USNS Catawba is a Powhatan-class tugboat operated by the Military Sealift Command for the United States Navy. It is currently based in Manama, Bahrain. It was launched in 1979 and is the last ship of its class still in service. In December 2020, the Navy announced its intention to retire Catawba during fiscal year 2023.
USNS Catawba
Vertical Replenishment operations aboard Catawba
The Powhatan class of fleet ocean tugs consists of seven ships built for the United States Navy, and operated by the Military Sealift Command (MSC). The lead ship of the class was launched in 1978 and the last ship in MSC service will be deactivated in 2023. During their service life, the Powhatan's were the most powerful tugs owned by the Navy.
USNS Powhatan (T-ATF-166) at sea, 16 April 1981.
USNS Apache fighting fire aboard Tahoma Reefer
USNS Mohawk towing USS Wisconsin
Image: USNS Powhatan port side