US Navy Fact File Logo

Fleet Ocean Tugs - T-ATF

 
Description
Four ocean-going tugs are operated by Military Sealift Command and provide the U.S. Navy with towing service, and when augmented by Navy divers, assist in the recovery of downed aircraft and ships.
 
Features
Each vessel is equipped with 10 ton capacity crane and a bollard pull of at least 87 tons. A deck grid is fitted aft which contains 1 inch bolt receptacles spaced 24 inches apart. This allows for the bolting down of a wide variety of portable equipment. There are two GPH fire pumps supplying three fire monitors with up to 2,200 gallons of foam per minute. A deep module can be embarked to support naval salvage teams.
 
Background
Fleet tugs are used to tow ships, barges and targets for gunnery exercises. They are also used as platforms for salvage and diving work, as participants in naval exercises, to conduct search and rescue missions, to aid in the clean up of oil spills and ocean accidents, and to provide fire fighting assistance. USNS Apache (T-ATF 172) is the last of the Powhatan-class of ocean tugs. Apache was delivered to the Navy in 1981.
 
Point Of Contact
Public Affairs Office
Military Sealift Command
Washington, DC 20398-5540
(202) 685-5055
 
General Characteristics, Powhatan Class
Builder: Marinette Marine Corporation, Marinette, WI.
Propulsion: 2 GM EMD 20-645F7B diesels; 5.73 MW sustained; 2 shafts; Kort nozzles; cp props; bow thruster; 300 hp (224 kW).
Length: 226 feet.
Beam: 42 feet.
Displacement: 2,260 tons (2,296.27 metric tons) full load.
 
Last Update: 20 March 2012