30 Years after joining U.S. Navy, submarine officer still shines Texas pride

GROTON, CT, UNITED STATES

10.24.2019

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class STEVEN HOSKINS 

Submarine Readiness Squadron (SRS) 32

Groton, Conn. – Cmdr. Leland M. Murphy, is a graduate of New London High School in New London, Texas. He joined the Navy shortly after high school and reported to his first sea duty onboard USS Michigan (SSBN 727), serving as an Electrician’s Mate.

Enlisting in the Navy in 1989, Murphy recently took on a new role as executive officer at Regional Support Group, Naval Submarine Support Facility, New London, (NSSF NLON) in Groton, Connecticut.

There, he will be responsible for carrying out the orders of the commanding officer and maintaining the good order and discipline of the Sailors at the submarine repair facility.

Born and raised in East Texas, Murphy did not need to go far to find inspiration to serve in the military. The Army drafted his father to serve in the Vietnam War right after Murphy was born. His uncle also served in the Army in the Vietnam War and retired from service in the Army.

“The sons and daughters of Texans serve our Navy well. I am proud to serve with them for Texas and our great country,” Murphy said.
In addition to being a member of the Navy’s tight-knit and elite submariner community, Murphy is also a rare breed of Sailor known as a “mustang.” In the Navy, a mustang is an officer who has been promoted from the ranks of enlisted personnel from an in-service procurement program.

Murphy was initiated as a chief petty officer in 2000 and commissioned as a limited duty officer, nuclear engineer, in 2002.
“Both are my proudest accomplishments in the Navy,” he said. “My goal is to serve in the Navy for as long as I can. I’ve been in for over 30 years and I still love what I do.”

Murphy knew early in life that he was destined to serve. He enjoys interacting with a cross section of people from around the country, and thrives contributing to the maintenance and repairs team that support our submarine force.
“I always looked up to those that served the country and I wanted to be part of that community,” said Murphy.

The NSSF mission is to provide direct fleet support to submarines as a nuclear-capable Fleet Maintenance Activity, providing intermediate level maintenance and ordnance support to two squadrons of Groton-based nuclear submarines, assigned service and small craft, including Historic Ship NAUTILUS. This support includes maintenance, repair, and upkeep to improve readiness and to perform such other functions as may be directed by competent authority.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2019
• Date Posted: 10.25.2019 15:25
• Story ID: 349283
• Location: GROTON, CT, US