SECNAV Del Toro Unveils Groundbreaking T-AGOS Explorer-Class and Debuts First Two Ships

ANNAPOLIS (Jan 10, 2025) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has unveiled the names for the upcoming T-AGOS ocean surveillance ships. These vessels will bear the designation of the Explorer-class, with the ships named USNS Don Walsh (T-AGOS 25) and USNS Victor Vescovo (T-AGOS 26).

Del Toro made the announcement at a dedicated ceremony held at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland. The event was attended by a diverse audience, including members of Congress, explorers from National Geographic, and local leaders. This naming honors pioneers in various realms of exploration.

“These ships are vital in ensuring our strategic presence across global waters,” stated Del Toro. He highlighted Captain Don Walsh as an exemplary figure, embodying exploration, innovation, and naval service. Similarly, Commander Victor Vescovo was recognized for his vast contributions and explorations on Earth.

The Explorer-class vessels, under Military Sea Lift Command, are crucial for the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare plans. These ships align with the overall mission of ocean monitoring, reflecting the broad career opportunities within the Navy and Marine Corps.

Jean Case, Chairman of the National Geographic Society, expressed pride in having their famed explorer, Captain Don Walsh, honored through this inaugural ship of the Explorer class. She emphasized the shared commitment between National Geographic and the Navy towards exploration.

The USNS Don Walsh serves to commemorate the late Captain Don Walsh, an iconic ocean pioneer, who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954. Among walsh’s notable achievements was piloting the Trieste to the ocean’s deepest known point, the Challenger Deep, in 1960.

Kelly Walsh, Don Walsh’s son, reflected on his father’s extensive contributions over more than six decades. He noted that his father’s work was pivotal in advancing the understanding and protection of the planet’s oceans.

Additionally, Secretary Del Toro appointed Mrs. Joan Walsh and Liz Walsh as the sponsors for T-AGOS 25. This role involves maintaining lasting ties with the vessel and its crew.

The USNS Victor Vescovo honors Commander Victor Lance Vescovo, celebrated for his historic deep-sea explorations and adventures across the globe. Vescovo broke records with his dive to Challenger Deep using his submersible Limiting Factor and led the Five Deeps expedition.

Victor Vescovo has made significant discoveries, including the identification of various significant shipwrecks from World War II, like the Johnston and Samuel B. Roberts. His contributions to science and exploration have been recognized widely, including receiving the Captain Don Walsh Award.

Victoria Vescovo Webster, sister of Commander Vescovo, was named the sponsor of the USNS Victor Vescovo. She expressed deep gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her family through the ship’s naming.

The T-AGOS 25 class, part of a fleet operated by the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, is designed to bolster anti-submarine operations. These ships feature a unique SWATH design for better stability and will operate at a maximum speed of 20 knots.

With advanced equipment like the Surveillance Towed-Array Sensor System (SURTASS), these ships will play a critical role in acoustic data collection, aiding the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System’s mission.