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CHRISTENING THE USNS BILLY FRANK JR. [T-ATS 11]

03/29/2025|Christenings

The christening ceremony for the USNS Billy Frank Jr. [T-ATS 11] was held at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama on March 29, 2025. The towing, salvage, and rescue ship is the first steel ship built at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile. The christening was truly special for the Frank family and the Nisqually Indian Community.

Following a traditional tribal prayer and music performed by tribal members, Austal USA President Michelle Kruger welcomed guests to the moving occasion of honoring the legacy and profound influence of Billy Frank, Jr., a leader, activist, and advocate for Native treaty rights and environmental protection.

For 33 years, Frank chaired the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, protecting salmon and upholding tribal sovereignty. His policies continue to protect rivers, forests, and fisheries vital to Indigenous and local communities. His leadership earned him many awards. In 2015, the White House posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Rear Admiral Thomas Anderson (Program Executive Officer for Ships) spoke of the noble pursuit of building ships for the US Navy. He praised the Austal team as the finest Shipyard teamed with the Navy and that this has always been true and remains so today. He paid tribute to Billy Frank, Jr. whose statue is being sent to Statuary Hall in the U.S.Capitol.

The Honorable William Frank III, son of the ship’s namesake, delivered the principal address, expressing his love and thanks to the many members of the tribal community who were present at the ceremony and those unable to attend but whose presence was felt, nevertheless.

Ship sponsor Peggen Frank, daughter-in-law of Billy Frank, Jr., addressed the audience and spoke of the distinguished honor bestowed upon her to imbue the BILLY FRANK JR. with her spirit. She acknowledged that Billy Frank’s teachings continue to have a profound impact of her life’s work, ensuring Indian people and their rights are not diminished. She proudly broke the ceremonial bottle over the bow of the ship.

Contributed by Rebecca Byrne