A local sailor is on board the USS Murtha, which is scheduled to dock for its commissioning in Philadelphia on Oct. 8.

 

The warship is named after John Patrick Murtha, a former Pennsylvania Congressman who served from 1969-1974.

 

Annie Meyers said her its an honor for her son, Devin Jenkinson to be a part of the ship’s crew.

 

 “I tell everybody how proud I am you know, he’s on the USS Murtha and everybody thinks it’s a great experience for him. It’s really an honor to be on that ship,” Meyers said.

 

Crew members assigned to a new ship are called plankowners and 10 on this ship are from Pennsylvania.

 

Jenkinson’s role is considered “Undesignated,” which means he doesn’t have a set job jet.

 

As he decides which role he wants to take on, he has the opportunity to test out different jobs.

 

Meyers said he’s painted the ship and climbed the anchor, among other things.

 

The nearly 25,000-ton ship launched in 2014 and was christened a year later.

 

 “I just want to see him, give him a big hug and we’ve missed him,” Meyers said.