USS Namequa (YT-331/YTB-331) was built as Port Elizabeth (MC Hull 444), was laid down in early 1942, under a Maritime Commission contract as a type V2-ME-A1, by Calumet Shipyard and Dry Dock Co., Chicago, Illinois. Launched on 22 May 1942, sponsored by Mrs. James F. Rogan; she was renamed Namequa and classified as YT–331 on 29 September. The ship was acquired by the United States Navy on 15 October and placed in service on 17 February 1943.[1]

Red Cloud (YTB-268), a type V2-ME-A1, same as the Namequa, alongside USNS David C. Shanks (T-AP-180), outside the Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco Bay, California, 1950s
History
United States
NameUSS Namequa
BuilderCalumet Shipyard and Dry Dock Co., Chicago, Illinois
Laid downearly 1942
Launched22 May 1942, as Port Elizabeth
Commissioned17 February 1943
RenamedNamequa (YT–331), 29 September 1942
StrickenJune 1950
General characteristics
Class and typeHiawatha-class yard tug
Displacement237 long tons (241 t)
Length100 ft (30 m)
Beam25 ft (7.6 m)
Draft9 ft 7 in (2.92 m)
Speed16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph)
Complement12
ArmamentNone

The name "Namequa" comes from the only daughter of Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk and Fox tribes during the Black Hawk War (1831–1832).

Service history

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Allocated to the 1st Naval District and based at Boston, she provided fire-fighting, tug, and salvage services to naval vessels and installations in that district throughout her seven-year career. Reclassified YTB–331 on 15 May 1944, her active service was continuous, except for a period in reserve from March to October 1946. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in June 1950.

See also

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References

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