About this Unit
USS Samoset (ATA-190) was a Sotoyomo-class auxiliary ocean tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. Initially serving in the Pacific theater, Samoset provided crucial towing and salvage services for naval vessels, supporting operations across the Pacific islands. After the war, she continued to serve in various towing and support roles along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean. Decommissioned in 1971, USS Samoset was eventually transferred to the Dominican Republic, where she continued her service under a new flag.
Historical Facts
• World War II Service: USS Samoset (ATA-190) was a Sotoyomo-class auxiliary fleet tug built for the U.S. Navy during World War II, primarily used for towing ships and performing rescue missions.
• Laid Down and Launched: The vessel was laid down on 8 September 1944 at Levingston Shipbuilding Co., Orange, Texas, and launched on 13 October 1944, showcasing the rapid wartime shipbuilding pace.
• Commissioning: USS Samoset was commissioned into service on 20 December 1944, entering service just months before the end of World War II.
• PACIFIC THEATER OPERATIONS: After shakedown, the tug departed Galveston, Texas, and transited the Panama Canal, eventually arriving at Pearl Harbor, before operating in the Pacific theater during the closing stages of the war.
• Post-War Duties: Following the war, Samoset was engaged in towing and salvage operations, supporting the postwar fleet and helping with occupation duties and vessel movements in the Pacific.
• Name Changes: Originally designated as ATA-190, the ship was named USS Samoset on 16 July 1948, reflecting a Navy tradition of naming tugs after Native American tribes.
• Decommissioning: Samoset was decommissioned on 8 June 1956 at the U.S. Naval Shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia, after more than a decade of service.
• Reserve Fleet: After decommissioning, the ship was placed in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, a “mothball” fleet where ships could be reactivated if needed.
• Commercial Service: In 1961, the vessel was sold to a private company and entered commercial service under the name Samoset, continuing its work as a tugboat.
• Legacy: While not as famous as warships or combat vessels, auxiliary ships like USS Samoset were vital to naval operations, ensuring fleet mobility and safety, and their stories highlight the unsung heroes of the Navy’s logistical backbone.
