Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship (ATS)

The Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship (ATS) program is a critical component of the Navy's Shipbuilding and Conversion budget, specifically under Line Item 5035. The primary goal of this program is to recapitalize the Navy's aging fleet of ocean-going towing, salvage, and rescue vessels, which currently consists of the T-ATF 166 Class Fleet Ocean Tugs and the T-ARS 50 Class Rescue and Salvage Ships. These legacy ships are approaching the end of their service lives, with retirements beginning in 2020 and 2025, respectively. The ATS program aims to ensure the Navy maintains robust capabilities to support fleet operations, including towing disabled ships, conducting salvage operations, and providing rescue services in various maritime environments.

The program's main objective is the procurement of the T-ATS 6 Navajo Class ships, which feature a common hull design capable of performing the missions of both retiring fleet tugs and salvage ships. This consolidation streamlines operational requirements and logistics, allowing for more efficient maintenance and deployment. The new ships are designed to be 263 feet in length, with a beam of 59 feet, a displacement of 5,110 tons, and an 18-foot draft. These specifications ensure the vessels are capable of handling the rigorous demands of towing, salvage, and rescue missions across the globe.

Procurement and production for the ATS program is managed through contracts with Bollinger Houma Shipyards and Austal USA. The schedule includes the construction and delivery of multiple ships between 2026 and 2030, with contract awards staggered from 2018 through 2023. T-ATS 6 through T-ATS 10 are being built by Bollinger Houma Shipyards, while T-ATS 11 through T-ATS 15 are contracted to Austal USA. Each ship's production timeline is carefully planned, with months to completion ranging depending on the vessel and shipbuilder.

The program has a total estimated procurement quantity of 10 ships, with costs allocated for outfitting and post-delivery activities. The program also accounts for inflation adjustments and cost-to-complete funding to ensure financial stability throughout the shipbuilding process. Investments are made in advanced construction, electronics, and hull, mechanical, and electrical systems.

Program management and oversight is conducted by the Navy, with design agent responsibilities assigned to Wartsila. The program follows a structured design and contract award process, beginning with preliminary and detailed design phases and culminating in requests for proposals and contract awards. The Navy closely monitors construction milestones, delivery dates, and fitting-out schedules to ensure timely completion and operational readiness of each vessel.

Justification for the ATS Program centers on the need to maintain uninterrupted fleet support capabilities as older vessels retire. The new Navajo Class ships are expected to enhance the Navy's ability to respond to emergencies, recover stranded or damaged ships, and perform complex salvage operations. These capabilities are essential for sustaining global naval operations, supporting joint force missions, and ensuring maritime safety and security.