# To the U.S. Navy - the USS John P. Murtha is going way too far. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 15, 2010, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219 "2010-04-15T15:42:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/41 "2010-04-15T18:38:42Z")
We could rename carrier air wings, too. And tank battalions. Hell, the Army is already doing this in reverse - they sold the rights to The Big Red One to a clothing distributor a while back. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/42 "2010-04-15T18:44:47Z")
> [@Mr.Moto](#): > > The rest are perfectly defensible - they are military or national leaders and heroes. No real controversies in that list. Andrew Higgins was a famous industrialist who built navy ships. I think its a stretch to call him a national leader, and while his role in WWII was important, I think hero is a pretty big stretch as well. I kinda wish they’d lay off naming US ships after people as well, but if they’re going to do so, I don’t really have a problem with naming one after Murtha. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/43 "2010-04-15T18:51:08Z")
> [@Harmonious\_Discord](#): > > Wouldn’t sailors prefer being on the USS Titty Fuck over the USS John P. Murtha? Not if you’re in the Navy 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/44 "2010-04-15T18:54:38Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I don’t know, it might be kind of fun to say “We’re going to berth the Murtha”. The crew will, of course, make sure they are known as a bunch of Murthafuckers. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/45 "2010-04-15T18:55:12Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > Andrew Higgins was a famous industrialist who built navy ships. I think its a stretch to call him a national leader, and while his role in WWII was important, I think hero is a pretty big stretch as well. On the other hand, when you are an industrialist who Eisenhaur says was outright critical to winning the war… ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/46 "2010-04-15T18:59:48Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > HMS Archer = USS Get R Done The proper spelling is “USS Git R Done”. Just sayin’… ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/47 "2010-04-15T19:01:49Z")
For that offense, the USS Busier Than a One Legged Man in an Ass Kicking Contest is steaming your way. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/48 "2010-04-15T19:01:59Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > On the other hand, when you are an industrialist who Eisenhaur says was outright critical to winning the war… What does Eisenhower have to say about that? ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/49 "2010-04-15T19:03:24Z")
The relative levels of acrimony and levity in this discussion are completely out of balance for a Pit thread. I’m reporting all of you murthafuckers. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/50 "2010-04-15T19:24:37Z")
I’ve always found it particularly distasteful to name things after persons who are still alive. So somebody better go kill Murtha before it’s too late. ---
**Author:** ![Kiber](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kiber/32/317_2.png) [@Kiber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiber)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/51 "2010-04-15T19:28:37Z")
> [@friedo](#): > > I’ve always found it particularly distasteful to name things after persons who are still alive. > > So somebody better go kill Murtha before it’s too late. It’s already too late. About 2 months too [late](http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-02-08-john-murtha-obit_N.htm) . . . . . ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/52 "2010-04-15T19:31:02Z")
> [@Terraplane](#): > > Even worse is when they use the full name with initials. USS Murtha isn’t a great name but I like it better than USS John P. Murtha. Big agreement with this. I mean, what’s wrong with USS Murtha, if it must be named after him? There’s no other famous Murthas. Just the last name worked fine for USS Nimitz; they didn’t call it USS Chester W. Nimitz because everyone knew who “Nimitz” referred to. I can see “Theodore Roosevelt” for obvious reasons. Note: **friedo** , Murtha’s as dead as a rock. ---
**Author:** ![Bambro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/df705f/32.png) [@Bambro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bambro)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/53 "2010-04-15T19:38:11Z")
> [@Kiber](#): > > Here are some other US Navy ships named after people. How many of these meet the Ops criteria? > > A1C William H. Pitsenbarger > Abraham Lincoln > Admiral W.M. Callaghan > Alan Shepard > Albert David > Albert J. Myer > Alexander Hamilton > Alfred A. Cunningham > Allen M. Sumner > Amelia Earhart > Andrew J. Higgins > Andrew Jackson > Arleigh Burke > Arnold J. Isbell > Arthur L. Bristol > Arthur W. Radford > Aubrey Fitch > > OK - those are just the ones beginning with “A” - but you get the idea. \ My dad served on the USS Alfred A Cunningham DD 752 from 1965 to 1968 and he has got some amazing stories. Almost made me want to join the Navy when I was younger. It was also in the movie The Incredible Mr. Limpet. \ ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/54 "2010-04-15T19:41:30Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Note: **friedo** , Murtha’s as dead as a rock. Oh, well carry on, then. ---
**Author:** ![Enderw24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ba9def/32.png) [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/55 "2010-04-15T19:43:40Z")
> [@Harmonious\_Discord](#): > > Wouldn’t sailors prefer being on the USS Titty Fuck over the USS John P. Murtha? I’m certain the seamen would be all over it. Seriously? Seriously? We’re on page two and I’m the first to bang down a seaman joke? ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/56 "2010-04-15T19:47:11Z")
I think that this thread really should be supervised by the GSV Experiencing A Significant Gravitas Shortfall. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/57 "2010-04-15T20:06:14Z")
> [@Enderw](#): > > I’m certain the seamen would be all over it. I saw what you did there. ---
**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/58 "2010-04-15T20:12:18Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > I saw what you did there. Former Congressman Massa? -Joe ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/59 "2010-04-15T20:17:20Z")
I hear that once, this particular ship’s commander had trained the seagulls to catch small fish for him in exchange for a share of the larger fish he would catch using the little fish off the bow of the ship in its downtime. One time, the seagull’s wife asked why he was so excited at the beginning of the day and he told her it was the commander’s day to fish and said: Wooo! I’m Master Baiting like a Murtha Flocker! ---
**Author:** ![Katriona](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/katriona/32/113_2.png) [@Katriona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katriona)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219/60 "2010-04-15T20:20:38Z")
> [@friedo](#): > > I’ve always found it particularly distasteful to name things after persons who are still alive. > > So somebody better go kill Murtha before it’s too late. Is that a whoosh? Murtha died in February. > **[John Murtha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Murtha)** > > John Patrick Murtha Jr. (/ˈmɜːrθə/ MUR-thə; June 17, 1932 – February 8, 2010) was an American politician from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Murtha, a Democrat, represented Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1974 until his death in 2010. He is the longest-serving member of the United States House of Representatives ever elected from Pennsylvania. > A former Marine Corps officer, Murtha was the first Vietnam War veteran elected to the... [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-u-s-navy-the-uss-john-p-murtha-is-going-way-too-far/536219.md?page=4)