Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro (SECNAV) celebrated, today, the naming of USNS Robert Ballard (T-AGS 67) alongside the ship's namesake, Dr. Robert Ballard, at the National Geographic Society Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Jan. 27.
Announced in December 2022, the future ship honors Ballard, a retired U.S. Navy Commander, and President of the Ocean Exploration Trust. A tenured professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography and National Geographic Explorer at Large, Ballard is widely known as a discoverer of the final resting place of the RMS Titanic. The name selection of T-AGS 67 follows the tradition of naming survey ships after explorers, oceanographers and distinguished marine surveyors.
National Geographic Society's event featured opening remarks from Chief Executive Officer Jill
Tiefenthaler, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of National Geographic Jean Case moderated a discussion with Secretary Del Toro and Dr. Ballard.
Secretary Del Toro and Dr. Ballard discussed the celebration of the ship naming, National Geographic's relationship with the Navy, and the importance of science and exploration to the maritime services.
USNS Ballard's keel was laid in October 2022, and is projected to be delivered to the fleet in 2026.
