SECNAV Del Toro Names T-AGOS Explorer-Class and First Two Ships

MTS Celebrates the Naming of the USNS Don Walsh and USNS Victor Vescovo

The Marine Technology Society (MTS) was proud to take part in the momentous naming ceremony of the future USNS Don Walsh (T-AGOS 25) and the future USNS Victor Vescovo (T-AGOS 26). The first-in-class and second ship of the newly designated Explorer-class ocean surveillance ships honor the legacies of two pioneers in ocean exploration: the late Captain Don Walsh, USN and Commander Victor Lance Vescovo, USNR (Ret). 

Don Walsh (1931-2023) was an American oceanographer, explorer, retired naval officer, and marine policy specialist. He and Jacques Piccard were aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste when it made a record descent into the Mariana Trench on January 23, 1960, the deepest point of the world's oceans. 

Vescovo, a private equity investor, explorer, and retired naval intelligence officer who currently holds the world record for the deepest dive of a crewed vessel to Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, was the first person to reach Earth's highest and lowest points. 

Deep Connections to MTS

Both Walsh and Vescovo are recognized as trailblazers within the MTS community. 

Don Walsh was a long-time MTS member, having joined the Society in 1965 and having remained involved throughout the course of his career. To honor Walsh's legacy, MTS partners with the Society of Underwater Technology (SUT) to annually recognize outstanding contributions to the field through the Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration

Vescovo is one of the recipients of this prestigious award, in addition to accolades recognizing his explorations in the air, on land and under the seas, as well as his many scientific contributions. Additionally, Vescovo is a lifetime member of MTS. 

A Day of Celebration

MTS was well-represented at the naming ceremony for the two ships on January 10, 2025. Justin Manley, MTS Immediate Past President, had the honor of participating in the naming ceremony. Also in attendance was Dr. Rick Spinrad, a former MTS President, whose leadership in ocean science continues to build upon the foundation trailblazers like Walsh helped establish. 

Also in attendance for the naming ceremony was Marty Klein, another distinguished Walsh Award honoree. Collectively, the presence of these MTS leaders reinforced the profound influence of Walsh's and Vescovo's work on generations of explorers, scientists, and technologists within the MTS network. 

Family members of Walsh and Vescovo were present at the ceremony and named as sponsors of the ships. We invite you to read the full press release for details on the thoughtful remarks shared at the event. 

MTS and Future of Ocean Exploration

The naming of the USNS Don Walsh and USNS Victor Vescovo is not just a recognition of two extraordinary careers—it's a testament to the continued advancements in ocean technology and exploration championed by the MTS community. As an organization dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in marine technology, MTS remains committed to carrying forward the legacy of pioneers like Walsh and Vescovo. 

 

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