APRIL 17, 2025 —The keel for the future USNS Solomon Atkinson (T-ATS 12), a Navajo-class towing, salvage, and rescue ship, was laid during a ceremony on April 16, at Austal USA.
The keel laying represents the start of a ship’s construction. During the ceremony, the keel is authenticated when the ship’s sponsors weld their initials into the keel plate, with the assistance of an Austal USA welder.
“The keel laying of the future Solomon Atkinson marks the beginning of the construction journey for the ship and we are excited about the vital capabilities this vessel will bring to the fleet,” said John Lighthammer, Program Manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding program office. “It’s an honor that members of the Atkinson family and the Metlakatla Indian Community were present to celebrate this significant milestone in the life of the ship.”
The ship’s sponsors are the namesake’s widow, JoAnn Atkinson, and daughters Maria Hayward and Michele Gunyah.
The ship’s namesake, Solomon Atkinson, was a member of the first SEAL Team One established in 1962. As a SEAL, he deployed to Korea and served three combat tours in Vietnam for which he received a Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and a Purple Heart. Following his service to the Navy, he returned to his home in Metlakatla Indian Community, Alaska, where he served on the Indian Community Council, Board of Education; was founder and president of the first veteran’s organization on Annette Island; and as Mayor of Metlakatla.
The future USNS Solomon Atkinson symbolizes the Navy’s 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace – always ready to fight and win. This marks not only a major milestone for the Navy’s newest vessel, but also the Navy’s enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power as USNS Solomon Atkinson begins its journey to serve the fleet.
The Navajo-class ship is a multi-mission, common hull platform that will deploy to support a range of missions such as towing, rescue, salvage, humanitarian assistance, oil spill response and wide-area search and surveillance. Navajo-class ships will be capable of towing U.S. Navy ships and will have 6,000 square feet of deck space for embarked systems.
PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s largest acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, and auxiliary ships, including special mission ships, sealift ships and support ships.
For more on Team Ships, visit: NAVSEA/Team Ships