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The USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) stands as a powerful testament to heroism and maritime excellence, embodying the legacy of a fallen Navy SEAL who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. This Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer represents more than just a naval vessel – it is a floating memorial to Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, a true American hero whose courage continues to inspire generations.
A Ship Born of Heroism
Named after Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan, the ship carries a profound legacy. Murphy was the first sailor to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War, making the vessel a symbol of extraordinary bravery and selfless service.
| Key Ship Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Class | Arleigh Burke Flight IIA Guided Missile Destroyer |
| Builder | Bath Iron Works, Maine |
| Commissioned | October 6, 2012 |
| Home Port | Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |
| Displacement | 9,200 tons |
| Length | 155 meters |
| Crew | Approximately 320 personnel |
Construction and Christening
The ship’s journey began with a contract awarded to Bath Iron Works on September 13, 2002. Symbolically, the ship was christened on May 7, 2011 – which was Lieutenant Murphy’s birthday – by his mother, Maureen Murphy. This personal touch transformed the vessel from a mere naval asset into a living memorial.
Operational Excellence
Since her commissioning, the USS Michael Murphy has demonstrated exceptional maritime capabilities. Some notable highlights include:
- Participating in multinational exercises like RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific)
- Conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas
- Providing humanitarian assistance, including rescue operations for the Canadian naval vessel HMCS Protecteur in 2014
Recent Achievements
In a remarkable recognition of her operational prowess, the USS Michael Murphy was awarded the 2024 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy on July 2, 2025. This prestigious award acknowledges the ship’s outstanding performance and significant contributions to naval operations in the Pacific region.
Deployment Highlights
The destroyer has been an integral part of several significant deployments, including:
- Deployment with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group in 2021
- Integrated operations in the Eastern Pacific
- Deployment with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in 2024
🚢 Note: The USS Michael Murphy continues to represent the highest standards of naval excellence, honoring the memory of Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy through its dedicated service.
Who was Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy?
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Michael P. Murphy was a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005. He sacrificed his life to save his fellow team members.
Where is the USS Michael Murphy based?
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The ship is homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, where it is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
What type of ship is the USS Michael Murphy?
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It is an Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA guided-missile destroyer, designed for a variety of maritime operations including air defense, surface warfare, and submarine warfare.