History of USS John P. Murtha in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 10, 2026

USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) is the 10th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship of the U.S. Navy. It's named for the late Congressman John Murtha of Pennsylvania. The ship's homeport is Naval Base San Diego.

1932: John Murtha's Birth

In 1932, John Murtha was born. He would later become a Congressman from Pennsylvania and the namesake of the USS John P. Murtha.

1974: Murtha Elected to Congress

In 1974, John Murtha, a former United States Marine Corps officer and Vietnam War veteran, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

1989: Murtha Chairs House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee

From 1989 to 2010, John Murtha served as either chairman or ranking minority member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

2005: Murtha Calls for Withdrawal from Iraq War

In 2005, John Murtha called for withdrawing from the Iraq War, which later contributed to controversy over naming a military vessel after him.

April 2010: Navy Names Ship After Murtha

On 9 April 2010, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced that the Navy's 10th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock would be named John P. Murtha (LPD-26) in honor of the former Marine and Congressman.

2010: John Murtha's Death

In 2010, Congressman John Murtha of Pennsylvania passed away. The USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) is named in his honor.

April 2011: Contract Awarded to Ingalls Shipbuilding

On 1 April 2011, the contract to build the John P. Murtha was awarded to Ingalls Shipbuilding.

June 2012: Keel Laid Down

On 6 June 2012, the keel for the John P. Murtha was laid down at the Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

2012: Controversy over Ship Naming

In 2012, controversy arose regarding the naming of military vessels after politicians, including John Murtha and Gabby Giffords. Sen. Roy Blunt added an amendment to the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, requiring the Navy to report on adherence to ship-naming conventions.

October 2014: Ship Launched

On 30 October 2014, the USS John P. Murtha was launched.

March 2015: Ship Christened

On 21 March 2015, the USS John P. Murtha was christened.

2015: Report on Ship-Naming Conventions Released

In 2015, a report was released demonstrating that naval secretaries have historically made occasional exceptions to established ship-naming conventions, dating back to 1798 with USS Chesapeake.