The US Navy's newest guided missile warship, the 510-foot USS Michael Murphy is being commissioned this weekend in New York City. Her Long Island born namesake, Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Murphy was leading a four-man team hunting a key Taliban leader in mountainous terrain near Asadabad in an encounter known as Operation Red Wing when they were ambushed by about 50 combatants. A wounded Murphy was credited with risking his own life by moving into the open for a better position to transmit a call for help. He was shot in the back, causing him to drop the transmitter. Murphy picked it back up, completed the call and continued firing. After a two-hour gunfight, Murphy and two fellow SEALs were dead. About 35 Taliban were also killed. The fourth member of their team escaped and was protected by local villagers for several days before he was rescued. Eight other Navy SEALs and eight members of the Army's elite Night Stalkers were then killed when their helicopter was shot down. Lt. Murphy was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
The USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) at Pier 88 - She's a beauty - Hooah!
The USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) at Pier 88 - She's a beauty - Hooah!
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