USNS Apache (T-ATF 172)

The guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) boarding team performs, practice-boarding procedures with the fleet ocean tug USNS Apache (T-ATF 172). Philippine Sea is conducting work ups before its upcoming scheduled six-month deployment as part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Aaron Peterson)

USNS Apache (T-ATF 172)

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet ocean tug USNS Apache (T-ATF 172) endures a rare snow storm on board Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek, Va. Fleet 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 fire fighting assistance. Apache is the last of the Powhatan-class fleet ocean tugs, and was delivered to the Navy in 1981. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain)

USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168)

Sailors from the visit, board, search, and seizure team assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) conduct compliant boarding training aboard the Military Sealift Command fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168). 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 fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) prepares to conduct a personnel transfer with the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), not pictured. 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)