ATA-214-class tug
 ATA-217 at war's end
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders |
|
| Operators |  United States Navy |
| Built | 1943–1944 |
| In commission | 1944–1946 |
| Completed | 5 |
| General characteristics [1] | |
| Type | Auxiliary Fleet Tug |
| Displacement | 1,550 long tons (1,575 t) |
| Length | 194.5 ft (59.3 m) |
| Beam | 34.6 ft (10.5 m) |
| Draft | 14.1 ft (4.3 m) |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric engines, 1 shaft, 1,500 hp (1,119 kW) |
| Speed | 12.1 knots (13.9 mph; 22.4 km/h) |
| Complement | 57 men |
| Armament | various; see text |
The ATA-214 class was a group of five auxiliary tugs built for the United States Navy in World War II and decommissioned shortly thereafter. They were laid down initially as Ailanthus-class net laying ships, but on 10 July 1944 the last ten ships of the latter class were cancelled.[1] On 5 August 1944 the cancellation was rescinded for those on which construction had commenced (these five), and they were directed to be completed as tugs.[1] The originally assigned names were dropped, and they were identified only by hull numbers ATA-214 through 218.[1]
Some changes were made as construction progressed. After the first two were completed (ATA-214 and ATA-216) the mainmast was moved forward to rest directly behind the funnel, and the boom on this mast was eliminated as unnecessary.[2] Armament varied as well, based upon experiences with the Ailanthus class vessels already built. The first two completed had a single 3" gun mounted on a platform ahead of the bridge, and three 20mm antiaircraft guns mounted in two tiers in front of the funnel.[3] It was found that the upper of these three was too close to the funnel, and for the next two (ATA-215 and ATA-217) this mount was relocated immediately behind the mainmast.[2][4] For the last ship (ATA-218) the 3" gun was eliminated (though its platform remained) and two 40mm AA guns were mounted on the forecastle.[5]
All five served in the Pacific theater, and ATA-215, ATA-216, and ATA-218 also participated in the occupation of Japan in various periods from September to November 1945. ATA-215 was loaned to the Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition and sold upon its return;[2] the others were sold through the Maritime Commission.[1]
Class members
| Name | Name as ordered | Laid Down | Launched | Decommissioned | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATA-214 | Palo Blanco (AN-64) | 22 May 1943 | 17 June 1944 | 21 November 1945 | wrecked off Syria on 9 September 1953[3] |
| ATA-215 | Palo Verde (AN-65) | 19 July 1943 | 2 September 1944 | 20 June 1946 | foundered off Newfoundland on 15 April 1963[1] |
| ATA-216 | Allthorn (AN-70) | 31 October 1943 | 27 May 1944 | 26 March 1946 | scrapped 1968 |
| ATA-217 | Tesota (AN-71) | 11 December 1943 | 29 July 1944 | 7 May 1946 | burned off Mexico 17 February 1949[6] |
| ATA-218 | Yaupon (AN-72) | 29 January 1944 | 16 September 1944 | 26 March 1946 | unknown; scrapped? |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Roberts, Stephen S. "Class: ATA-214". Shipscribe. Retrieved 2016-12-11.
- ^ a b c "USS ATA-215". NavSource Online. Retrieved 2016-12-11.
- ^ a b "USS ATA-214". NavSource Online. Retrieved 2016-12-11.
- ^ "USS ATA-216". NavSource Online. Retrieved 2016-12-11.
- ^ "USS ATA-218". NavSource Online. Retrieved 2016-12-11.
- ^ "USS ATA-217". NavSource Online. Retrieved 2016-12-11.