By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark O. Klimenko, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)
Fireman Mark Murphy, a native of Reseda, California, was named Warrior of the Week aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), July 13.
The Iwo Jima Warrior of the Week recognizes a sailor who has shown consistent dedication to duty.
“It motivates me to always strive to learn more,” said Murphy. “I’m grateful for my mentors and my family for teaching me a strong work ethic that will get me far both in my career and in life.”
Murphy, a 2020 graduate of El Camino Real High School, joined the Navy two years ago.
Today, Murphy serves as a machinist’s mate responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing organizational and intermediate-level ship propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment.
Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Iwo Jima, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group/Expeditionary Strike Group.
The Amphibious Readiness Groups provide the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement by helicopter in addition to movement by landing craft.
USS Iwo Jima has supported major humanitarian assistance, occupation and combat operations in which the United States has been involved.
USS Iwo Jima is named for the battle of Iwo Jima fought in 1945, in which three divisions of US Marines took control of a tiny island from more than 20,000 enemy defenders.
The ship’s motto is a quote from Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz: “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
There were 27 US service members awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima, more than any other single operation during World War II.