the tears. God keep you always in His loving arms.

Posted by: mama winger in paul ryan's district at October 07, 2012 11:02 AM (P6QsQ)

6 In the dark of night and during poor times, one wonders if this country is still worthy of such men and sacrifices.

Posted by: GuyfromNH at October 07, 2012 11:02 AM (kbOju)

7 I approve of naming our Navy ships after the deserving men and women of our armed forces.

Posted by: The Political Hat at October 07, 2012 11:04 AM (sZTYJ)

8 I look at Lt. Murphy and then I look at TFG. G-d bless his memory and protect all who sail in DDG-112.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at October 07, 2012 11:05 AM (+tqYo)

9 Men like this fight and die so that I don't have to. So that my daughters grow up free. There is no high enough honor to bestow upon this man.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 11:05 AM (GEICT)

10 Another reason Obama needs to go. Fucking Mabus.

Posted by: Adam at October 07, 2012 11:08 AM (/YJYi)

11 Where do we find such men?

Posted by: toby928© for TB at October 07, 2012 11:09 AM (QupBk)

Men like this fight and die so that I don't have to. So that my daughters grow up free. There is no high enough honor to bestow upon this man.

Save, perhaps, that we remember him.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 07, 2012 11:10 AM (lOmbq)

13 This country continues to produce men of valour and honour like Lt Murphy. There may be hope for us yet.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at October 07, 2012 11:11 AM (jucos)

14 Every ship in the US Navy should be named for MOH winners, not fucking politicians or union bosses.

Posted by: MrCaniac at October 07, 2012 11:11 AM (Zd/NW)

15 But was he a community organizer?

Posted by: BarryO at October 07, 2012 11:11 AM (1JlG0)

16 OT, sort of: Josh Mandel and commie Sherrod Brown are now in a dead heat in Ohio. Mandel is a former Marine and a nice Jewish boy. Ohio is most definitely in play for both the presidency and the senate seat. GO MITT and MANDEL!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at October 07, 2012 11:11 AM (+tqYo)

17 Fair winds to all who sail USS Murphy into harm's way.

As for Ray Mabus, another reason why Obama has to go. He was a disaster as governor of Mississippi. Then he became Bill Clinton's ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Now he has been Obama's SecNav during such things as ships named Hugo Chavez, Gabrielle Giffords, and so many other screw-ups.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at October 07, 2012 11:12 AM (VJCRJ)

18 Don't forget me!

Posted by: Harvey Milk at October 07, 2012 11:14 AM (/YJYi)

19 "Where do we find such men"

I can tell you where we don't find them. In Starbucks arguing socialist theory and redistribution to the oppressed over $6 lattes.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at October 07, 2012 11:14 AM (dX4hn)

20 18 Don't forget me! Posted by: Harvey Milk at October 07, 2012 03:14 PM (/YJYi) I wouldn't name a garbage scow after Harvey Milk.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at October 07, 2012 11:16 AM (+tqYo)

A thread about a leader.

A nice little change from the threads about one who isn't.

Posted by: Mere Mortal at October 07, 2012 11:16 AM (1Y+hH)

22 Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable failure.

Posted by: steevy at October 07, 2012 11:16 AM (6o4Fb)

23 The Obama class garbage scows - USS Barack and USS Michelle. Capable of shoveling large amounts of garbage in a short period of time. Though engines are fussy and tend to steer left.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at October 07, 2012 11:17 AM (VJCRJ)

24 12 Save, perhaps, that we remember him. Posted by: BackwardsBoy at October 07, 2012 03:10 PM (lOmbq) To me, nothing is enough for men like this. I remember them, I honor them. I try to always stop and speak to those I see in uniform or are veterans. My wife and I teach our girls to do the same. But still...doesn't feel like enough.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 11:17 AM (GEICT)

25 11 Where do we find such men?

Posted by: toby928Â© for TB at October 07, 2012 03:09 PM (QupBk)

In churches and synagogues. On football fields on Friday nights. At Boy Scout meetings. If we are lucky, asking for our daughter's hand in marriage.

