This story originally appeared in the October 11 edition of the weekly LINK Reader. To get these stories first, subscribe here.
Things are looking up for the Murray family from Union.
The lead pilot of the pregame flyover for the Sept. 28 nationally televised Alabama-Georgia college football game was former Ryle football player Vince Murray.
The showdown of nationally ranked Southeastern Conference powers was held at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama won the game, defeating Georgia, 41-34.
The Murrays won the day.
Vince Murray’s parents were in Tuscaloosa to see the flyover, taking a long road trip that began in Union.
“We drove 15 hours round trip to see four seconds,” said Annie Murray, the proud mother of the 35-year-old pilot. “We didn’t see the game; we went for the flyover. And it was totally worth it.”
Vince Murray competed in football, basketball and baseball at Ryle. He continued his college football career at Navy. At the Tuscaloosa event, he flew as a member of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing out of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. Murray and Fighter Attack Squadron 542 performed an orchestrated flyover at the conclusion of the national anthem preceding the game.
“He told us to be there at 7:41 p.m. and 14 seconds and he nailed it,” said Mrs. Murray. “He said he’s to finish the flyover on the last note of the national anthem and that’s what he did. The front point of his jet was coming over the stadium on the last note. We were looking up at him just flying by.”
It gave them chills.
“It was very fun to see him flying in a jet over such a big game,” Mrs. Murray said. “He was tasked to lead the squadron of four jets. It was amazing.”
Mrs. Murray said the flyover was a special moment that represents the accumulation of a tremendous amount of sacrifice.
“We loved it,” she said. “We really did.”
John Murray said his son was piloting an F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, better known as simply the F-35. The F-35 is the Department of Defense’s most expensive weapon system program. It’s in use by the Air Force, Marines and Navy. The F-35 jet travels at a maximum speed of over 1,000 mph.
“There were four jets. Vince was in the lead jet and the other three are part of a different squadron,” Mr. Murray said. “All of them are in the same wing.”
Mr. Murray said his son doesn’t fly just for show.
“He received a medal in Iraq in 2018. But he would have to tell you more about that, if he can,” the elder Murray said.
“Unfortunately, Vince is not allowed to comment without going through a lot of bureaucratic stuff,” said Mrs. Murray. “That’s kind of the way the military works.”
The 2nd MAW is the major east coast aviation unit for the Marine Corps. The wing’s mission is to support the Fleet Marine Force with air operations. This includes offensive air support, anti-air warfare and assault support. Marine pilots undergo the most extensive pilot training of all military branches, including pre-flight, primary flight and advanced flight training.
Maj. Murray is one of more than 60 former Ryle players who went on to play college football. A two-way standout for the Raiders, he played fullback in the power-I for head coach Bryson Warner. He also played linebacker and rarely came off the field due to excellent conditioning and stamina. He received college offers to play linebacker at East Carolina, Eastern Kentucky and Wofford. A member of the 2007 graduation class, Murray is a 2014 inductee into the Ryle athletics hall of fame.
As a 6-foot-1, 217-pound fullback at Navy, Murray started two seasons. He finished with 1,353 yards on 5.4 per carry and nine touchdowns in his career. Murray rushed for 971 yards as a junior. He totaled 589 yards rushing during a four-game stretch vs. SMU, Wake Forest, Temple and Notre Dame.
“We certainly are proud of him,” said Ryle athletic director Mike Woolf, who coached Murray in high school. “And he comes from a great family.”
In December 2010, Murray was one of 24 Navy seniors receiving service assignments. Graduates of the Naval Academy serve a minimum of five years in the Navy or Marine Corps. Pilots serve eight years upon earning their wings. In 2019, Murray was a captain and pilot training officer with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115. It flies out of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. He received recognition by his command for exemplary performance and leadership.
“His ardent, avuncular training style makes him approachable as he maintains razor-sharp tactical acumen.” Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 executive officer Maj. Seth Byrum said of Murray. “His contributions to the squadron and the Marine Corps have far exceeded expectations.”
Murray is much more than that.
“He’s our favorite USMC pilot,” Mrs. Murray said. “We love him. We are so proud of him serving our country.”