The Navajo-class: Future Workhorse Ships of the US Navy
The Navajo-class ships are being developed to support various missions, including towing, rescue, salvage, humanitarian assistance, and oil spill response.
While the US Navy's second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered supercarrier, the future USS John F, is experiencing delays, the Navajo-class program has largely stayed on schedule.
The Navajo-class will replace the aging Safeguard-class rescue and salvage ships and Powhatan-class tugboats currently in service.
This week, the keel was laid for the fourth Navajo-class towing, salvage, and rescue ship, marking a significant milestone in the program.
The program initially called for 10 vessels.
The Navajo-class is expected to become the workhorse ships of the US Navy, providing critical support for a range of missions.
Author's summary: Navajo-class ships to replace aging vessels.