Newest Navy Destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) Commissioned

USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), the Navy’s newest guided-missile destroyer, was commissioned during a formal ceremony at pier 88 in Manhattan, Oct. 6. The 9,200-ton Michael Murphy was built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and has a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The newest destroyer honors Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, a New York native who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan, June 28, 2005.

Thousands of spectators, veterans and invited guests gathered in front of the ship to witness the ceremony, which included distinguished guests such as the Mayor of New York, the Honorable Michael Bloomberg, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Adm. William McRaven, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command.

The Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Ray Mabus, delivered the principal address and spoke of the ship, her crew and her namesake’s heroic actions.

“This ship honors the courage, service and sacrifice of Lt. Michael Murphy, his Red Wings brothers, fellow SEALs, special operators and service members around the world who answer the call of duty every day. It is absolutely fitting that the USS Michael Murphy bears a SEAL trident on her crest because, much like Michael and every Navy SEAL who has earned the honor of wearing the trident, this ship is designed to counter threats from above and below the surface of the oceans, in the air and on land.”

The commissioning was the culmination of a week-long celebration in New York City honoring the ship, her crew and the legacy of Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy. The ship will be homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

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Press Release, October 8, 2012; Image: navy