Wenatchee (YTB-808)

• Name and Classification: Wenatchee (YTB-808) is a United States Navy Natick-class large harbor tug, named after the city of Wenatchee, Washington. • Construction: The contract for Wenatchee was awarded on March 1, 1969. She was laid down on June 9, 1969, at Peterson Builders, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. • Launch and Delivery: Wenatchee was launched on December 18, 1969, and delivered to the Navy on June 27, 1970. • Primary Mission: As a harbor tug, Wenatchee’s main duties were assisting larger Navy vessels in docking, undocking, and maneuvering in confined harbor spaces. • Operational Area: She was assigned to the 13th Naval District, serving primarily in the Pacific Northwest, including Puget Sound naval installations. • Design Features: Wenatchee, like others of her class, was built with a robust steel hull and a powerful diesel engine, making her capable of towing and firefighting alongside her docking duties. • Community Connection: The tug was named in honor of Wenatchee, Washington, strengthening the bond between the Navy and American communities. • Service Duration: Wenatchee served the Navy for over 30 years before being stricken from the Navy Directory on October 22, 2002. • Final Fate: After her naval service, Wenatchee was sold by the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) on May 8, 2006. • Legacy: Wenatchee (YTB-808), along with her sister tugs, exemplified the vital but often overlooked support role tugs play in maintaining naval operations and readiness.