USS Tensaw

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History
United States
NameTensaw
NamesakeA variant form of the name Tensas, a term derived from the Louisiana Native American tribe Taensa
Orderedas YT-418
BuilderUnited States Coast Guard Yard, Curtis Bay, Maryland
Laid down8 August 1944
Launched11 October 1944
Sponsored byMrs. Albert G. Mariner, Jr.
In service8 March 1945
Out of serviceJuly 1967
Reclassifiedmedium harbor tug – YTM – 1 February 1962
StrickenJuly 1967
Honors and
awards
data not available
FateDisposed of in support of fleet training exercises, 1 February 1987
General characteristics
TypeSassaba-class district harbor tug
Displacement260 long tons
Length100'
Beam25'
Draft9' 7"
Speed12 knots
Complementcrew of 10
Armamenttwo .50-cal machine guns

USS Tensaw (YT-418/YTB-418/YTM-418) was a Sassaba-class district harbor tug that served the United States Navy at the end of World War II. She remained in the Pacific Ocean to support the U.S. Pacific Fleet during the Korean War, and continued to serve until she was struck in 1967.

Built by the Coast Guard in Maryland[edit]

Tensaw (YTB-418) ex-YT-418, was laid down on 8 August 1944 at the United States Coast Guard Yard, Curtis Bay, Maryland; launched on 11 October 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Albert G. Mariner, Jr.; and placed in service on 8 March 1945.

World War II-related service[edit]

Late that month, the new large harbor tug reported to the Commandant of the 5th Naval District at Norfolk, Virginia. In April, she proceeded via the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean and arrived at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on 14 May to begin duties in support of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

In June 1945, she steamed, via the Marshall Islands, to the Mariana Islands where she operated through the end of World War II. After Japan capitulated, the tug continued to serve in the Marianas until the Korean War sent her, via the Philippine Islands, to Japan.

Korean War support[edit]

Arriving at Yokosuka, Japan, on 7 February 1951, she supported United Nations Command forces through the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in the summer of 1953. After the Korean War she continued in the western Pacific through the 1950s and into the 1960s.

Final disposition[edit]

Redesignated a medium harbor tug (YTM) on 1 February 1962, she remained with the Pacific Fleet until July 1967 when she was inactivated, and her name was struck from the Navy List. The tug was initially slated for disposal by sale but was instead sunk as a target during fleet training exercises, 1 February 1987.

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