Naval Special Warfare Operators, commonly known as SEALs, have successfully integrated with the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) during Operation Polar Dagger in the Alaskan Arctic.
The operation saw sailors from the USS John P. Murtha pull a Combat Rubber-Raider Craft into the ship’s well deck on August 23, 2023.
According to a release, ships like the USS John P. Murtha are essential for their “unique capabilities that make them ideal platforms to support special operations forces,” including embarking helicopters, launching and recovering Naval Special Warfare combatant craft, and maintaining all-domain awareness.
“Integrating U.S. Navy SEALs with the USS John P. Murtha during Operation Polar Dagger further prepares our forces to operate effectively in the extreme environment of the high-north – while contributing to our national security objectives,” stated Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Commodore Capt. Bill Gallagher. He emphasised the importance of Naval Special Warfare’s ability to collaborate with fleet assets, providing more deployment flexibility to address emerging regional challenges.
Capt. Doug Langenberg, commanding officer of USS John P. Murtha, commented on the ship’s capabilities, stating, “Amphibious transport dock ships, such as ours, have many unique capabilities that make them ideal platforms to support special operations forces.” He added that their involvement in such operations allows the testing of new capabilities, enhancing the joint force’s strategic edge in maritime contexts.
The joint operation featured the SEALs deploying from the Murtha in assault boats in the Bering Sea, navigating to a distant island, conducting patrols, and subsequently evacuating via helicopter.
Ugh American ship names are so boring. Always named after someone that hardly anyone knows who it is. Especially in the wider world. The odd name is ok if it’s a good one. Nimitz, Eisenhower etc.
the U.K. has picked some awful names also but at least it’s not HMS Tony Blair, HMS ted heath, HMS Margaret Thatcher, HMS Lorraine kelly, HMS Jackie Stewart and so on.
Great ship with top class seals on board. It’s cold up north.
The names of American vessels are irrelevant, it’s what our navy can accomplish.