USS Navajo (AT-52)

Summary

USS Navajo (AT-52) was a tug built in 1907 by Neafie & Levy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased by the United States Navy on 21 November 1907 and commissioned on 17 March 1908 as Fleet Tug No.52.

USS Navajo assists with the salvage of USS F-4 (SS-23), April–August 1915.
History
United States
NameUSS Navajo
BuilderNeafie & Levy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Launched1907
Acquiredby purchase, 21 November 1907
Commissioned17 March 1908, as Fleet Tug No. 52
Decommissioned24 April 1937
ReclassifiedAT-52, 17 July 1920
Stricken
  • 24 April 1937
  • Restored, 14 January 1942
In service15 March 1942
Out of service9 February 1946
ReclassifiedIX–56, 14 January 1942
Stricken9 February 1946
FateSold for scrapping, 23 November 1948
General characteristics
TypeTugboat
Displacement800 long tons (813 t)
Length141 ft 4 in (43.08 m)
Beam27 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
Draft14 ft 1 in (4.29 m)
Speed12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)

Pacific Ocean operations edit

Assigned to Pearl Harbor, Navajo operated in the Hawaiian Islands throughout her Naval career, performing towing and docking operations. On 17 July 1920 she was reclassified as AT-52.

In 1922, Water Barge #10, while in tow by Navajo, collided with the submarine R-16 (SS-93). With a hole in her bow, the barge sank within minutes. The gallant action of men from Navajo resulted in rescue of the barge's three-man crew. After decommissioning, Navajo was struck from the Navy List on 24 April 1937.

Restored to duty edit

Navajo was restored to the list as IX–56 on 14 January 1942, and she served in a decommissioned status at the Navy Yard at Pearl Harbor. She was placed in service on 15 March 1942 and continued operations in the 14th Naval District throughout World War II.

After war-time service she was struck from the Navy List on 9 February 1946. She was subsequently sold for scrap to Commercial Equipment Co. on 23 November 1948.

Awards edit

References edit

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.

External links edit

  • Photo gallery of USS Navajo at NavSource Naval History
  • ZC (Ship) Files in the Navy Department Library
  • Twelfth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Naval Districts, 1923