FASTPAC, Blue Ridge honor fallen hero Lt. Michael Murphy

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Everett Allen | Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Tobias Hitch, left, and Damage Controleman 3rd Class Kevin O'Connell do pushups and squats at the 2014 "Murph" challenge while U.S. 7th Fleet flag ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) visits Jakarta. The "Murph" challenge is named after Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael Murphy and consists of his personal workout: completing a two-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups and 300 squats with a 25-pound vest in the fastest time possible. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Everett Allen/Released)  

JAKARTA, INDONESIA

05.28.2014

Courtesy Story

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

Story by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Michael Hendricks

JAKARTA, Indonesia - “28, 29, 30!” shouts Marine Cpl. Billy Lawson with the cadence of a seasoned drill sergeant. As beads of sweat pour off his face, Lawson recovers and begins running yet another mile with no break, mental determination and physical prowess get him through the 2014 “Murph” Challenge.

The challenge is named after Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy. It was the personal workout of the fallen SEAL, who sacrificed his life in combat for his team.

While many Americans celebrated Memorial Day by hosting backyard parties and spending time away from work, Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC) and Sailors from U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) preferred to sweat together in honor of Murphy at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, May 27.

“A lot of people get wrapped up in the festivities of a three-day weekend for Memorial Day,” said Marine Staff Sgt. Matthew Ayers. “It’s not about that for those of us who have lost someone doing the job. The only people who can truly understand are the guys that have been on the battlefield.”

Participants completed a two-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups and 300 squats while wearing a 25-pound vest in the fastest time possible.

“The goal of the Murph is to compete against your peers as well as yourself,” said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Kevin O’Connell. “You are always trying to beat your best time and the guy next to you, which always makes it fun and challenging.”

Memorial Day is celebrated throughout the United States in remembrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. For the Murph participants, this was a fitting way to honor their fellow military members.

“The Murph Challenge is always hard,” said Lawson. “But it felt good to test ourselves in honor of fallen hero Lt. Murphy on Memorial Day. We push ourselves daily to emulate his dedication to country and service, and today we challenged ourselves physically and mentally by doing the Murph.”

The military is steeped in tradition. Whether it be day-to-day duties or commemorating those who have died, it is everywhere in the military. Some branches or units find their own ways to remember as the years go by. For Sailors and Marines aboard Blue Ridge, this year’s remembrance event was the Murph.

“The currency of war is human life,” said FASTPAC Company Commander Marine Capt. Brandon Wheeler. “Nothing can replace the loss of someone close, a fellow Marine, a brother, a sister, and all we can do is remember together. The Murph represented our tradition this year, and I look forward to continuing the tradition for years to come.”

• Date Taken: 05.28.2014
• Date Posted: 05.28.2014 20:24
• Story ID: 131379
• Location: JAKARTA, ID