From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

Iroquois

A powerful and warlike Indian confederacy formerly inhabiting central New York.


(AT - 46: dp. 702; l. 152'; b. 26'; dr. 13'6"; s. 13 k.; cpl. 39; a. 4 3", 1 G. g.)

The second Iroquois (AT-46), a steam tug, was built as Fearless by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, in 1892; purchased by the Navy from J. D. Spreckles Bros. & Co. 18 April 1898; and commissioned Iroquois 6 July 1898, Lt. L. H. Turner in command.

Iroquois served as a station tug at Mare Island until 19 January 1899, when she sailed for duty in the Hawaiian Islands. Upon arriving Honolulu 28 January she acted as a station tug, mail boat, and even surveying ship between the main islands and Midway. She returned to Mare Island 15 February 1910, and for the next 10 years operated between that base and San Diego as a collier and supply ship. Iroquois also performed patrol and salvage duties during this period.

After America's entry into World War I the tug steamed to New York early in 1918, and for the next few months served as a tug and convoy escort along the East Coast. Following this service, she departed New York 31 June 1919 for Charleston, then left for San Diego arriving 27 October. She served 13th Naval District as a harbor craft out of San Diego until decommissioned 7 March 1925. She was sold 15 May 1928 to Benjamin L. Jones, Bellingham, Wash.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.com)