First Navajo- course T-ATS, USNS Navajo, was christened at a current event at Bollinger Houma shipyard. [Photograph: Bollinger Shipyards]
This previous Saturday, agents from Bollinger Shipyards LLC signed up with elderly united state Navy authorities pier side at Bollinger Houma to christen the USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6), the lead ship of the Navy’s brand-new Navajo- course of towing, salvage and also rescue (T-ATS) ships. Arlando Teller, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs, UNITED STATE Department of Transportation, was the keynote audio speaker and also signed up with ship enroller Jocelyn Billy as she damaged a ritualistic container of champagne throughout the bow of the USNS Navajo.
“This isn’t just any ship; it’s the first of its kind. This is a Bollinger-built Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship manufactured to the highest level of craftsmanship and quality,” claimed Ben Bordelon, head of state and also chief executive officer ofBollinger Shipyards “Every weld, every beam, every system on this ship was crafted with the thought of the warriors that inspired its name. It is an honor beyond words for Bollinger to partner with the Navy. The trust bestowed upon us to construct a new class of vessel is both a responsibility and a privilege that we hold dear.”
The brand-new Navajo course of united state Navy towing, salvage and also rescue ships is called in acknowledgment of the people and also the Din é individuals, and also their several payments to the united state army and also the nation’s protection. While most Americans know with the well known Navajo Code Talkers, the Din é individuals have actually addressed our country’s phone call and also offered our militaries with honor and also valiance in almost every significant dispute given that the birth of our country.
“This ceremony signifies more than the unveiling of a new class of towing, salvage and rescue vessels. It is an homage to the Navajo people’s rich military legacy,” claimed Justin Ahasteen, Executive Director of the Navajo Nation’sWashington Office “Navajo warriors throughout history have tirelessly shielded our nation. From the legendary Navajo Code Talkers of World War II to the brave Navajo men and women serving today, our nation embodies the spirit of warrior protectors and defenders.”
The Navajo course supplies ocean-going pull, salvage, and also rescue capacities to sustain fleet procedures. T-ATS changes and also satisfies the capacities that were formerly supplied by the Powhatan- course Fleet Ocean Tug (T-ATF 166) and also Safeguard- course Rescue and also Salvage Ships (T-ARS 50) course ships.
“The T-ATS 6 combines two classes of ships for your nation and your Navy,” claimed Rear Admiral Jeffrey Spivey, Deputy Commander, Military Sealift Command. “It combines those into one class that is more capable than any ship we have out there in this salvage class.”
“This class of ship is critical to ensure our sailors and mariners receive critical, timely support and stay forward around the globe defending our interests,” claimed Vice Admiral Craig Clapperton, Commander, Fleet, Cyber Command and also Commander,Tenth Fleet “And they will sail wherever international law allows and operate right to the edge of controversy to ensure a free global common for all. These multipurpose ships also stand ready to respond quickly in the event a disaster strikes, providing critical humanitarian assistance, firefighting support and spill response. A special capability that few can provide.”
Laid down in October 2019 and also introduced in May 2023, the USNS Navajo is the initial of 9 intended Navajo- course T-ATS. In enhancement to the USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6), Bollinger is likewise building USNS Cherokee Nation (T-ATS 7) and also USNS Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek (T-ATS 8), and also is under agreement for USNS Lenni Lenape (T-ATS 9) and also USNS Muscogee Creek Nation (T-ATS 10).
The Navajo- course is a multi-mission usual hull system that will certainly be released to sustain a series of objectives such as towing, rescue, salvage, altruistic aid, oil spill reaction and also wide-area search and also security procedures. The vessels will certainly change the existing Powhatan- course T-ATF fleet sea yanks and also Safeguard- course T-ARS rescue and also salvage ships run by Military Sealift Command.
