Future USNS Cherokee Nation takes shape
Construction of the US Navy’s future USNS Cherokee Nation has commenced with a keel laying ceremony near Gulf Island Shipyard.
Cherokee Nation (T-ATS 7) will be the second ship of the navy’s Navajo class vessels.
The Navajo class will provide ocean-going tug, salvage and rescue capabilities to support fleet operations. The class will replace three T-ATF 166 and two T-ARS 50 class ships, several of which will reach the end of their expected service lives later this year.
The 263ft vessels will be capable of towing US Navy ships and carrying loads of nearly 2,000 tons, with 6,000 sq ft decks for embarked systems.
In addition to Cherokee Nation, Gulf Island Shipyard is constructing the future USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6) and is under contract for the detail design and construction of the future USNS Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek (T-ATS 8).
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year]()
Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year
CCGS Donjek is currently being prepared to start testing and be handed over to the Canadian Coast Guard in the second half of 2026.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
-
![How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls]()
How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
