Navy Midshipman William P. Murphy, son of Nancy B. and David W. Murphy of Bethel, and his fellow shipmates recently completed a series of sea trials, while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

The sea trials ended a four-month ship’s restricted availability for Murphy’s unit. The sea trials ensured Kitty Hawk can maneuver and maintain high speeds. The ship also tested many of its self-defense systems.

Carriers like the Kitty Hawk are deployed throughout the world to maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in times of crisis.

Murphy is a 2003 graduate of Gould Academy and joined the Navy in June 2002.