The Navy will christen USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2), the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships, June 24 during a launching at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego. The name Sacagawea will honor the Lemhi Shoshone woman who acted as guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark expedition into the Northwest region of the United States. This well-documented expedition over two years and 6,000 miles opened routes to vast new territories throughout the American West, which allowed passage for American settlers and traders. Legendary for her perseverance and resourcefulness, Sacagawea (1788-1812) provided invaluable assistance to the explorers through her knowledge of topography and edible roots and plants previously unknown to European-Americans.