USS PAPAGO (ATF-160)

• Commissioning and Class: USS Papago (ATF-160) was a Cherokee-class fleet tug, commissioned on 3 May 1945, towards the end of World War II. • Name Origin: She was named after the Papago people (now called the Tohono O’odham), a Native American tribe from the Southwestern United States. • World War II Service: Although commissioned too late to see combat in WWII, Papago quickly became part of the Atlantic Fleet and began towing operations and salvage missions. • Operation Crossroads: Papago participated in the historic atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in 1946, providing support and salvage services. • Korean War Support: During the Korean War, Papago played a crucial role in towing ships and aiding damaged vessels in the Atlantic and Caribbean, supporting the U.S. Navy’s logistical efforts. • Notable Salvage Mission: In 1952, Papago was involved in the salvage attempt of the destroyer USS Hobson, which had sunk after a collision with USS Wasp, recovering important materials and equipment. • Cuban Missile Crisis: Papago was mobilized during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, standing by for emergency towing and salvage during the heightened tensions. • Service Longevity: Papago had a remarkably long career, serving the U.S. Navy for over 47 years before her decommissioning in 1992. • Decommissioning and Fate: After being stricken from the Naval Register, Papago was transferred to the Maritime Administration and eventually disposed of, but her exact final fate remains a topic of interest among naval historians. • Decorations: USS Papago earned numerous awards during her service, including the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation and National Defense Service Medal, reflecting her vital support and rescue missions over many decades.