The first USS Tillamook (Tug No. 16), later AT-16, later YT-122, later YTM-122, was a United States Navy tug in service from 1914 to 1947.

USS Tillamook (YTM-122) at Mare Island Navy Yard in Vallejo, California 9 November 1945.
History
United States
NameUSS Tillamook
NamesakeThe Tillamook, a large and prominent Coast Salish Native American tribe which occupied the shores of Tillamook Bay and its tributary rivers in northwestern Oregon
BuilderSeattle Construction and Dry Dock Company, Seattle, Washington
Laid down6 January 1914
Launched15 August 1914
In serviceca. August–September 1914
Out of service28 April 1947
Reclassified
  • From Tug No. 16 to fleet tug (AT-16) 17 July 1920
  • Harbor tug 31 January 1936
  • Medium harbor tug 13 April 1944
FateTransferred to Maritime Commission for disposal 28 April 1947
General characteristics
TypeArapaho-class tugboat
Displacement415 tons
Length122 ft 6 in (37.34 m)
Beam24 ft 0 in (7.32 m)
Draft12 ft 10 in (3.91 m) mean
Installed power800 shaft horsepower (1.1 megawatts)
Propulsionone 6x24x38 over 24 2 S.E. oil-burning steam engine, one shaft
Speed10.5 knots
Complement20
Armament2 × 3-pounder guns

Tillamook was laid down on 6 January 1914 by the Seattle Construction and Dry Dock Company at Seattle, Washington and launched on 15 August 1914. She was placed in service soon thereafter, probably later in August or in September 1914, as USS Tillamook (Tug No. 16).

USS Tillamook (YT-122), left, assists USS Kennebago (AO-81) away from her berth at the Mare Island Navy Yard 16 December 1943.

Tillamook steamed south to San Francisco, California, and reported to the Commandant, 12th Naval District, for duty at Mare Island Navy Yard in Vallejo, California. She served her entire 33-year U.S. Navy career towing and assisting ships at Mare Island Navy Yard.

During her service, Tillamook changed designations three times. On 17 July 1920, when the Navy adopted the modern system of alpha-numeric hull designations, she was classified as a fleet tug and redesignated AT-16. On 31 January 1936, a number of old tugs previously classified as fleet tugs were reclassified as harbor tugs, and Tillamook became a harbor tug designated YT-122. She received her final classification, as a medium harbor tug, on 13 April 1944 and was redesignated YTM-122.

Tillamook was placed out of service and turned over to the Maritime Commission for disposal on 28 April 1947.

References

edit