Fundraising underway for commissioning events
American hero, Navy SEAL LT Michael Murphy, who was born in Smithtown and raised in Patchogue, made the ultimate sacrifice on June 28, 2005 defending the country while performing a covert mission on the Afghan-Pakistan border. He was awarded the nation’s highest decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor and an Arleigh Burke Destroyer has been named in his honor – The USS Michael Murphy DDG-112.
Following the christening ceremony which took place on May 7, 2011 – what would have been Michael Murphy’s 35th birthday – USS Michael Murphy Commissioning Committee Chairman James White said, “An event like this renews my inspiration to do whatever I can to support the men and women of the Navy as they go into harm’s way in support of our national security. LT Murphy’s leadership and dedication to service will inspire the crews who will serve on the ship until the middle of the 21st century.”
The USS Michael Murphy will be commissioned Saturday, Oct. 6 at Pier 88 in New York City next to the USS Intrepid. The event will be preceded by a week of celebratory events for the crew of this ship and their families. The USS Michael Murphy Commissioning Committee has been tasked with supporting the crew and their families during their time in New York that will culminate in a pre-commissioning breakfast, the formal commissioning of the ship, and a post-commissioning reception.
The actual commissioning ceremony is sponsored by the Navy and is by invitation only. The Navy League will sponsor supporting events including: “A Day on Long Island,” providing the crew an opportunity to visit where LT Murphy lived and make a connection with his life; and “The Sights of New York City,” where the crew will have an opportunity to see some of the best New York has to offer. The Navy League’s Commissioning Committee will also provide refreshments at the ceremony, a publication commemorating the event, various social events for “The Friends of USS Michael Murphy” including the Chairman’s Reception, gifts for the crew and the ship, as well as logistics support for family of crew members attending the ceremony in New York.
The committee was established by the Long Island Council of the Navy League of the United States to officially present and commemorate the commissioning of USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) into the United States Navy Fleet, raise public awareness on Long Island, New York City and the across the nation of USS Michael Murphy and its importance to the United States Navy, celebrate the life and dedication of LT Michael Murphy, foster awareness of the role of the United States Navy in the protection of our freedoms and to finance appropriate events and activities associated with these objectives.
The Commissioning Committee is asking for the support of all Long Islanders, Long Island businesses and organizations, to help raise the necessary funds for the commissioning activities. A website has been created which presents all of the details on the ship and the commissioning, as well as how to make a contribution or become a sponsor. Visit http://www.ussmichaelmurphy.org/ or call (631) 396-4451.
