USS Awatobi (YTB-264) was a harbor tugboat acquired by the United States Navy during the close of World War II. She was outfitted with two .50-caliber machine guns and assigned to the San Francisco Bay area where she provided tug services, and other harbor services as required.

Awatobi (center tugboat) alongside USS Rochester (CA-124) 20 September 1953, Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California
History
United States
NameUSS Awatobi
NamesakeA Hopi Indian word meaning "high place of the bow."
OperatorUnited States Navy
Orderedas YT-264
BuilderJ.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma, Washington
Laid down27 March 1944
Launched30 September 1944
Maiden voyageTacoma to San Francisco, California
In service1 February 1945
Out of service1960
ReclassifiedYTB-264, 15 May 1944
StrickenDecember 1960
HomeportSan Francisco, California
Fatefate unknown
General characteristics
Class and typeCahto-class district harbor tug
Displacement410 tons
Length110 ft 0 in (33.53 m)
Beam27 ft 0 in (8.23 m)
Draft11 ft 4 in (3.45 m)
Propulsiondiesel engine, single screw
Speed12 knots (22 km/h)
Crew12 enlisted men
Armamenttwo .50-caliber machine guns

Constructed at Tacoma, Washington

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Awatobi (YT-264) was laid down on 27 March 1944 at Tacoma, Washington, by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp.; reclassified a large harbor tug and redesignated YTB-264 on 15 May 1944; launched on 30 September 1944; and placed in service on 1 February 1945.

World War II service

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Awatobi served out her entire naval career as a harbor tug in the 12th Naval District in the San Francisco Bay area of California.

Decommissioning and deactivation

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She was deactivated in 1960, and her name was stricken from the Navy list in December 1960. The details of her disposition are not available.

References

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