About this Unit
**USS Utina (ATF-163)** was an Abnaki-class fleet ocean tug commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. She provided essential towing, salvage, and rescue services during the final months of World War II and throughout the early Cold War period, supporting fleet operations in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Utina was transferred to the Venezuelan Navy in 1977, serving as **USS Outpost (YAGR-10)** under her new designation. The vessel continued her service in regional maritime support roles until her eventual decommissioning, marking decades of versatile naval utility.
Historical Facts
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USS Utina (ATF-163) Service: The USS Utina was an Abnaki-class fleet ocean tug commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1945 and named after a Native American chief of Florida’s Timucua tribe.
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World War II Timing: Although built during World War II, Utina was commissioned just as the war ended and thus saw no combat action in the conflict.
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Postwar Duties: Utina was active in the Atlantic Fleet, providing vital towing operations, salvage, and rescue services along the U.S. East Coast and the Caribbean during the early Cold War era.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Role: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Utina supported the naval blockade, helping enforce the U.S. quarantine of Cuba.
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Support for NASA: Utina assisted NASA, participating in recovery operations for various missile and space launches off the coast of Florida.
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Vietnam War Involvement: While she did not serve directly in Vietnam, Utina supported Atlantic Fleet operations during the Vietnam War era, maintaining fleet readiness.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: Utina was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1978, then transferred to the Venezuelan Navy, where she served as Yaguare (RA-10, later YT-10).
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USS Outpost (YAGR-10) Origins: USS Outpost began life as the Liberty ship Edward W. Burton during World War II before being converted into a radar picket ship during the Cold War.
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Radar Picket Role: As YAGR-10, Outpost was part of the Atlantic Barrier, patrolling the North Atlantic to detect possible Soviet bomber and missile attacks on the U.S. mainland.
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Technological Advancement: Outpost’s conversion included installation of advanced radar and communication equipment, making her a key element of the early warning defense network until her decommissioning in 1965.
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