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
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.
