USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168)

The Military Sealift Command fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) conducts a personnel transfer with the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), not pictured, using a rigid hull inflatable boat. Vella Gulf is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/Released)

USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168)

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) cruises the Arabian Gulf while participating in exercises. Catawba is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Brien Aho)

USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168)

The fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) steams through the waters of the Arabian Gulf. USNS Catawba is an ocean going tug, which can be used for diving and salvage operations and is forward deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Arlo K. Abrahamson)

USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168)

The fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) steams through the waters of the Arabian Gulf. USNS Catawba is an ocean going tug, which can be used for diving and salvage operations and is forward deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Arlo K. Abrahamson)