The U.S. Navy announced Friday that the latest Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo/ammunition ship (T-AKE) would be named the USNS Medgar Evers. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus made the announcement today during a speaking engagement at Jackson State University in Mississippi.

The naming of the Navy's newest underway replenishment ship recognizes civil rights activist Medgar Evers (1925 to 1963). He helped to lead efforts to secure the right to vote for all African-Americans and to integrate public facilities, schools, and restaurants. A native of Mississippi, Evers was assassinated in the driveway of his home on June 12, 1963. His death prompted President John F. Kennedy to ask Congress for a comprehensive civil rights bill.

Designated T-AKE 13, USNS Medgar Evers will be the 13th ship of the class. It is being built by General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, CA. As a combat logistics force ship, it will help the Navy deliver ammunition, food, fuel and other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea. It will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners and 11 Navy sailors.

Medgar Evers is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea. it can carry a helicopter, is 689 feet in length, has an overall beam of 106 feet, has a navigational draft of 30 feet, displaces approximately 42,000 tons, and is capable of reaching a speed of 20 knots using a single-shaft, diesel-electric propulsion system.