Rep Murtha was a Marine and did a lot for the Marine Corps throughout his tenure in Congress and was considered a true ally/supporter until his public remarks on the infamous incident before Military justice had even started running its course. That caused a breach of faith. That should be no news to anyone. Had a ship been named after him while he was still alive as has been a continuing trend since naming of USS Reagan, it would have been a slap in the face of Marines. Since he has passed away, not sure that's the case. Is it politics. certainly. SECNAV
is a political appointee and serves the President and deals in politics daily. Should be no surprise then.
100423-N-5549O-035 JOHNSTOWN, Pa (April 23, 2010) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus announces that the name of the next amphibious transport dock ship will be USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Murtha's widow, Joyce Murtha, look on. The future USS John Murtha will be the tenth San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)
100423-N-5549O-093 JOHNSTOWN, Pa (April 23, 2010) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus speaks with Marines following his announcement of the name of the next amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) in Johnstown, Pa. The future USS John Murtha will be the tenth San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)