USCGC Chilula (WMEC-153) underway 2 July 1960, location unknown. The Coast Guard used her primarily for search and rescue.
History
United States
NameUSS Chilula (ATF-153)
NamesakeChilula
BuilderCharleston Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co.
Laid down13 June 1944
Launched1 December 1944
Commissioned5 April 1945
Decommissioned8 February 1947
Reclassified
Recommissioned
  • USCGC Chilula (WAT-153)
  • 3 October 1956[1]
Decommissioned19 June 1991
ReclassifiedMedium Endurance Cutter Chilula (WMEC-153) 1 May 1966[1]
FateSunk as a target in 1997
General characteristics
Class and typeNavajo-class fleet tug
Displacement1,240 long tons (1,260 t)
Length205 ft (62 m)
Beam38 ft 6 in (11.73 m)
Draft15 ft 4 in (4.67 m)
Propulsion
Speed16.5 knots (30.6 km/h; 19.0 mph)
Complement
  • U.S. Navy, 86
  • U.S. Coast Guard, 7 officers, 1 warrant, 68 enlisted (1961)[1]
Armament

USS Chilula (ATF-153) was a Navajo-class fleet tug constructed for the United States Navy during World War II.[2] Her purpose was to aid ships, usually by towing, on the high seas or in combat or post-combat areas, plus "other duties as assigned."

Description

International radio call sign of
USS Chilula (ATF-153)[2]
November Papa India November

Chilula was laid down 13 June 1944, at Charleston Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. in Charleston and launched on 1 December 1944. She was commissioned 5 April 1945.[2]

Decommission and Coast Guard service

After the war, Chilula sailed for home. At Orange, Texas on 8 February 1947, she was decommissioned and entered the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. She was transferred to the United States Coast Guard on 9 July 1956 as USCGC Chilula (WAT-153). Her hull number was subsequently changed to WATF-153 later in 1956 and then WMEC-153 in 1966.[1] The Coast Guard decommissioned her on 19 June 1991 and returned her to the U.S. Navy who expended her as a target in 1997.


Citations

  1. ^ a b c d e Scheina, pp 50–52
  2. ^ a b c "USS Chilula". NavSource Naval History. Retrieved 22 July 2015.

References


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