News

Murphy home on leave

By Scott Wagar

12/30/2014

Bottineau High School graduate, Collin Murphy, is home on leave from the Navy and is enjoying time with his family, friends and the local veterans in the community.

Murphy is a 2012 Bottineau High School graduate. After graduating, he entered the U.S. Navy and trained to become an Aviation Boatswains Mate Handler (ABH). “I work on the flight deck,” said Murphy at the Bottineau County Veterans Memorial Building on Wednesday morning where the local veterans granted Murphy the gift of membership in Bottineau’s American Legion Post 42, AMVETS Post 25 and the Veterans of Foreign War Post 8688, all at the initial cost of the veterans.

As an ABH, Murphy duties include the supervision of the movement, spotting and securing of all aircraft and equipment on the ship and onshore. 

The ABHs are also responsible for fire fighting, crash rescue, crash removal and damage control duty when it comes to launching and recovering aircrafts.

The men are often referred to as the “yellowshirts” on deck for the color of the clothing they wear on deck; but, more important, they are referred to as the “salt on the deck” because they hold the most responsibility on deck which is fast pace and dangerous. 

Murphy, whose rank is a Third Class E4, is stationed on the U.S.S. George Washington, which is a nuclear power aircraft carrier, or supercarrier, which is part of the Nimitz class. 

The U.S.S. George Washington’s home base is the Yokosuka Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan.

In his missions, Murphy has ported in Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.

Murphy stated he is enjoying his time in the Navy for many reason, but also for one special reason. “I get to see the world,” he said.

Murphy has a year and nine months left in the Navy. When he completes his duties, he is considering becoming an electrician.
Murphy’s parents are Sean and Tammy Murphy.