USS Manhattan (YTB‑779/YT-800) is a Natick-class large harbor tug built for the United States Navy. Constructed by Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin, the vessel's contract was awarded on January 31, 1964. She was laid down on October 1, 1964, and launched on July 15, 1965. As a large harbor tug, Manhattan was designed to assist with the maneuvering of larger naval vessels within harbor environments and naval bases. Following her construction, USS Manhattan was assigned to the Pacific Fleet. She transited the Panama Canal to reach her operational base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where she served primarily at the US Naval Shipyard. Her service during the Vietnam War spanned from November 1966 to September 1968, during which she provided essential towing and harbor support for naval operations in the region. After her Vietnam service, Manhattan was reassigned to the Naval Submarine Base Bangor, where she continued her role as a harbor tug. The vessel was stricken from the Navy Directory on October 1, 2004, ending her official naval service. She was sold on August 23, 2005, to Grant Westmoreland of LMW Investments Inc. for $151,888. Subsequently, the ship was repowered and converted to a twin Z-drive configuration, which enhanced her maneuverability and towing capabilities. On October 7, 2008, she was reacquired by the U.S. Navy and designated as USS Manhattan yard tug YT-800, reflecting her updated configuration and continued utility as a harbor tug. The USS Manhattan exemplifies the vital support role played by harbor tugs in naval operations, providing essential assistance with vessel movement and harbor logistics throughout her active years.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.