By SUZANNE DOWNING
May 3, 2026 – A new US Navy support vessel now carries the name of one of Alaska’s most decorated and positively influential servicemen, as shipbuilder Austal USA christened the future USNS Solomon Atkinson (T-ATS 12) in a ceremony in Mobile, Ala., attended by the late sailor’s family.
The ship, part of the Navy’s Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue fleet, is named for Solomon “Sol” Atkinson, an Alaska Native leader from the Metlakatla Indian Community on Annette Island and one of the first members of the elite United States Navy SEALs, SEAL Team 1.
Today, in Mobile, Alabama, with his wonderful family looking on, the U.S. Navy christened the USNS Solomon Atkinson, named in honor of one of our great Alaskan heroes, Sol Atkinson. From Metlakatla, Sol was on the very first Navy SEAL team created by President Kennedy in 1962,… pic.twitter.com/xOC7qmZsni
— Sen. Dan Sullivan (@SenDanSullivan) May 3, 2026
Family members, including Atkinson’s grandson Beau Croisant and several great-grandchildren, gathered for the christening, which was an emotional milestone that blended military tradition with personal legacy.
“An unforgettable day for our family,” Croisant wrote. “Seeing my grandfather honored with the christening of the USNS Solomon Atkinson was something special. Grateful, proud, and lucky to share it with family from all over the country.”
During the ceremony, Atkinson’s wife, JoAnn Atkinson, and daughters Michele Gunyah and Maria Hayward served as ship sponsors, performing the traditional bottle-breaking across the vessel’s bow.
The USNS Solomon Atkinson is the second of three T-ATS ships under contract for Austal USA, a part of the Navy’s investment in vessels designed for towing, salvage operations, and rescue missions worldwide.
Atkinson’s life story spans decades of service and leadership. He enlisted in the Navy in 1952, deployed during the Korean War, and later completed three combat tours in Vietnam. Over the course of his military career, he earned numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Beyond combat, Atkinson played a unique role in the early years of America’s space program, helping train astronauts in underwater simulations that mimicked weightlessness. Among those he worked with were Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Jim Lovell.
After retiring from the Navy, Atkinson returned home to Metlakatla, where he continued his lifelong commitment to service. He served as mayor, sat on the school board and Indian Community Council, and founded the island’s first veterans organization.
His contributions were recognized at the national level as well. In 2017, US Sen. Dan Sullivan honored Atkinson in remarks on the Senate floor, highlighting both his military achievements and his enduring impact on his community.
Those who knew Atkinson often emphasized his humility as much as his accomplishments. Despite a career that included combat valor, elite training roles, and contributions to space exploration, he remained deeply rooted in his community and culture.
Atkinson now rests at the Metlakatla Veterans Memorial Cemetery, dedicated in 2022.
Learn more about Sol Atkinson at this Alaska National Guard link.
