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CNRNW Receives New Tug Boat

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100217-14
Release Date: 2/17/2010 4:43:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Maebel Tinoko, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Service members, DoD personnel and guests welcomed the U.S. Navy's brand new tug boat, Valiant (YT 802), to Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor, Wash., with an activation ceremony held at the base's service pier Feb. 9.

Rob Campbell, commander, Navy Region Northwest Port Operations deputy program director, explained how the base has efficiently operated Navy-owned tugs with DoD civilians for years.

"We did the math in the 1990s, and it was the most cost effective way to provide tug services to the Navy," added Rob Campbell, Commander, Navy Region Northwest Port Operations deputy program director. "The investment is sound and future cost avoidance is measured in millions."

This state-of-the-art tug boat is the concept of the Z-Tech tug principle, created by Robert Allan Ltd. Vancouver B.C., third generation naval architect and design company. The tug is designed for operation in ports and marine terminals where maximum crew safety and efficiency are essential. The Z tug design has a two dimensional maneuvering capability of the z drive or z tech. The Valiant can cruise at 10.5 knots with 42 tons ahead and 42 tons astern.

"It's been 35 years since a tug was built around here for Navy use," said Capt. Mark Olson, commanding officer of NBK. "Tugs are vital to the everyday work of any harbor, and the Valiant begins a new era of tugs here at Bangor."

"The submarines have become larger in the past years. They are heavy, cumbersome and hard to move," added Olson. "A sea captain worth his salt is looking for a tug with lots of power to help with mooring."

After Olson's remarks, he requested the tug master to place the vessel in service. Tug Master David Jones started up the main engines and guests were treated to a waterfront tour aboard the vessel.

"I am a former Navy boatswain's mate, and I know how valuable this new tug boat is to the base," said Jones. "This tug boat will provide better service to the fleet and is an asset to the Navy."

For more news from Naval Base Kitsap, visit www.navy.mil/local/kitsap/.