Symbolism of the ships crest of DDG-112
The shape is taken from the shield on the New York State Seal, to indicate Michael Murphy’s home state. Navy blue and gold are the traditional colors of the Navy, and the shield is divided by a chevron which symbolizes the ship on a dark blue sea horizoned by a starry sky which here is the light blue chief with seven white stars that recalls the Medal of Honor colors with the stars alluding to the ship’s and SEAL team operations across the seven seas. The Maltese Cross stands as recognition of FDNY Engine Company 53 and Ladder Company 43 which were used as inspiration for LT Murphy’s SEAL Team and tied his motivation to the events of September 11, 2001. The flaming sword of Michael the Archangel, for whom he was named, and the Spartan shield are reflective of his fateful battle and SEAL warrior ethos. The purple detail line on the sword, double saltire and chevron reversed on the Spartan shield is representative of the Purple Heart awarded to the 20 Americans who were part of Operation RED WINGS and all the service men and women who have sacrificed for their country. The Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest decoration for valor, draped as being worn by LT Murphy, is a reminder of his ultimate sacrifice for his teammates and his being the first Medal of Honor recipient from the war in Afghanistan and the first Navy recipient since the Vietnam War.The rolled and turned red, white and blue ribbon honors the patriotic service of the SEAL teams since their formation, surmounted here by the SEAL Trident which LT Murphy was proud to wear. SUPPORTERS
The sword and cutlass represent the officers and crew of USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).
