USNS Cherokee Nation Pays Tribute to Cherokee Service Members

Being the namesake of a naval ship is no small feat. For years, the U.S. Navy has used its vessels to honor veterans and historical figures who made significant contributions in service to their country. From the Revolutionary War to current-day deployments, Native Americans have served in all military branches for as long as our country has had a military. This is especially true for the Cherokee Nation, who have served at significantly high rates. To recognize the Cherokee service members, past and present, who gave their service and lives for our country, the Navy has bestowed one of its highest distinctions—naming a vessel in their honor.

After nearly five years of construction, the Navy held a christening ceremony for the USNS Cherokee Nation, a Navajo class towing, salvage and rescue ship. The Navajo class is a new series of towing, salvage, diving and rescue ships (T-ATS) that will be deployed to support a range of missions such as towing, rescue, salvage, diving, humanitarian assistance, oil spill response and wide-area search and surveillance operations. The USNS Cherokee Nation is the second ship in its class and the fifth named in honor of the Cherokee people.

“Our Cherokee people throughout time have stood as protectors of this country, contributing in every major battle and war ever fought, and they continue to serve the Armed Forces in disproportionately higher rates,” Cherokee National Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. stated in his ceremonial address. “We are so proud to witness this ship’s completion. It will bear our great name and mark the occasion as among the proudest in Cherokee history.”

The ship was designed and constructed with members of the Cherokee tribe. Deputy Speaker of the Cherokee Council Victoria Vazquez was the ship’s sponsor. Tribe member Dank Mink designed the ship’s crest: a red and gold scroll with the Cherokee Syllabary “Water Warrior” written beside it, and the initials of Chief Hoskin and Vazquez were carved into the ship’s steel during a 2020 ceremony. At this ceremony, Deputy Vazquez stated of the project:

“I’m extremely blessed to have been chosen as the sponsor of the USNS Cherokee Nation throughout the building of this rescue ship named in honor of the men and women who so bravely served our Nation. This U.S. ship at sea reflects our country and tribe’s history and values of service.”

The USNS Cherokee Nation is now officially ready for operations and will be a daily reminder of our Cherokee service members and their contributions throughout history.

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