Major work begins on Murtha ship

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat ^ | 6-16-2012 | staff report

[smoothsailing]

June 16, 2012

Major work begins on Murtha ship

The Tribune-Democrat

PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Major construction has started on the John P. Murtha, another in a series of amphibious transport vessels that includes the USS Somerset.

The Navy held a “keel authentication” ceremony June 7 for the LPD 26 at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula.

The Navy tradition signifies that the boat’s keel has been “truly and fairly laid.”

The authenticator – Mobile, Ala., resident Wilfred Bolds – marked his initials on a keel plate, which will be affixed to the vessel.

The USS John P. Murtha – named for the late Johnstown congressman, who served in the Marines – is the 10th ship in the San Antonio-class of ships built by Ingalls. The company has delivered six such ships to the Navy.

The boat is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2015.

Construction of the Murtha was announced in April 2010 during ceremonies at the Johnstown airport.

“It’s a beautiful day to honor one of America’s patriots,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said at the time.

Also on hand for the event were Murtha family members and then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

The Murtha will be crewed by 363 Navy personnel and carry 700 Marines.

The fighters, along with equipment and supplies, would be shipped to hot spots around the world.

[smoothsailing]

[smoothsailing]

Murtha ping.

[rawcatslyentist]

Murthaphughr passed Bammy Care with an audible vote. Treasonous B!

[Farmer Dean]

WTF,now I really am going to puke.Name a ship after that lying old bastard,what are they thinking.

[Pontiac]

“It’s a beautiful day to honor one of America’s patriots,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said at the time.

Did he keep a strait face when he said this or did choke, through up or perhaps collapse in hysterical laughter?

If they had to name a Naval vessel after Murtha is should have been a pig boat for the Houses King of Pork.

[surroundedbyblue]

This needs a barf tag

[bigbob]

will it have an all-gay crew?

[Ann Archy]

OMG!! He HATED the militry even though he PROFESSED to LOVE it!!! He was a HUGE PHONEY!!!

[Lockbar]

Thank god he is dead. Rot in hell you bastard.

[jessduntno]

They will probably have to bribe it to make it leave port.

[BerryDingle]

Too bad he didn’t drop down with a “loud splash” like Rodney King did.

[Chode]

and America takes another one in the........

[FreeAtlanta]

I am sorry for anyone who has to serve on that ship named for the worthless commie dirtbag, but I hope their service is safe and good. Hopefully, they quickly transfer off the ship.

Wouldn't it be funny if it had the highest request for transfer?

[jazusamo]

“It’s a beautiful day to honor one of America’s patriots,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said at the time.

Mabus is more full of crap than a Christmas goose and about as detestable as Murtha for okaying this ship being named for him.

[VeniVidiVici]

I can’t believe the Navy is naming a ship after the traitor Murtha.

[smoothsailing]

Wouldn't it be funny if it had the highest request for transfer?

That would be quite fitting, particularly if it was all Marines doing the requesting!

[smoothsailing]

Hey VVV, I like your tagline so much I borrowed the idea, check it out! ;-)

[Toadman]

I don’t know if it’s the Navy determining the name, I thought it was congress that makes the decision... However; I really feel sorry for the crew that has to be associated with such a poltroon.

[YHAOS]

We can be sure that the ship will serve more honorably than did the man.

[jazusamo]

BUMP to you both!!