The USS Chemung (AT-18/YT-124) was a United States Navy tugboat launched on April 1, 1916, at the Norfolk Navy Yard under the original name Pocahontas. She was commissioned on March 14, 1917, and initially reported to the 5th Naval District. Constructed primarily for utility and towing operations, she played a vital role in supporting naval activities along the U.S. East Coast during World War I. Following her commissioning, Pocahontas conducted minesweeping operations off the Virginia and Maryland coasts. On September 1, 1917, she was renamed Chemung and became permanently assigned to the Atlantic Fleet’s Train, operating within the Norfolk area. Her service in this period included logistical support and local operations until early 1919. Notably, in March 1918, Chemung towed the disabled British schooner HMS Shearwater into Kingston, Jamaica, a humanitarian effort for which she received commendation from the British Ministry at Jamaica. In April 1919, Chemung arrived in New York and engaged in coastwise operations involving range and torpedo practice, along with local services at New York. She subsequently served at Charleston, South Carolina, Key West, Florida, and in the Caribbean, reflecting her versatility and broad operational scope. In 1920, she undertook a heroic rescue mission, saving the crew of the burning Canadian schooner J. T. Ralston and transporting them to Santo Domingo. This act of bravery earned her further recognition from the British legation. From May 1921 to August 1926, Chemung served as a yard tug at the United States Naval Academy, supporting training and shipyard activities. She was decommissioned on October 25, 1926, and later sold on February 12, 1937. Her classification was changed to YT-124 on January 31, 1936, reflecting her role as a yard tug. The USS Chemung’s service highlights her significance as a versatile auxiliary vessel supporting naval operations, humanitarian efforts, and training activities during 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.