The family of Lt. Michael Murphy, a Navy Seal killed in Afghanistan seven years ago, got an emotional look Tuesday at the USS Michael Murphy.
The Warship is a guided missile destroyer named for the local hero from Long Island, who was ambushed while leading a team of Navy Seals in Afghanistan in 2005. Murphy gave his life trying to save others and was awarded the medal of honor.
Murphy's family, along with members of the Navy, gathered at Calverton National Cemetery to attend a memorial service at his grave. Murphy’s final resting place is not far from his childhood home in Patchogue.
"God bless you all and thank you for not forgetting my Mike," said Murphy’s mother Maureen Murphy.
Tom Shultz, commander of the USS Michael Murphy, spoke of the the sacrifice Murphy and his teammates made.
“We look at that to inspire us to do the best that we can," Shultz said.
The destroyer, which will be based in Hawaii, is ready to be commissioned into service. It will remain in New York through next Monday at pier 88, where it will be open to the public.
"We have the USS Michael Murphy with Michael's name in huge letters on the back of a ship, it's overwhelming,” said Murphy’s father Dan Murphy. “On the other hand it's something where, I'd give it all up to have Michael back."
