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Washington, DC – The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, unveiled that the forthcoming Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue (T-ATS) ship would be christened in tribute to Solomon Atkinson, a trailblazing Navy SEAL and member of the Metlakatla Indian Community from the Annette Islands Reserve, Alaska.
This announcement, made on the Metlakatla’s Founders Day, August 7, aligns with the tradition of designating such ships after noteworthy Native Americans or their tribes. The vessel will bear the name USNS Solomon Atkinson (T-ATS 12).
“I am deeply honored to dedicate the next T-ATS to Solomon Atkinson. His outstanding achievements, forged even amidst challenges, have forged a lasting legacy, not just for the Special Warfare Community, but for our nation’s astronauts as well. This ship will ensure that his name resonates globally,” commented Del Toro.
Solomon Atkinson, born in 1930 in Metlakatla, Alaska, initially worked as a commercial fisherman. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and became a frogman, which eventually evolved into the modern-day SEALs. As one of the inaugural Navy SEALs, Atkinson was notably a plank owner for SEAL Team 1. His notable military career included deployments to Korea and three combat tours in Vietnam. His commendations from the Vietnam service include a Bronze Star, a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” and a Purple Heart. Atkinson’s exceptional skills led him to train several astronauts, including the iconic Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, in underwater simulations. After retiring in 1973, he fervently served his community in numerous roles, including mayor of Metlakatla, until his passing in 2019.
Rear Adm. Keith Davids, the commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command, praised Atkinson: “Solomon ‘Sol’ Atkinson’s unwavering dedication to family, community, and nation, coupled with his pioneering role in the U.S. Navy SEALs, serves as a beacon for the entire Naval Special Warfare community. The USNS Solomon Atkinson symbolizes his incredible legacy and the profound influence he has imprinted on the Navy and the U.S.”
Del Toro also introduced the sponsors for the USNS Solomon Atkinson as Joann Atkinson, Solomon’s widow, and their two daughters, Michele Gunyah and Maria Hayward. Hayward expressed her gratitude, emphasizing how her father’s legacy continues to resonate.
The Navajo-class vessels are designed to provide ocean-going tug, salvage, and rescue functions, supporting Fleet operations. These ships will replace the aging Powhatan-class Fleet Tugs and Safeguard-class Rescue and Salvage vessels, introducing enhanced capabilities with 6,000 square feet of deck space for embarked systems.
Further details on the Navy’s T-ATS programs can be accessed at: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2232242/fleet-ocean-tugs-t-ats/
Source: US Navy
