USS Wabanquot (YTB-525), later YTM-525, was a tug that served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1976.

History
United States
NameUSS Wabanquot
NamesakeWabanquot, a Chippewa chief
OperatorThree Rivers Towing
BuilderGibbs Gas Engine Company, Jacksonville, Florida
Laid downMay 1945
Launched9 August 1945
Acquired13 November 1945
ReclassifiedMedium harbor tug YTM-525 in February 1962
StrickenApril 1976
General characteristics
Class and typeHisada-class tug
Displacement310 tons (full)
Length101 ft 0 in (30.78 m)
Beam28 ft 0 in (8.53 m)
Draft9 ft 7 in (2.92 m)
Speed12 knots
Complement10

Wabanquot was a Hisada-class tug laid down in May 1945 at Jacksonville, Florida, by the Gibbs Gas Engine Company. She was launched on 9 August 1945, sponsored by Mrs. G. W. Scott, Jr., and delivered to the U.S. Navy on 13 November 1945.

Originally intended for World War II service in the Western Pacific, Wabanquot instead was assigned to the 11th Naval District at San Diego, California, because the war had ended before her completion. She was transferred to the United States Atlantic Fleet in 1947 and was placed in reserve status with the 16th Fleet.

In 1948, Wabanquot was assigned to the 3rd Naval District. She provided towing services and pilot assistance at New York City from 1948 to 1976. In February 1962, she was reclassified as a medium harbor tug and redesignated YTM-525.

Wabanquot was struck from the Navy list in April 1976.

Lately she was acquired by a Southamerican shipowner, renamed "Vikingo". Nowadays she is operated by Three Rivers Towing, in Paraguay River basin.

References edit

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.