From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

An Indian tribe of California

dr. 15'4" s. 16 k. cpl. 85 a. 1 x 3"

cl. Cherokee

Chilula (ATF-153) was launched 1 December 1944 by Charleston Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Charleston, S.C.; sponsored by Mrs. C. G. Thigpen; and commissioned 5 April 1945, Lieutenant O. L. Guinn in command.

Chilula stood out from Norfolk 14 May 1945 for Algiers, La., arriving 19 May. She took section 58 of ABSD-7 in tow, and sailed 27 May for the Canal Zone, arriving Cristobal 5 June. Between 7 and 12 June, she towed ABSD sections through the Panama Canal. Clearing Balboa 16 June she reached Eniwetok 31 July, for towing duties. She left Eniwetok 8 September, entered Tokyo Bay 20 September, and until 11 January 1946 operated from Yokosuka. Between 11 January and 28 January, she voyaged from Yokosuka to Tsingtao towing YO-17. Chilula sailed from Yokosuka 3 April, for Orange, Tex., and was placed out of commission in reserve 8 February 1947. She was lent to the Coast Guard 9 July 1956.