USS Apache (T-ATF-172) Fleet Ocean Tug

Fleet Ocean Tugs are operated by Military Sealift Command and provide the US Navy with towing service, and when augmented by Navy divers, assist in the recovery of downed aircraft and ships. Fleet tugs are used to tow ships, barges and targets for gunnery exercises. They are also used as platforms for salvage and diving work, as participants in naval exercises, to conduct search and rescue missions, to aid in the clean up of oil spills and ocean accidents, and to provide fire fighting assistance.

Each vessel is equipped with 10 ton capacity crane and a bollard pull of at least 54 tons. A deck grid is fitted aft which contains 1 inch bolt receptacles spaced 24 inches apart. This allows for the bolting down of a wide variety of portable equipment. There are two GPH fire pumps supplying three fire monitors with up to 2,200 gallons of foam per minute. A deep module can be embarked to support naval salvage teams.

The T-ATF is a 225-foot steel hulled, self-propelled vessel; constructed to meet ridged Military standards. Although primarily designed for open ocean rowing, the vessels are also well equipped to conduct diving, salvage, and fire fighting operations. The large open cargo deck is fitted with a deck grid, to allow the vessel to deploy with a variety of mission specific equipment.