Navy to name newest destroyer after SEAL who died in Iraq

By Cindy Clayton
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 30, 2008

Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter has announced that the newest Zumwalt class destroyer will be named the Michael Monsoor for a SEAL who died in Iraq when he threw himself on a grenade to save two teammates.

Winter made the announcement last night at a Navy SEAL Warrior Fund benefit gala in New York City, according to a Department of Defense news release.

Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor earlier this year for his actions in Ramadi, Iraq in September 2006.

“Michael Monsoor’s name will now be linked with one of our nation’s most visible examples of military power, U.S. Navy warship,” the release quotes Winter as saying last night. “His legacy will inspire the hearts of future sailors who serve on the ship that bears his name.”

The ship will be the second Zumwalt class destroyer and will carry a crew of 148 officers and sailors, the release says. It will be 600 feet long with a beam of 80.7 feet, a 15,000-ton displacement and a top speed of 30 knots.

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.