The Philadelphia Council of the Navy League of the United States is excited to announce that USS John P. Murtha will be commissioned at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia on October 8, 2016. LPD 26 is named in honor of the late John P. Murtha, who represented Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District from 1974 to 2010. Murtha was a decorated Vietnam War veteran, receiving the Bronze Star with Valor dev
ice, two Purple Hearts, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 1990, receiving the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Commissioning a ship is a time-honored tradition that celebrates a vessel’s formal entry into service with the active Navy fleet. Since most commissioning events and ceremonial items cannot be funded with federal money, our committee has been formed to sponsor these events and raise funds in support. Over $235,000 must be raised to cover all aspects of commissioning week, including several receptions, gifts and plaques to the ship and each of her 360 crewmembers. This amount also includes our sponsoring activities for the crew and their families while in Philadelphia. We invite you to become part of the history of this ship through sponsorship. There are various levels, each with corresponding premiums. The levels and additional information are listed on our website, ussjohnpmurthacommissioning.org. Your support will ensure that the best Philadelphia hospitality is extended to the crew and their families. We hope to see you at some of the many events planned for commissioning week!
