By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Dunford, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Marco Ramirez visited sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) on Thanksgiving.
Harris walked the spaces and thanked sailors for their dedication and hard work on a day most people spend with their loved ones.
"I dropped by this impressive warfighting ship to express my gratitude to the sailors here, and throughout the U.S. Pacific Fleet, who are working on Thanksgiving," Harris said. "I want to personally thank all the sailors standing the watch at sea, our faithful Navy civilians, and our families for their support."
The visit was a welcome surprise for sailors standing watch on the ship.
“I was originally upset that I had duty today, but once I learned that the four-star was coming, it made my day,” said Seaman Apprentice Christopher Back, who was standing messenger of the watch. “I’m very grateful he came aboard today. It’s not an opportunity that every sailor gets and I’m very honored to have met him.”
Cmdr. Corey Turner, Michael Murphy’s commanding officer, was grateful Harris thanked the sailors and agrees with Harris’ sentiments.
“On behalf of the entire crew, I’m very thankful Adm. Harris took time out of his holiday to see our ship and talk to the crew,” Turner said.
USS Michael Murphy is the 62nd ship of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and is named after Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, the first person awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for actions in Afghanistan and the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.