USS Ute (AT-76)

• Commissioning and Class: USS Ute (AT-76) was a fleet tug of the Cherokee-class, commissioned into the United States Navy on 12 December 1942. • Namesake: She was named after the Ute Native American tribe, following the Navy tradition of naming fleet tugs after Native American tribes. • World War II Service: USS Ute served extensively in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing towing, salvage, and rescue operations for damaged ships. • Battle Stars: For her service in World War II, USS Ute earned a total of four battle stars, recognizing her participation in several key operations. • Korean War Contributions: USS Ute was recommissioned for service during the Korean War, where she supported United Nations forces with towing and salvage missions. • Vietnam War Service: The ship also served with distinction during the Vietnam War, often operating in dangerous waters to assist combat and support vessels. • Longevity: USS Ute had an unusually long service life, remaining active in some form from 1942 until her final decommissioning in 1989—a span of nearly 47 years. • Decorations: Over her career, USS Ute received numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and campaign medals for World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. • Decommissioning and Fate: After being struck from the Navy list in 1989, USS Ute was eventually sunk as a target during a training exercise in 1991. • Legacy: The ship’s long and varied career exemplifies the vital but often overlooked role of fleet tugs in naval operations—saving lives, ships, and missions across three wars.