Austal USA Launches USNS Solomon Atkinson
Austal USA has officially launched the USNS Solomon Atkinson (T-ATS 12) at its Mobile, Alabama shipyard, marking a pivotal moment in the development of the U.S. Navy’s latest towing, salvage, and rescue vessel. The ship is named in tribute to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Solomon Atkinson, a distinguished Navy SEAL and one of the most decorated Alaska Native sailors. The christening ceremony was attended by Atkinson’s family, who participated in the traditional bottle-breaking ritual to formally name the ship.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
The christening ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to Solomon Atkinson, who was a pioneering figure in the Navy SEAL community and a plankowner of the SEAL teams. His widow, Joann Atkinson, along with their daughters, Michele Gunyah and Maria Hayward, honored his legacy by breaking a ceremonial bottle across the ship’s bow. Gene Miller, interim president of Austal USA, emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “This christening marks an important milestone for T-ATS 12 and the dedicated workforce who brought this ship to life.” He expressed pride in supporting the Navy with a vessel designed for critical missions worldwide.
The USNS Solomon Atkinson is the second of three T-ATS vessels currently under construction at Austal USA. Construction began in April of last year, and this ship is the second in its class to be launched from the Mobile shipyard. The Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ships are engineered to perform essential ocean-going operations, including towing, salvage, and rescue missions that support fleet requirements. Each vessel boasts approximately 6,000 square feet of deck space, accommodating various mission systems.
Advanced Capabilities for Modern Missions
The design of the T-ATS vessels integrates functions previously handled by both the rescue and salvage ship (T-ARS 50) and fleet ocean tug (T-ATF 166) classes. This innovative approach allows for future upgrades through modular payloads and adaptable onboard systems. The T-ATS ships are intended to support a wide range of tasks, including towing operations, salvage missions, oil spill response, humanitarian assistance, and extensive search and surveillance activities.
