US Navy’s third Navajo-class T-ATS to be named Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek

US Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has confirmed that the US Navy’s third Navajo-class towing, salvage, and rescue ship (T-ATS) will be named Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek in honour of the history, service, and contributions of the Saginaw Chippewa Native American tribe of Michigan.

The Saginaw Chippewa people are comprised of Saginaw, Black River, and Swan Creek bands. Ojibwe is also referred to as Chippewa and Anishinabek means “original people.”

This is the first ship to bear the name Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek, and the fifth US ship to be named in honour of the Saginaw Chippewa people.

The future USNS Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek will be built by Gulf Island Fabrication.