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Navy Stands Firm on Naming Warship After Criticized Rep. John Murtha

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Despite protests from thousands of angry postings on social media, the Navy is moving forward with its decision to name a warship after late Rep. John Murtha, a decorated Vietnam War veteran who was critical of the Iraq war. Murtha's family has expressed gratitude for the recognition of his service to the nation's servicemembers and their families. The John P. Murtha, an amphibious transport vessel, will be able to carry 700 Marines, their equipment, and supplies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Navy is proceeding with its decision to name a warship after Rep. John Murtha, despite criticism from thousands of people on social media.
  • The John P. Murtha will be an amphibious transport vessel capable of carrying 700 Marines, their equipment, and supplies.
  • Rep. Murtha was a strong advocate for military personnel on Capitol Hill and was a powerful inside player on congressional appropriations.
  • He was accused of trading government funding promises for campaign donations, but the ethics probe was dropped in December 2009.
  • Rep. Murtha's comments in 2006 denouncing the Marines involved in the Haditha incident were seen as disloyal by conservatives, as he made the accusations before any investigation was concluded.
  • The decision to name the warship after Rep. Murtha has sparked outrage among some veterans, with Thomas Wilkerson, a retired Marine major general, stating that it is "unserious" to name a ship after a congressman who disgraced himself by rushing to judgment.

Statistics:

  • 9,700+ members on the "People Against Naming a Navy Ship USS Murtha" Facebook page
  • 700 Marines, their equipment, and supplies that the John P. Murtha will be able to carry
  • 10th ship in the San Antonio class that the John P. Murtha will be
  • 20+ years of service with the Coast Guard for Robert Spring, who created the "People Against Naming a Navy Ship USS Murtha" Facebook page
  • 24 civilians killed by a Marine squad in Haditha, Iraq in November 2005

Sources:

  • The Associated Press, "Navy sticks with plan to name warship for Rep. Murtha" (no date provided)
  • The Washington Times, "Sink the Murtha" (no date provided)
  • Facebook page "People Against Naming a Navy Ship USS Murtha"

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