Posted by: MrCaniac at October 07, 2012 11:18 AM (Zd/NW)

26 OT: Belgian doctors are killing patients to harvest their organs http://tinyurl.com/6y8yoyo http://tinyurl.com/8pwvhgk

Posted by: The Political Hat at October 07, 2012 11:18 AM (sZTYJ)

Mandel is a tough wiry little hombre, and not just some "nice Jewish boy".

The adds against him from the Shithead Brown campaign are negative and pretty nasty.

I really fucking hate Brown. He has been and always was a lying sack of shit. In the 80's when he was Secretary of State, it was widely suspected that there was drug dealing out of his office, said a State Highway Patrol investigation. Yet they never concluded the investigation and handed off to a Grand Jury.

Brown's protege, Jennifer Brunner, was another crooked liar who went a long way (as Secretary of State) to letting the election of 2008 get totally screwed up in 2008 in favor of Obama

Posted by: Reader C.J. Burch writes.....FREE KRATOS! at October 07, 2012 11:18 AM (sJTmU)

28 I think it's time to read Lone Survivor again.

Posted by: Honey Badger at October 07, 2012 11:20 AM (QBabO)

Time to do Crossfit Murph in honor.

Posted by: Hazchic at October 07, 2012 11:22 AM (3NVGr)

30 And his death can partly be blamed on lawfare.

Posted by: ejo at October 07, 2012 11:22 AM (C/Spx)

31 Honor? What's that? ....Since we have none, we cannot revere it.

Posted by: The Mewling Quim Media... at October 07, 2012 11:25 AM (l5RhJ)

32 RE 28... I was just thinking the same thing. Outstanding book; incredible sacrifice; outstanding honor deserving of this fine ship. The sailors who serve aboard this ship surely will feel enormous pride.

Posted by: Yip at October 07, 2012 11:25 AM (Mrdk1)

33 CNN

IN AMERICA

Latinos Race Against Voter Deadline

Latino groups spent months preparing for a voter
ID law that is now on hold. As a result, they're
scrambling to register voters ahead of the deadline.

http://tinyurl.com/944nc7q

Posted by: General Woundwort at October 07, 2012 11:25 AM (DWgdc)

34 ~~Latinos~~ Democrat Race Against Voter Deadline ~~Latinos~~ Democrat groups spent months preparing for a voter ID law that is now on hold. As a result, they're scrambling to register ~~voters~~ illegal aliens, the dead, you pets, and the non-existant ahead of the deadline. http://tinyurl.com/944nc7q Posted by: General Woundwort at October 07, 2012 03:25 PM (DWgdc) Fixed.

Posted by: The Political Hat at October 07, 2012 11:28 AM (sZTYJ)

35 If any of you get the opportunity, in Cupertino California on Steven's Creek Boulevard, near the intersection of I-280 and Highway 85 in Memorial Park is a veterans memorial dedicated to Murphy's team who lost their lives that day.

The people of Cupertino lost two sons that day. Please stop by for a visit if you get the chance.

http://tinyurl.com/9msdw2b

Posted by: crosspatch at October 07, 2012 11:28 AM (ZbLJZ)

36 Where do we find such men?

They're organic part of the American experience and only appear when needed. Its impossible to predict who they are, but they're always there waiting for fate's call. Always.

Posted by: @PurpAv at October 07, 2012 11:29 AM (rbbWZ)

37 CBS

ROUNDTABLE

Obama's debate was a "Wake-up call"

On "Face the Nation," A panel of reporters says
Romney gave voters incentive to give him a second
look.

http://tinyurl.com/8wtmbwf

Posted by: General Woundwort at October 07, 2012 11:30 AM (DWgdc)

38 Lt. Murphy, no words do I have that could show my appreciation. You did it right young man. The Duke would have been proud.

