USS Apache ATF 67

• Launch and Commissioning: USS Apache (ATF-67) was laid down on January 21, 1942, by the Charleston Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in South Carolina, and was commissioned on September 12, 1943. • Name Origin: The ship was named after the Apache people, a group of culturally related Native American tribes from the Southwestern United States. • World War II Service: Apache served as a fleet ocean tug, performing towing, salvage, and rescue operations throughout the Pacific Theater, including supporting the invasions of Guam, Saipan, and the Marianas. • Typhoon Rescue Heroics: During Typhoon Louise in Okinawa (October 1945), Apache participated in multiple daring rescues of ships and sailors in distress, saving numerous lives. • Postwar Duty: After WWII, Apache operated out of Pearl Harbor, supporting Pacific Fleet operations and participating in nuclear testing operations, including Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll in 1946. • Korean War Service: Apache served throughout the Korean War, providing essential towing and salvage services for United Nations naval forces. • Vietnam War Operations: The ship continued to serve in the Pacific, including support and deployments during the Vietnam War, showcasing the vessel's versatility and endurance. • Notable Salvage Missions: Apache was involved in the recovery of several grounded or damaged ships, including the rescue of the USS Frank Knox (DDR-742) in 1965 after it ran aground on Pratas Reef. • Decommissioning: USS Apache was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy on September 30, 1974, after more than 30 years of service in three major conflicts. • Final Fate: After decommissioning, Apache was transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1978, where it served as ROCS Ta Wan (ATF-551).