The U.S. Navy has named a new towing, salvage and rescue ship after a native American indigenous group. The future USNS Cherokee Nation honors Cherokees who have contributed to the Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, the Navy said Friday.Â
“The Cherokee Nation is extremely honored that the U.S. Navy is recognizing our tribal nation and the generations of Cherokee men and women who have bravely and humbly sacrificed for our freedom today,” said Bill John Baker, principal chief of Cherokee Nation.
Gulf Island Shipyards will design and build the ship under a $64.8 million contract option for U.S. Military Sealift Command. The vessel is designated T-ATS 7 and is the second entry to the Navy’s fleet of towing, salvage and rescue ships. These ships will work to aid in Military Sealift Command’s salvage and submarine rescue operations.
