About this Unit
USS Chilula (AT-153) was a Cherokee-class fleet tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Built at the Charleston Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in South Carolina, she served during the final months of World War II, providing towing and salvage services for the Atlantic Fleet. After the war, Chilula continued her support duties, assisting in fleet operations along the East Coast and in the Caribbean. The vessel was decommissioned in 1971 and ultimately struck from the Naval Vessel Register, concluding over two decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
• World War II Service: USS Chilula (AT-153) was a fleet tug commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II, playing a vital support role for naval operations.
• Namesake Origin: The ship was named after the Chilula, a Native American tribe from northern California, reflecting a naval tradition of naming certain auxiliary vessels after indigenous peoples.
• Launch and Commissioning: Chilula was launched on 4 February 1945 by the Charleston Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. in Charleston, South Carolina, and commissioned on 22 May 1945.
• Type and Class: She was an Abnaki-class fleet ocean tug, designed for towing and salvage operations at sea, as well as rescue duties.
• Post-War Service: After World War II, USS Chilula continued to serve the Navy, operating along the U.S. East Coast, the Caribbean, and in the North Atlantic, providing towing and salvage services for decades.
• Arctic Operations: Chilula was involved in several Arctic resupply missions, supporting the construction and maintenance of early warning radar stations during the Cold War.
• Hurricane Response: The ship participated in disaster relief efforts after hurricanes, assisting with salvage and towing operations along the Atlantic coast.
• Notable Tows: Chilula conducted long-distance tows of decommissioned ships, floating drydocks, and other naval assets, sometimes under challenging weather conditions.
• Final Years and Decommissioning: After nearly 30 years of service, USS Chilula was decommissioned on 31 March 1974 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1978.
• Legacy: Following her decommissioning, the ship was sold for commercial service, continuing her maritime career under various names, a testament to the robust construction of the Abnaki-class tugs.
