The U.S. Navy names a new ship after Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, honoring his bravery and sacrifice in Iraq.
On January 10, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro made the announcement during a ceremony at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It’s a heartfelt tribute to a local hero.
Travis Manion, who grew up in Doylestown, lost his life on April 29, 2007, while bravely defending his unit. Del Toro emphasized that this ship will symbolize courage and selfless service.
These amphibious transport dock ships are crucial for transporting Marines and their gear for various missions. They also support aviation operations.
Ryan Manion, Travis’s sister and CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, expressed pride in knowing the USS Travis Manion will carry future Marines, just like her brother did.
Travis came from a Marine family and graduated from the Naval Academy in 2004. He was deployed to Iraq after his training and returned for a second tour in late 2006.
During an ambush in Al Anbar province, he heroically exposed himself to enemy fire to save a wounded medic and another Marine before he was fatally shot.
His father, retired Col. Thomas Manion, shared that Travis’s legacy of service continues to inspire many veterans and families across the nation.
Since Travis’s passing, his family has established a nonprofit that has helped over 78,000 veterans and more than 550,000 young people through various programs.
The foundation has expanded its reach with offices in several states, including California and Texas, over the past 17 years.
If you want to learn more about the foundation, check out their work and how they support veterans and their families.
