Beneath the Northern Lights, His Journey Unfolded

Once upon a time, in the rugged coastal village of Metlakatla, Alaska, there lived a man named Solomon “Sol” Atkinson. Born in 1930, Sol was a Ts’msyen (Tsimshian) Native American, deeply connected to both his heritage and his community. His life would become a tapestry woven with bravery, service, and legend.

As a young boy, Sol learned resourcefulness from the land and the sea. The support of his tight-knit community shaped him, teaching him resilience and kindness. But it was his ancestors’ legacy that truly set him apart. Sol belonged to the Gitlaan clan of the Xpi’hanaḵ house in the Tsimshian nation, a lineage that followed the matriarchal line—a society rich in tradition and wisdom.

When Sol enlisted in the Navy in 1952, he etched his name into history. He became the first Alaska Native to join the underwater demolition teams, the predecessors to the renowned SEAL Teams. As the SEALs emerged in 1962, Sol’s commitment led him to become one of the inaugural Navy SEALs—a plank owner, a foundational member, of SEAL Team 1¹². His courage and dedication shone during conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, where he repeatedly risked his life for his comrades and country¹.

But Sol’s legend extended beyond the battlefield. He championed his community, ensuring they had a pool that produced Alaska’s only certified scuba training program at the local high school¹. His love for Metlakatla ran deep, and he embodied the spirit of service and resilience that defined both his Native American heritage and his Navy SEAL legacy.

And so, the tale of Solomon Atkinson echoed through the misty Alaskan forests—a story of honor, courage, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us to our roots. Legends are born from deeds, but Sol’s legend was etched not only in valor but also in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy lives on, sailing across the seas as the USNS Solomon Atkinson, a tribute to an Alaska Native and Navy SEAL pioneer³.

And as the waves whispered against the shores of Metlakatla, they carried with them the story of Sol—a man who walked between worlds, leaving footprints in the sand and ripples in the ocean, forever etched in time. 🌊🌟