USS Najavo in multiple formats 3D model

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The USN Cherokee Class Fleet Tugs were a revolutionary class of ships built for the United States Navy prior to World War II's outbreak. Originally known as the Navajo Class, these ships made a groundbreaking departure from previous ocean-going tug designs. They boasted exceptional capabilities for extended open-ocean travel due in large part to their 205-foot length, 38-foot beam, and substantial fuel-carrying capacity. They were also the first large surface vessels equipped with diesel/electric drive within the US Navy. USS Navajo (AT-64) led the way as the first ship of her class, named after the Native American people she honored. Construction of Navajo began at Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation on Staten Island, New York on December 12th, 1938. After a launch date on August 17th, 1939, with Miss Olive Rasmussen as its sponsor, USS Navajo officially entered service on January 26th, 1940 under the command of Lieutenant Commander M.E. Thomas. Following the tragic loss of the first two ships in her class, Navajo and Seminole, the class's name was altered to the Cherokee Class. The day of infamy arrived on December 7th, 1941 as USS Navajo traveled through international waters, just off the coast of Pearl Harbor when news reached her that the Japanese had attacked. Her captain swiftly ordered a course change towards Pearl Harbor immediately after hearing this critical intelligence. Like Seminole, her sister ship also played a crucial role in the days following. Both vessels quickly sprang into action during those crucial times, helping out with salvage and rescue operations following an attack. After conducting their duties, both were redeployed to assist ships further down South Pacific seas until Navajo herself received devastating damage when a Japanese submarine torpedoes struck her on December 12th, 1943. She met her untimely end while towing a YOG-42 gas tanker in the midst of the vast expanse of water near the island known as Espiritu Santo at an enormous distance. Navajo had given its last battle, securing herself with an earned 2 WWII stars but would soon see a fatal encounter where almost every single one of her personnel on board were either killed or critically injured when their ship suddenly submerged beneath the unforgiving icy waves with only around seventeen lives lost. US Navy crew's remarkable feats continue inspiring today: in honoring USS Navajo, her heroic sailors and unshakeable courage remain steadfast reminders to those seeking peace. The USN Fleet Tugs - though just vessels designed to guide through life - show their incredible capacity for sacrifice that day continues impacting American hearts still deeply.