Posted by: teej says go K-State at October 07, 2012 11:31 AM (GX2fm)

39 OT prime minister of Libya loses no confidence vote and is dismissed. The national assembly will now elect a new PM, in theory. It just keeps. Getting. Better.

Posted by: Hopeless at October 07, 2012 11:31 AM (WqqJb)

40 Did the Navy relax it's ban on beards again or do give the Seals a little leeway in that in regards to their ops missions?

Posted by: lowandslow at October 07, 2012 11:32 AM (GZitp)

41 Where do we find such men? Everywhere. They are all around you. In the supermarket, the restaurants, at the park. They are old men, they are young boys, and they are in their 30s. Don't imagine for a minute the United States has only a few of these men. They don't crave attention, they don't seek publicity, and they don't advertise how great they are. They calmly and quietly go about their business everyday, helping this nation stay afloat.

Posted by: IdowhatIwant at October 07, 2012 11:32 AM (a4CUi)

42 Lowandslow, it became SOP in Afghanistan from the start of operations. SpecOp troops started to grow beards to fit in better with the local culture. Even USAF Combat Controllers on mules calling in air strikes started to sprout beards.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at October 07, 2012 11:34 AM (VJCRJ)

43 REUTERS

HEADLINE

Chavez's Socialist Rule At Risk As Venezuelans Vote

CARACAS - Hugo Chavez loyalists blew bugles in a
wake up call for voters as the Venezuelan leader faced
the biggest electoral challenge yet to his socialist rule
from a Henrique Capriles, a young rival tapping into
discontent over crime and cronyism.

http://tinyurl.com/8brccfx

Posted by: General Woundwort at October 07, 2012 11:35 AM (DWgdc)

44 "Where do we find such men?"

Watch Ronald Reagan's 1981 first inaugural address and you will learn where we find them.

Posted by: crosspatch at October 07, 2012 11:35 AM (ZbLJZ)

45 ditto what IdowhatIwant said.... they're all around... they don't flaunt it...

Posted by: Yip at October 07, 2012 11:35 AM (Mrdk1)

46 "6 In the dark of night and during poor times, one wonders if this country is still worthy of such men and such sacrifices." Our country is still worthy of such valiant sacrifices. Our current commander-in-chief, however, is not.

Posted by: Natasha at October 07, 2012 11:36 AM (pyYXJ)

I'm sure his family and friend would rather have Lt. Murphy alive, but it is a fine honor for such a man.

God Speed, Lt Murphy.

Posted by: Lily at October 07, 2012 11:36 AM (igSv+)

48 "it became SOP in Afghanistan from the start of operations. SpecOp troops started to grow beards to fit in better with the local culture."

Gotcha, I always kind of wondered about that.

Posted by: lowandslow at October 07, 2012 11:37 AM (GZitp)

49 "Now he has been Obama's SecNav during such things as ships named Hugo Chavez, Gabrielle Giffords, and so many other screw-ups."

Uh, I carry no brief for Ray Mabus, who is one of the worst in a long string of crummy SECNAVs, but he named a ship after _Cesar_ Chavez, the Chicano farm labor activist. Not after Hugo Chavez the Venezuelan tyrant.

Cesar Chavez did serve in the USN,

Although he openly called those the worst years of his life -- hated the Navy -- which makes the honoring of him with a ship pretty fucking tin-eared. Just what you would expect from Barky's bunch.

I personally believe that all Naval vessels up to CVN class should without exception be named after members of the Navy and USMC who have died in service. No shortage of brave souls worth commemorating.

Posted by: torquewrench at October 07, 2012 11:39 AM (ymG7s)

50 Oh wow, thanks for the correction Torquewrench. Confused one communist for another.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at October 07, 2012 11:40 AM (VJCRJ)

51 Communist Dictator Chavez will "win" by 20 points.

Posted by: soothsayer at October 07, 2012 11:41 AM (KwX0v)

52 42 Lowandslow, it became SOP in Afghanistan from the start of operations. SpecOp troops started to grow beards to fit in better with the local culture. Even USAF Combat Controllers on mules calling in air strikes started to sprout beards.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at October 07, 2012 03:34 PM (VJCRJ)

Didn't the media and the Dems (BIRM) freak out when they saw the SpecOp troops with longer hair and beards and forced the Pentagon to "clean up" the SpecOp troops? I seem to remember them doing that.

