US Navy names three new ships, one after Silver Star recipient

The Navy officially named three future ships this past week, as well as the official name for its new class of ocean surveillance ships. The vessels honor two Navy veterans and underwater explorers, as well as a Marine killed in action during the Iraq War. 

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the names at different events on Friday. The amphibious transport dock ship LPD 33 will be named for Travis Manion, Del Toro announced at the U.S. Naval Academy. Manion, an academy graduate, served in the Marine Corps with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and fought in Iraq. In April 2007 his unit was in the Anbar Province when it came under attack. Manion exposed himself to sniper fire to distract the enemies from his wounded comrades. He was killed while attacking the ambushers. Manion was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star with Valor posthumously. 

“The San Antonio-class amphibious ship represents the combined power of the Navy and Marine Corps team and relies on the seamless integration of Sailors and Marines working together,” Del Toro said. “Here, at his alma mater, I am proud to announce that the next San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, LPD 33, will be named USS Travis Manion, serving as a symbol of courage, bravery, and selfless service for all who follow in her wake.”