The USS Cherokee (AT-66) was a Navajo-class fleet tug built by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in Staten Island, New York. Launched on November 10, 1939, and commissioned on April 26, 1940, the vessel was initially designated as AT-66 and later reclassified as ATF-66 on May 15, 1944. The Cherokee was the third ship in its class, which was renamed from the original Navajo-class after the first two ships, Navajo and Seminole, were lost during World War II. Constructed primarily for towing duties, the Cherokee served along the U.S. East Coast and in the Caribbean during its prewar service. As the United States entered World War II, her operational area expanded to Newfoundland and Iceland, supporting convoy escort duties in the North Atlantic. Notably, she accompanied the invasion fleet during the Allied assault on French Morocco in November 1942, being the only tug to do so across the Atlantic. During this campaign, she played a vital role in assisting two destroyers torpedoed by enemy aircraft, providing salvage and support near the beaches. Following her North African operations, the Cherokee served as a yard oiler at Casablanca until May 1943 before returning to Norfolk. She then operated out of Bermuda, offering tug, towing, and salvage services to escort vessels and submarines during training exercises. Her reclassification to ATF-66 in 1944 marked her involvement in cross-Atlantic towing missions, notably towing damaged destroyers back to the United States. She also supported target towing operations in Casco Bay, Maine, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, until mid-1945. After World War II, Cherokee continued towing duties in the Caribbean, along the U.S. East Coast, and to Brazilian ports. She was decommissioned from the Navy on June 29, 1946, and transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, where she served as USCGC Cherokee (WAT-165). Reclassified as WMEC-165 in 1965, the vessel remained in service until she was stricken in 1991 and eventually sunk as a target in the late 1990s. Throughout her service, the Cherokee was notable for her versatility and contributions to wartime logistics and salvage operations, marking her as a significant vessel in U.S. naval and Coast Guard history.

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