June 19, 2015 -- Sgt. Maj. Stephanie K. Murphy became the highest ranking senior enlisted noncommissioned officer of Marine Corps Logistics Command during a post and relief ceremony at Covella Pond, June 19, here.
Murphy replaced Sgt. Maj. Joseph Davenport who has served more than 31 years in the Marine Corps and with LOGCOM since October 2012. He was the sixth LOGCOM sergeant major. Davenport reported to LOGCOM in September 2012 from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Henderson Hall. Following relinquishment of his post, he and his wife, Sandi, will be moving to the Virginia Beach, Virginia, area. He will retire from the Marine Corps with 32 years of service to the nation.
Murphy comes to LOGCOM and Albany, Georgia, after serving as the sergeant major of Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, since March 2013.
Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1967, Murphy graduated from Dollarway High School in 1985. In May 1988, she enlisted into the Marine Corps and went to basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, where she was meritoriously promoted to private first class.
Murphy was transferred to Fort Eustis, Virginia, where she was assigned to the U. S. Army Transportation School. After completion of school, she was assigned to Beach and Port Terminal Operations Company, 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan.
During her tour in Okinawa, she was deployed to Camp Fuji, Japan, with Combat Service Support Detachment 14 for three months. Murphy was promoted to lance corporal in April 1989.
In November 1989, Murphy transferred to Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. In December 1991, she reenlisted for four years and was promoted to corporal in January 1992. She remained in El Toro until May 1993 and then transferred to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, for one year.
Upon completion of her unaccompanied tour, she was transferred to Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina, where she remained for two years. While stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, she was promoted to sergeant in November 1994.
In October 1996, Murphy reported to Drill Instructor School at MCRD Parris Island. She graduated in December 1996 and was assigned to O Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion. In April 1998, Murphy was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.
In December 1999, after a successful tour, Murphy was transferred to Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia, where she was assigned as the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Transportation Management Office.
In April 2001, Murphy received an accelerated promotion to gunnery sergeant and requested orders to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, in September 2001 to train Naval Officer Candidates. After completing Drill Instructor School for the second time, Murphy served as a drill instructor for three years. After the completion of her first class, she was awarded a Congressional Record by the 107th Congress honoring her as the first female drill instructor at Naval Officer Candidate School.
Murphy was frocked to the rank of first sergeant in January 2005 and reported immediately to Inspector and Instructor Staff, Indianapolis, Indianapolis, as the first sergeant of Detachment Communications, Communication Company, Headquarters Battalion, 4th Marine Division and Detachment 2, Electronics Maintenance, 4th Marine Logistics Group.
In June 2007, Murphy reported to First Radio Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, as the First Sergeant of Headquarters and Service Company and in February 2008, she deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom.
Murphy was promoted to her current rank of sergeant major in January 2009 and immediately reported to MCRD Parris Island for duty as the 4th Recruit Training Battalion sergeant major. After completing this tour, she reported to the Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2d MLG, and in July 2012, she deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 12-2. She returned in February 2013 and reported to Officer Candidate School in April 2013 as its sergeant major.
Murphy has obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of West Florida, in Pensacola, and a Master of Business Administration from the American Military University. She is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership degree program at the University of Phoenix.
Murphy’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd Award).
All of LOGCOM extends a warm welcome to Murphy and wishes the Davenports fair winds and following seas.