GIS to build newest rescue ship

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Navy Secretary Richard Spencer announce June 21 that Gulf Island Shipyards (GIS) in south Louisiana was awarded a $64.8M contract to build the Navy's newest rescue ships. The first ship is being named "Cherokee Nation" to honor the service and contributions that the Cherokee people have made to the Navy and Marine Corps. The ship is scheduled for completion by 2021. The contract includes an option for six additional vessels, each to be named in honor of a prominent Native American or tribe. It’s the fifth ship to be named in honor of the Cherokee people, and the first since a WWII-era tugboat dubbed USS Cherokee. The activities are to be performed at one of GIS’ shipyards in Houma, Jennings or Lake Charles, La. (Source: The Associated Press 06/22/19)