Posted by: MrCaniac at October 07, 2012 11:41 AM (Zd/NW)

53 God Bless Michael Murphy and "Thank you for your service!"

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 07, 2012 11:43 AM (/LkSO)

Communist Dictator Chavez will "win" by 20 points.

Or twenty bullets.

Posted by: Meremortal, waiting for Broncos at October 07, 2012 11:44 AM (1Y+hH)

55 Hey everybody. I've mentioned several times that my BIL is now in Afghanistan. He's sent us some pics and I figured I'd share. They're up on my twitter and I'll post links here....

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 11:45 AM (GEICT)

56 To me, nothing is enough for men like this. I remember them, I honor them. I try to always stop and speak to those I see in uniform or are veterans. My wife and I teach our girls to do the same. But still...doesn't feel like enough. Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 03:17 PM (GEICT) My sons always tell me, just live your life to the fullest. That is why they do it, so that the rest of us don't have to worry and can live our lives in freedom. Just live your life to the fullest.

Posted by: marinemom at October 07, 2012 11:45 AM (OKtOV)

57 1st pic http://tinyurl.com/9qkf6sd

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 11:47 AM (GEICT)

58 I personally believe that all Naval vessels up to CVN class should without exception be named after members of the Navy and USMC who have died in service. Posted by: torquewrench at October 07, 2012 03:39 PM (ymG7s) This is great idea.

Posted by: marinemom at October 07, 2012 11:47 AM (OKtOV)

59 The brilliance of The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States of Americe and "No shortage of brave souls worth commemorating" who swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution are what have made, and have kept this the greatest nation that has ever existed.

Posted by: teej says go K-State at October 07, 2012 11:47 AM (QbKVX)

60 We used to have a naming convention for ships and submarines:

Destroyers - Navy & Marine Corps heroes

Cruisers - Cities

Battleships - States

Carriers - Battles

Submarines - Fish

ADM Rickover started the change when he named 688 class SSNs after cities: "Fish don't vote." USS L. Mendel Rivers (SSN 686) anyone?

Posted by: butch at October 07, 2012 11:47 AM (nK2Sx)

61 2nd http://tinyurl.com/8o2jbun

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 11:48 AM (GEICT)

62 My sons always tell me, just live your life to the fullest. That is why they do it, so that the rest of us don't have to worry and can live our lives in freedom. Just live your life to the fullest.

Posted by: marinemom at October 07, 2012 03:45 PM (OKtOV)

*****************

^ This, absolutely ^

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at October 07, 2012 11:49 AM (/LkSO)

63 3rd http://tinyurl.com/9ppgeq2

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 11:50 AM (GEICT)

64 4th http://tinyurl.com/9ppgeq2

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 11:51 AM (GEICT)

65 4th again. Screwup http://tinyurl.com/99rq6kk

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 11:53 AM (GEICT)

66 5th http://tinyurl.com/8wn48ll

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 11:54 AM (GEICT)

67 6th http://tinyurl.com/9tyw833

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 07, 2012 11:55 AM (GEICT)

Â“Sign on, young man, and sail with me. The stature of our homeland is no more than the measure of ourselves. Our job is to keep her free. Our will is to keep the torch of freedom burning for all. To this solemn purpose we call on the young, the brave, the strong, and the free. Heed my call, Come to the sea. Come Sail with me."

- John Paul Jones

Michael Murphy heard the call and served. He gave the last full measure of devotion to his teamates and his duty.

The rest.....is up to us.

Lt Murphy, fair winds and following seas.

