USS Quapaw : USS Takelma

• USS Quapaw (ATF-110) and USS Takelma (ATF-113) were Abnaki-class fleet tugs built during World War II for the United States Navy, designed to provide towing, salvage, and rescue support to the fleet. • Named after Native American Tribes: USS Quapaw was named after the Quapaw tribe of Arkansas, while USS Takelma was named after the Takelma tribe of Oregon. • World War II Service: Both tugs saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater, assisting in salvage operations, towing disabled vessels, and supporting amphibious landings. • USS Quapaw participated in the Okinawa campaign in 1945, where she conducted rescue and towing missions under frequent threat from Japanese air attacks, including kamikaze raids. • USS Takelma assisted with the salvage of USS Franklin (CV-13) after the aircraft carrier was heavily damaged by a Japanese air attack off the coast of Japan in March 1945. • Both ships served in the Korean War: They provided crucial support in towing, salvage, and cargo transport during United Nations operations on the Korean Peninsula. • Vietnam War Service: The Quapaw and Takelma both served in Vietnam, supporting naval forces by towing targets, assisting damaged vessels, and participating in "Operation Market Time" coastal patrols. • Long service lives: Both ships served for decades—Quapaw was decommissioned in 1985, and Takelma in 1996—making them two of the longest-serving ships in their class. • International Service: After decommissioning, Takelma was transferred to the Mexican Navy where she served as ARM Otomi (A-17), continuing her legacy under another flag. • Decorated Ships: Both tugs earned numerous awards and campaign medals, including battle stars for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War service, highlighting their vital but often overlooked contributions to naval history.