About this Unit
USS Mahopac (ATA-196) was a Sotoyomo-class auxiliary ocean tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Built at Levingston Shipbuilding Company in Orange, Texas, she provided towing and salvage services in the Pacific during the closing months of World War II. After the war, Mahopac continued to serve the Navy, supporting fleet operations and logistics across various locations, including the Far East. The vessel was eventually decommissioned and transferred to the Republic of Korea in 1962, where she continued her service under a new flag.
Historical Facts
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World War II Service: USS Mahopac (ATA-196) was a United States Navy auxiliary ocean tug commissioned in 1945, near the end of World War II. Although she missed most of the major combat, she played a vital role in postwar operations.
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Builder and Launch: The vessel was laid down on 21 February 1945 at Levingston Shipbuilding Co., Orange, Texas, and launched on 24 March 1945—a remarkably quick construction period.
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Commissioning Date: Mahopac was officially commissioned on 24 May 1945, just weeks after the end of the war in Europe and months before Japan’s surrender.
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Name Origin: The ship was named after Lake Mahopac in New York, following the Navy tradition of naming tugs after American lakes or Native American words.
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Pacific Deployments: After shakedown, Mahopac sailed to the Pacific and operated out of Pearl Harbor, providing essential towing and salvage services to support fleet operations.
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Role in Operation Crossroads: Mahopac participated in Operation Crossroads, the series of atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in 1946, assisting in towing target ships and supporting logistics.
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Far East Operations: Following WWII, Mahopac operated extensively in the Far East, including ports in Japan, China, and the Philippines, supporting occupation forces and postwar rebuilding efforts.
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Cold War Duties: During the early years of the Cold War, Mahopac continued to serve in the Pacific, handling tows, salvage, and logistics for military bases and ships throughout the region.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: The ship was decommissioned in 1969 and transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy, where she served as ROKS Do Bong (ATA-3), extending her operational life.
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Legacy: USS Mahopac earned a reputation for reliability and versatility. Her service across three decades, two navies, and multiple global theaters highlights the often unsung but crucial role of auxiliary vessels in naval operations.
