MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A Modesto, California, native will return to San Diego from a seven-month deployment serving aboard USS Stockdale, a U.S. Navy warship that recently conducted operations in the Middle East.
“I joined the Navy to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself mentally," Murdock said. "I had no real direction in life and knew that the Navy was a way to jump-start my Adult life and find a purpose."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Modesto.
“Growing up in Modesto, I had a lot of opportunities to try new things and gain valuable skills," Murdock said. "I used to work restocking ambulances and that job taught me a lot about time management and strong work ethic with the 12-hour shifts and constantly moving around trying to get the ambulances out on time so they could go out and help the community. I learned to be resilient and how to work efficiently while exhausted and still do my job properly to the highest standard."
While on its seven-month deployment, USS Stockdale conducted combat operations against the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden, maintaining free and open sea lanes and regional stability. Stockdale also built continuing relationships with the militaries of Egypt and the Republic of Maldives, important partners of the United States.
“I knew going into deployment there was a chance I wouldn't come home," Murdock said. "Throughout our training leading up to deployment, I honed in my skills and watched my shipmates do the same until we became the most efficient and lethal ship in the Navy."
Homeported in San Diego, Stockdale is a guided-missile destroyer and the third U.S. Navy ship named in honor of Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale, an aviator who was awarded the Medal of Honor based on his service in the Vietnam War, during which time he was a prisoner of war for over seven years.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Modesto.
“Growing up in Modesto, I had a lot of opportunities to try new things and gain valuable skills," Murdock said. "I used to work restocking ambulances and that job taught me a lot about time management and strong work ethic with the 12-hour shifts and constantly moving around trying to get the ambulances out on time so they could go out and help the community. I learned to be resilient and how to work efficiently while exhausted and still do my job properly to the highest standard."
While on its seven-month deployment, USS Stockdale conducted combat operations against the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden, maintaining free and open sea lanes and regional stability. Stockdale also built continuing relationships with the militaries of Egypt and the Republic of Maldives, important partners of the United States.
“I knew going into deployment there was a chance I wouldn't come home," Murdock said. "Throughout our training leading up to deployment, I honed in my skills and watched my shipmates do the same until we became the most efficient and lethal ship in the Navy."
Homeported in San Diego, Stockdale is a guided-missile destroyer and the third U.S. Navy ship named in honor of Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale, an aviator who was awarded the Medal of Honor based on his service in the Vietnam War, during which time he was a prisoner of war for over seven years.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Murdock can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy for me is like serving a higher purpose," Murdock added. "I love what I do and being able to protect my family and the nation’s interests makes it even better."
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Murdock can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy for me is like serving a higher purpose," Murdock added. "I love what I do and being able to protect my family and the nation’s interests makes it even better."