MYFOXNY.COM -
The US Navy has a new warship named after a Navy Seal from Long Island. The USS Michael Murphy was commissioned in a joyful ceremony in New York on Saturday.
Lieutenant Murphy was killed fighting in Afghanistan in 2005. He became the first person awarded the Medal of Honor during the War in Afghanistan.
Saturday, the Navy bestowed an additional honor upon Murphy's legacy by christening its newest ship that now bears his name.
It was indeed a celebration of what makes America great.
The USS Michael Murphy is manned and ready to report for duty.
The US Navy commissioned the USS Michael Murphy -- a sleek new warship named for the Long Island Navy Seal who died in Afghanistan during a 2005 ambush.
Military officials said the 29-year-old risked his life to save his own life to save his fellow men.
"Lt. Murphy was surrounded and showed strength and humility while wounded defending his troops," said Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY).
"He put his life on the line for his teammates," said Rep. Peter King (R-NY).
While the band played "Anchor's Away" nearly 300 sailors charged up a ramp as the destroyer sprang to life along Manhattan's West Side.
The 510-foot destroyer will be the centerpiece of the Navy's fleet. The guided missile destroyer is designed to counter threats from the air and sea. It's one of the US Navy's most advanced state-of-the-art warships.
"This ship is fast, it is nimble, it is lethal, it's got guns, it's got torpedoes," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.
The ship will also deploy Special Forces and be used in counter-terrorism operations.
It will sail around the world protecting our freedom, bearing the name of the man who did the very same thing.
"Just like the ship's namesake, Michael Murphy, it will assure, it will protect and it will deter -- what a better motto -- lead the fight," added Mabus.
The $1.1 billion warship will be among 25 destroyers deployed around the world. The ship will be open for general public visiting for a limited time.
The USS Michael Murphy will then proceed to its homeport in Hawaii.
