Skenandoa (YTB-835)

For other ships with the same name, see USS Skenandoa.

Skenandoa (YTB-835) was a United States Navy Natick-class tugboat named for Oneida Chief Skenandoa. Skenandoa is the second US Navy ship to bear the name.^[1]

Skenandoa (YTB-835)

Skenandoa (center rear) assists the submarine USS Pollack as Pollack arrives off Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California, in January 1988 for inactivation.
History
United States
Namesake	Skenandoa (1710–1816)
Awarded	5 June 1973
Builder	Marinette Marine Corporation, Marinette, Wisconsin
Laid down	9 September 1974
Launched	3 April 1975
In service	10 June 1975
Stricken	5 April 2023
Identification	MMSI number: 369970411 Callsign: NMPC
Honors & awards	National Defense Service Medal
Status	Disposed of General Service Administration
General characteristics
Class & type	Natick-class tugboat
Displacement	286 long tons (291 t) (light) 346 long tons (352 t) (full)
Length	108 ft (33 m)
Beam	29 ft (8.8 m)
Draft	14 ft (4.3 m)
Installed power	2000 horsepower (1.5 MW)
Propulsion	1 diesel engine, one shaft
Speed	12 knots (14 mph; 22 km/h)
Complement	12

Design

The contract for Skenandoa was awarded 5 June 1973. She was laid down on 9 September 1974 at Marinette, Wisconsin, by Marinette Marine and launched 3 April 1975. She is 108 feet long, 29 feet wide, and has a draft of 14 feet. She displaces 286 tonnes (281 long tons; 315 short tons) when empty, and 346 tonnes (341 long tons; 381 short tons) when full. She has a top speed of 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph), and a crew of 12 men.^[2] Her hull and superstructure are both made of steel. She is propelled by a diesel engine.^[1]

Skenandoa (YTB-835) moored in the Lake Washington Ship Canal, Seattle, Washington

Operational history

Skenandoa initially was assigned to the 12th Naval District at San Francisco, California, aiding ships in berthing and docking maneuvers and providing waterfront fire protection. Sometime prior to October 2008, Skenandoa was transferred to Bremerton, Washington, where she served until April 2023 when she was stricken and disposed of by GSA.^[3] She has been given the National Defense Service Medal for her service.^[2] On 15 April 2023 Skenandoa was acquired by Pacific Defense Supply, and she currently operates out of Astoria, Oregon.