USS Wateree (ATF-117)

USS Wateree (ATF-117) fitting out in December 1944
History
United States
NameUSS Wateree
BuilderUnited Engineering Co., Alameda, California
Laid down22 September 1943, as Fleet Tug (AT-117)
Launched14 June 1944
Sponsored byMrs. Henry B. Wagner
Commissioned17 February 1945 as USS Wateree (ATF-117) at San Francisco, California
Decommissioned9 October 1945 (wrecked at sea)
ReclassifiedATF-117, 15 May 1944
Stricken1 November 1945
FateSunk during a typhoon, 9 October 1945 with a loss of eight crew members
General characteristics
Class and typeAbnaki-class fleet ocean tug
Tonnage1,330 tons
Displacement1,689 tons
Length205 ft (62 m)
Beam38 ft 6 in (11.73 m)
Draft17 ft (5.2 m) (max)
Propulsiondiesel-electric, four Alco diesel main engines driving four General Electric generators and three General Motors 3-268A auxiliary services engines, single screw
Speed16.5 knots
Complement85 officers and enlisted
Armamentone single 3 in (76 mm) gun mount, two twin 40 mm gun mounts, two single 40 mm gun mounts, six 0.5 in (12.7 mm) machine guns, two depth charge tracks

USS Wateree (ATF-117/AT-117) was an Abnaki-class fleet ocean tug acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Wateree was sent to the western Pacific Ocean to perform towing services; however, during a typhoon, she was damaged beyond repair and lost, with eight crew members missing.