SECNAV Del Toro: Names Ship after Navy SEAL, Alaska Native - USNI News

Future Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue ship will bear the name USNS Solomon Atkinson (T-ATS-12), in honor of the Alaskan native and Navy SEAL, the Navy announced Monday.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the name of the ship during Founder’s Day for the Metlakatla Indian Community, of which Solomon Atkinson was a part. The Navy names towing, salvage and rescue ships after Native Americans, according to a Navy news release.

“Atkinson’s achievements as a SEAL have left behind an enduring legacy, not just in the Special Warfare Community, but with our nation’s astronauts as well,” Del Toro said in the release. “I am pleased to ensure that his name will extend globally to all who views this great ship.”

Atkinson enlisted in the Navy in 1952 and became a frogman, or what is the equivalent to the Navy SEALs today. He was one of the first sailors to become a Navy SEAL and was a plankowner for SEAL Team 1.

He deployed to Korea and served three tours in Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart during his service.