New US destroyer named after Navy SEAL

>>> as you may know, we took this broadcast on the road the last couple of weekends to afghanistan where 68,000 americans are still fighting this nation's longest war . 11 years of conflict have produced plenty of heartache, but also tremendous examples of sacrifice and courage and today, here in new york, the navy's newest war ship was formally dedicated to one of its own who gave it all for his brothers in arms .

>> i hereby place united states ship michael murph ney commission.

>> reporter: the newest destroyer in the navy fleet is named after navy s.e.a.l. michael murphy killed in 2005 while fighting one of the fiercest battles in nas.e.a.l. history.

>> it bears the name of a great american.

>> reporter: lieutenant murphy was the leader of a four-man team on a reconnaissance mission . the s.e.a.l.s came across three goat herders, but despite the risk they would betray the s.e.a.l.s presence to the taliban and murphy ordered them released and not killed.

>> wouldn't even cross his mind to injure a noncombatant.

>> reporter: as feared, the taliban were tipped off and attacked. his team outnumbered 10-1, fought back. they radioed for backup, but in a selfless act to save his men, murphy moved into the open, immediately drawing enemy fire to make a desperate call for help .

>> he took two rounds to the back and dropped down and sat back up, picked the phone back up and started talking again.

>> reporter: 19 servicemen died that day.

>> it is your teammate who lays down his life for yours.

>> reporter: murphy was posthumously awarded the congressional medal of honor for his character and courage.

>> man your ship.

>> reporter: maureen murphy , michael 's mother is the ship's sponsor.

>> michael is very humble, but he would be proud because of all of the crew members on the ship, they have a lot of characteristics that are like him.

>> reporter: for the 290 crew member, a chance to live up to his example.

>> it is truly an honor to now do our part to uphold his legacy and the legacy of his teammates.

>> the guided missile destroyer which will be based in hawaii weighs in at 290 tons and 109-feet long. it was built in maine by bath ironworks.

>> we wish you fair winds and following seas and in the navy on motto semper fortis, forever courageous. the hall of heros is a tribute and a reminder of the mission. chief petty officer jake doherty knew michael murphy and says what happened changed the course of his life.

>> we'll take this ship out to fight the enemy will be the biggest part for me of bringing mike back to the fight.

>> tomorrow marks the 11th anniversary of the start of the war in afghanistan . that's nbc