Poquim YT-285

Poquim

(YT-285: dp. 415; 1. 110'; b. 27'; dr. 11'4"; s. 12 k., cpl. 12
a. 2 mg.; cl. Onoekatin)

Poquim (YT-285), a large harbor tug, was laid down 15 June 1943 by Thomas Knutson Shipbuilding Corp., Halesite, L.I., N.Y.; reelassified YTB-285 effcetive 15 May 1944 launched 20 June 1944; sponsored by Mrs. E. D. Shaefer of Huntington, N.Y.; delivered to the Navy 21 December 1944 and placed in service at the New York Navy Yard the next day.

The new tug was allocated to the 7th Flect to replare Shahoka (YTB-368), which accidentally sank 1 May 1944. Underway from Tompkinsville, N.Y. at the end of December Poquim touched at Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Miami and the Canal Zone enroute Pacific waters. She reported to Commander, Pactfie Fleet 9 February 1945 at Coco Solo, C.Z.

Calling at Pearl Harbor 13 March, Poquim commenced advanced base towing and harbor operations which took her to Kwa~alein, Guam, and Ulithi. Late in the war she provided harbor services in the Philippines, and with the end of hostilities she continued to serve the Fleet there through April 1946.

Assigned to the 19th Fleet 29 May 1946, Poquim returned to the west coast. After calling at Pearl Harbor 21-24 July 1946, she arrived San Francisco 7 August and underwent restricted availability. She berthed at San Diego 16 October 1946, and was placed out of service, in reserve 31 March 1947. While being towed by Serrano (ATF-112), tug Poquim sank 8 January 1949.