Posted by: Reader C.J. Burch writes.....FREE KRATOS! at October 07, 2012 11:59 AM (sJTmU)

69 should have aborted that mission as soon as they were discovered

Posted by: guest at October 07, 2012 12:13 PM (ZDReT)

70 The absolute BEST this country has to offer. RIP Michael Murphy.

Posted by: Reality Bites at October 07, 2012 12:15 PM (AzwZn)

71 I had to trade this one to get the next one: The USS Jane Fonda!

Posted by: Secretary Mabus at October 07, 2012 12:17 PM (AzwZn)

72 http://tinyurl.com/92l3qrd Enter At Your Own Risk: Police Union Says Â‘War-LikeÂ’ Detroit Is Unsafe For Visitors Another Shining example of Liberalism

Posted by: Evilpens at October 07, 2012 12:25 PM (ck76k)

73 should have aborted that mission as soon as they were discovered Posted by: guest at October 07, 2012 04:13 PM (ZDReT) ----------------------------- Which SEAL Team did you serve with? You're a jackass coward.

Posted by: Nukie at October 07, 2012 12:25 PM (AzwZn)

I've been looking forward to the 'Lone Survivor' movie...from Marcus Luttrel's book.

With Peter Berg doing the directing, I have hopes of it being done right.

Berg's 'Battleship' movie was great, imho...but it was fiction.

Actor Taylor Kitsch...who starred in 'Battleship'...will play Michael Murphy.

It's cool that, in 'Battleship', Kitsch used a destroyer for most of the fighting against the aliens.

And now...he is cast as Murphy, for whom a destroyer has now been named, to honor this fallen hero.

Yesterday...10/05/12, someone snuck into the site in NM where they are filming.

The assholes damaged and looted the movie site...making off with items used for creating explosions.

Link in my name, for the story.

Posted by: wheatie at October 07, 2012 12:25 PM (l5RhJ)

75 Yeah, but obama got binladen. That insufferable prick couldn't lick the ass of dudes like this.

Posted by: Berserker at October 07, 2012 12:27 PM (FMbng)

76 #74....argh...I typo'd that date, it should be *10/06/12

Posted by: wheatie at October 07, 2012 12:31 PM (l5RhJ)

77 We are Penn State.

Rest easy, Lt.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider at October 07, 2012 12:55 PM (u0MHM)

Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee,
for those in peril on the sea.

O Father, King of earth and sea,
We dedicate this ship to thee.
In faith we send her on her way;
In faith to thee we humbly pray:
O hear from heaven our sailor's cry
And watch and guard her from on high!

And when at length her course is run,
Her work for home and country done,
Of all the souls that in her sailed
Let not one life in thee have failed;
But hear from heaven our sailor's cry,
And grant eternal life on high!

Posted by: Rick Nigh at October 07, 2012 01:28 PM (3Og/W)

79 Not a coward-it should have been aborted.

Posted by: ejo at October 07, 2012 01:37 PM (C/Spx)

80 I've had a soft spot for Murphy ever since reading Luttrel's book. I'm glad they're making a movie about it. Hopefully, the movie twits making it will be able to avoid casting the enemy as hapless farmers fighting off the invading Americans, and stick to reality.

Posted by: Cautiously Pessimistic at October 07, 2012 01:51 PM (dorwL)

81 May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at October 07, 2012 03:10 PM (pUqSw)

82 To the crew and families of DDG-112, Godspeed! And get some!

Posted by: Thorvald at October 07, 2012 05:01 PM (1V6Pv)

83 I stopped for gas after firing my evil black rifle at the range last week. A kid was pumping gas in his truck and noticed a Chief's crow on my back window. He said 'I'm in the Navy, too!' (He is in DEP to ship in Apr 2013). He was very proud of himself. Our Navy turns 237 years old this week. I only served 22 of those years spread over the timespan 1968-1996. And we had beards until 1982 in the Seabees, but of course most of us were not certified badasses like the SEAL's. Thank you for your sacrifice, Murph. And you, kid? Enjoy your tour and come home safe again to Texas.

Posted by: EROWMER at October 08, 2012 04:49 PM (kxlCQ)

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