USNS Apache
The USNS Apache (T-ATF-172) was a Powhatan-class fleet ocean tug operated by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) of the United States Navy from its delivery in 1981 until its inactivation in 2022.[1] Built by Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wisconsin, the 226-foot (69 m) vessel was designed for long-distance towing, salvage operations, firefighting, and special missions, featuring a 10-ton capacity crane, a bollard pull of 75 tons (150,000 pounds), and three foam fire monitors capable of delivering 2,200 gallons per minute.[1][2] Powered by two General Motors EMD diesel engines producing 5.73 megawatts and driving twin shafts, it achieved a maximum speed of 14.5 knots and displaced approximately 2,260 tons at full load, with a crew of 18 civilian mariners and four naval technicians.[1][3] Throughout its 41-year service, the Apache supported a range of critical naval tasks, including towing decommissioned warships such as the ex-USS Iowa (BB-61) in 1982 for modernization and the ex-USS Barry (DD-933) in 1983 to the Washington Navy Yard as a museum ship.[1][3] It participated in humanitarian efforts like Operation Restore Hope in Somalia from 1993 to 1994 and conducted the search for wreckage from the sunken cargo ship El Faro in 2015–2016 using the Cable-operated Unmanned Recovery Vehicle (CURV) 21.[1] The tug also towed the ex-USS Forrestal (CV-59) in 2010 and performed salvage recoveries, such as a sunken landing craft in 2020, while undergoing regular maintenance and upgrades to maintain operational readiness.[1][4] In recognition of its excellence, the Apache received the MSC Maritime "E" Award in 2020 as the top fleet ocean tug, along with the Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy Unit Commendation for its contributions.[3][4] The vessel was inactivated on August 26, 2022, at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on September 30, 2022, as part of the transition to newer Navajo-class tugs, marking the end of service for the last Powhatan-class ocean tug.[1][3]Design and construction
Powhatan-class overview
The Powhatan-class fleet ocean tugs were a series of seven self-propelled vessels constructed for the United States Navy to enhance its auxiliary support capabilities.[5] Built by Marinette Marine Corporation in Wisconsin between 1978 and 1981, these ships entered service with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) starting in 1979.[2] Their design drew from commercial offshore supply vessels, emphasizing durability and efficiency for demanding maritime tasks.[2] Developed as part of the Navy's post-Vietnam fleet modernization efforts in the late 1970s, the class addressed the need to update aging towing and salvage assets that had not seen significant new construction since the mid-1960s.[5] Each tug measured 226 feet in length with a beam of 42 feet, displacing 2,260 tons when fully loaded, and was crewed by a mix of 18 civilian mariners and 4 Navy personnel.[2] Key features included a maximum bollard pull of 75.5 tons for towing, a 100-ton lift capacity over stern rollers, and firefighting equipment to support emergency responses.[6] The vessels were optimized for extended open-ocean operations, offering a range of 10,000 nautical miles at 8 knots to enable long-distance towing of naval assets, barges, or damaged ships.[6] They also provided platforms for diving support through integration with Mobile Diving and Salvage Units and standby roles in submarine rescue scenarios.[7] This combination of capabilities made the Powhatan-class essential for sustaining fleet operations in remote or contested environments.[8]Construction and delivery
The USNS Apache (T-ATF-172), a 226-foot steel-hulled fleet ocean tug, was constructed by the Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wisconsin, under a U.S. Navy contract to provide essential support for naval operations.[9][1] The vessel's design followed the Powhatan-class specifications for ocean-going tugs capable of towing, salvage, and emergency assistance.[9] Construction began with the keel laying on 22 March 1979, marking the formal start of assembly at the Marinette shipyard.[1][9] The ship was launched on 28 March 1981, sponsored by Mrs. John R. Young, and underwent final outfitting and sea trials before completion.[9] Delivery to the U.S. Navy occurred on 23 July 1981, after which Apache was immediately assigned to the Military Sealift Command (MSC).[1][10] As a non-commissioned USNS vessel, it entered service crewed by civilian mariners with Navy oversight, enabling flexible deployment for fleet support tasks.[9][1]Technical specifications
General characteristics
The USNS Apache (T-ATF-172) was a Powhatan-class fleet ocean tug designed for open-ocean towing, salvage, and rescue operations, featuring a robust steel hull optimized for heavy-duty maritime tasks.[2] Her dimensions include a length of 226 feet, a beam of 42 feet, and a draft of 15.1 feet, allowing effective maneuverability in diverse sea conditions while supporting extensive deck space for equipment.[2] The vessel had a full load displacement of 2,260 tons, which contributed to her stability during towing evolutions and adverse weather.[2]| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Propulsion | Two General Motors EMD 20-645F7B diesel engines, 7,250 horsepower sustained, driving two shafts with controllable-pitch propellers in Kort nozzles; 300 horsepower bow thruster[11][1] |
| Speed | 14.5 knots maximum[2] |
| Bollard pull | 75 tons (150,000 pounds)[6] |
| Crew | 18 civilian mariners and 4 Navy communications personnel[4] |