Navy Responds to Amata’s Request to Name Navy Ships After Territories
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed a response to her request to the Secretary of the Navy to name ships after the territories. In his response, Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro agreed the request was ‘especially fitting’ and promised ‘every consideration’ in the next decision-making process.
Amata’s request, which was joined by all Members of the House from the territories and the State of Hawai’i, is that the Navy name new ships after US territories and Medal of Honor recipients from the territories.
In his reply, Secretary Del Toro highlights the contributions from the U.S. territories and ‘the extraordinary heroism and proud legacy of service displayed by Service Members’ from the territories.
Congresswoman Amata at the American Samoa pillar of the World War II Memorial. (File photo)
Secretary Del Toro, a former Sailor himself, wrote that he understood ‘the inclusion that a veteran, Service Member, or member of the public would feel upon seeing a ship named after a territory or a Medal of Honor recipient from one of these territories.’
“I appreciate Secretary Del Toro’s thoughtful response and his understanding of how our veterans, Service Members, and the people of American Samoa would take pride in having a Navy ship named after our island home,” said Aumua Amata. “The Secretary’s letter highlights the importance of America’s Navy being representative of the entire great nation that it defends.”
“This is a worthy effort with my colleagues, and I’m optimistic the day will come when we see a Navy ship name that makes history in officially highlighting American Samoa, and maybe even a chance to greet a port of call here on some future voyage,” concluded Amata.
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