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USNS SIOUX
(T-ATF-171)

USNS Sioux (T-ATF-171) is one of the seven ocean-going fleet tugs operated by the Navy's Military Sealift Command. They are part of MSC's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force operating in direct support of U.S. Navy fleets deployed around the world. 

Mission: MSC tugs are used to tow ships, barges and targets for gunnery exercises. They are also used as platforms for salvage and diving work, as participants in naval exercises, to conduct search and rescue missions, to aid in the clean-up of oil spills and ocean accidents and to provide firefighting assistance.

The Sioux is homported in San Diego and can be reached by telephone when in port.  Sioux has a MILDET complement of four active duty Military. One ITC/ITCS as OIC, IT1, ET1 and ET3. 

History

The Sioux was delivered to the Navy in 1981 and is the sixth of the Powhatan class of ocean tugs. All seven of the Powhatan class tugs are similar to privately owned supply tugs which serve the offshore petroleum industry but with extra necessary for naval operations. The features include a salvage and diving capability and modifications to allow a helicopter to hover over the deck while delivering or unloading supplies.

Tugs of the Pohatan class are named after American Indian tribes. The Sioux for instance, is named after the Dakota Indians of North America, which occupy North and South Dakota. The tribe became known as the Sioux from a mispronounciation of an enemy tribe's word meaning "snake."

The Sioux has a crew of 17 civil service mariners and a military communication detachment of four U.S Navy personnel. All MSC ships are crewed and operated by civilian mariners.

In addition The Sioux has received the Coast Guard Unit Commendation for it participation in the recovery of Alaska Airlines Flight 261

On Sunday, August 27, 2000, the Sioux delivered The Command Control Boat (CCB-18) It is the last known surviving boat of the Mobile Riverine Force.  The Mobile Riverine Force worked and lived on the rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam war.

Mobile Riverine Force Association

May 24, 2001 Sioux Rescues Stranded Couple From Sinking Ship

Military Sealift Command

Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force

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