Navy ship bearing Indian guide's name to be christened in San Diego

By: Associated Press - | Saturday, June 24, 2006 4:59 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO -- Descendants of Sacagawea will be on hand Saturday as a Navy resupply ship bearing the Indian guide's name will be christened and launched into a bay.

"This is a very humbling experience, not just for our family but for the whole tribe," said Rod Ariwite Sr. of Pocatello, Idaho, a descendant of Sacagawea and member of the Shoshone people. "This ship will be out there carrying Sacagawea's name long after I am gone."

The Sacagawea will carry a crew of 172 and has the largest flight deck in the Military Sealift Command's Naval Fleet Auxiliary. The 41,000-ton vessel also is the first in the fleet to be environmentally friendly. Its propeller is powered by diesel and electricity generated by an in-house power plant.

When the ship joins the sea lift command in eight months, it will be ship No. 120.

This is the second dry cargo and ammunition ship in a new fleet called T-AKE. The first one is named Lewis and Clark. The Navy paid $709 million for the two ships and has exercised its option to buy at least seven more. The third has been named for the late Alan Shepard, one of the original Mercury astronauts.

The Navy has named many ships in honor of American Indians, their tribes and the places where they've lived.

Sacagawea helped guide and interpret for Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their expedition through the West from 1804 to 1806. She has been recognized before with a gold dollar coin and a collector's stamp.

"Finally, after 200 years, people are noticing the contribution she made," said Amy Mossett, a descendant of Sacagawea. "The legacy of goodwill, generosity, hospitality and guidance from not just her but 50 American (Indian) tribes is finally getting its due."

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